THESE photos show the dramatic transformation of farmland near Worcester into a thriving wildlife habitat. 

Martley Habitat Bank is part of eight Environment Bank Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) sites covering 500 acres secured under conservation covenants.

BEFORE: Martley before it was transformed BEFORE: Martley Habitat Bank before it was transformed (Image: Environment Bank) Leading BNG provider, Environment Bank has announced a collection of BNG Habitat Banks secured under a conservation covenant so they can be added to the national register.

The Martley Habitat Bank covers more than 17 hectares of land near Worcester.

Environment Bank will transform the existing arable fields into a diverse mosaic of wildflower grassland, mixed scrubland, traditional orchard, hedgerows, and ponds, 'providing some incredible opportunities for native wildlife to thrive'.

The site is strategically located near to pockets of ancient woodland, providing vital connectivity between the Habitat Bank and the surrounding landscape.

AFTER: Martley Habitat Bank AFTER: Martley Habitat Bank after it was transformed (Image: Environment Bank) The enhancements Environment Bank is making to the landscape will be instrumental in improving the quality and structure of the soil which is deemed particularly important as the Habitat Bank falls within a flood zone. 

Soil enhancements are considered essential for increasing the land’s resilience against the worst effects of climate change.

This is one of eight BNG sites, created and managed by Environment Bank in partnership with rural landowners, that cover almost 500 acres (almost 200 hectares) in total.

The purpose of these sites is to transform low-yielding farmland into nature recovery sites and improve biodiversity.

BNG not only contributes to national biodiversity objectives but also offers landowners a way to diversify their income streams, enhance their natural landscapes, and build business resilience for their farms.

Catherine Spitzer, CEO, Environment Bank said: “Working alongside local farmers and landowners, Environment Bank has 25 Habitat Banks already live, generating over 4,000 Biodiversity Units. Securing legal agreements for these sites is the final step in unlocking the supply of Biodiversity Units.

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"With developers required to ensure their projects benefit nature overall, this marks a significant milestone in the implementation phase. Now with supply unlocked, we can meet growing demand. This is a really positive step in helping this fledgling market thrive.”

Conservation covenant agreements with a responsible body are one of two types of legal agreements to secure land for Biodiversity Units.

The other is a planning obligation (section 106) with a local planning authority (LPA).

Developers are required by law under the Environment Act 2021 to ensure that all significant developments must deliver a minimum 10 per cent increase in biodiversity, and they can do so by purchasing Biodiversity Units from Habitat Banks created off-site.