Supporting nature restoration through BNG investment

Ardena Homes, part of Phoenix Sustainable Investments, is delivering Biodiversity Net Gain requirements for a new housing development in Bourne through habitat restoration at Boothby Wildland - a 617-hectare former arable farm undergoing large-scale ecological recovery.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that ensures nature is left in a measurably better state following development. By requiring developers to enhance habitats and support long-term biodiversity improvements, BNG plays an important role in delivering meaningful environmental recovery.

Working closely with partner company Ardena Homes, Phoenix Strategic Land is focused on unlocking land value and expects to develop a number of sites in South Kesteven over the next few years with BNG provision focused at Boothby.

Boothby Wildland, led by Nattergal Ltd, was acquired in December 2021 and has since undergone an ambitious rewilding programme designed to restore habitats, improve biodiversity and support long-term nature recovery across the landscape. Early signs of regeneration are already visible across the site, with wildlife returning and natural processes being re-established.

A particularly notable feature of the project is the reintroduction of beavers within a secure 200-hectare enclosure along the West Glen River. Once extinct in Britain, beavers are recognised as a keystone species due to their ability to restore freshwater ecosystems naturally. At Boothby, their activity is helping to slow water flow, create wetlands and reshape river systems in ways that support biodiversity and improve environmental resilience.

The approach enables development to contribute directly to habitat restoration and long-term nature recovery within Lincolnshire, keeping Biodiversity Net Gain investment connected to the local area.

David Morris, Joint Managing Director of Phoenix Strategic Land, said:

“Partnering with Boothby Wildland enables us to deliver our Biodiversity Net Gain commitments in a way that creates genuine, lasting impact. Supporting the restoration of nature at scale, including the reintroduction of keystone species such as beavers, reflects our commitment to sustainable development and responsible land stewardship.”

Click here to learn more about Boothby Wildland or to arrange a visit.

Story by Phoenix Strategic Land