We have taken a significant step forward in delivering our long-term environmental goals, with the designation of Buzzards Valley as a Biodiversity Gain Site.
This milestone supports the ambitions set out in the council’s 2050 Strategic Plan, which places biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable land use at the heart of the district’s future.
The designation follows the signing of a 30-year legally binding Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan, created in partnership with Habitat Banks West Midlands and the landowners at Buzzards Valley. The agreement will safeguard and enhance vital habitats for decades to come while supporting responsible rural enterprise.
The site at Drayton Bassett, which includes six fishing lakes and a rich mosaic of woodland habitats, is home to semi-natural Ancient Woodland dominated by mature oak trees. The surrounding area supports a wide range of wildlife, including bats, birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.
Through this landmark agreement, we have, with our wholly-owned company Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services Ltd (LWMTS), helped secure the long-term future of the site by enabling the landowners to generate income through Biodiversity Units, sold to developers seeking to meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) obligations. Crucially, this means environmental compensation for new development can now be invested locally, benefitting wildlife and communities across the district.
Janice Silvester-Hall, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change, said:
“This is a prime example of how we are turning our 2050 vision into action,” said Janice Silvester-Hall, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change.
“We are proud to lead on initiatives like this, working with landowners and partners to create real, lasting benefits for our natural environment. This project not only enhances biodiversity, but also supports local learning, sustainable rural business, and our communities’ connection to nature.”
The site will now benefit from targeted conservation works including improved coppicing, better woodland structure, and increased deadwood to support habitat diversity. A new public nature trail opened earlier in the year, complete with interpretation boards designed to educate visitors about the value of Ancient Woodland and sustainable land management. Buzzards Valley is now exploring wider educational outreach with local schools and community groups.
Yvonne Viggers from Buzzards Valley said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be playing a part in protecting and enhancing biodiversity here in Lichfield District. As custodians of this beautiful landscape, we’ve always believed in managing the land with nature in mind.
“Partnering with Lichfield District Council on this long-term plan gives us the opportunity to do even more, not only to safeguard local wildlife, but also to welcome the community in to experience and learn from the natural environment. It’s an exciting step forward, and one that we hope inspires others to invest in a greener, more sustainable future.”
This project is part of a broader programme of work led by Lichfield District Council to deliver on the environmental priorities in its Strategic Plan 2050, which include nature recovery, carbon reduction, and improving health and wellbeing through access to green spaces.