Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain in Northstowe

Once complete, Northstowe will be home to around 10,000 homes and high-quality community facilities, carefully knitted together with natural assets and a dedicated town centre. The town will feature a host of easily accessible green spaces, lakes and play areas – many of which are already in place - helping to grow a fresh, green future for residents and fostering wellbeing through access to nature.

How is Biodiversity Net Gain being delivered in Northstowe?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) helps ensure that wildlife habitats are left in a measurably better state after development. Northstowe is pioneering in this space, with Homes England committing to a voluntary 15% BNG target for phases two and three of the town, which surpasses the government’s mandatory 10%.

Interconnected green and open spaces across the development support habitats, enhancing biodiversity and enabling residents to get active and connect with nature. Purpose-built lakes including Halcyon Mere and Unity Lake teem with wildlife, from waterfowl to songbirds, enriching the local ecosystem and providing scenic views.

Already in place

Extensive planting has already taken place across phase two, including:

-              Over 43,000 plants, trees, and shrubs  

-              Alongside 1.5 million m² of seeded areas

-              106 semi-mature trees along the Eastern Link Road.

Still to come

The work doesn’t stop there as phase three promises even more to support the environment. Plans include retaining and enhancing existing trees and woodland, expanding habitats for badgers, reptiles, and amphibians, and integrating ecological and recreational spaces, including the retained Military Lake and a new lake along the line of the former runway. Open space for new wetland habitats, wildlife corridors, and lakes is also proposed.

Overall, approximately 35% of Northstowe will consist of multifunctional green infrastructure, creating a healthy, biodiverse environment.

Key features of green infrastructure in Northstowe

Northstowe's green infrastructure is designed to balance ecological preservation with community needs, creating a sustainable and inviting environment for residents and wildlife. Formal Greenways include community gardens, orchards, and social spaces, allowing residents to connect with nature while fostering a sense of community. The town also features a network of Waterparks, which serve the dual purpose of managing water and providing amenity and habitat, with scenic lakes enhancing both functionality and beauty.

Ecological dark corridors have been established to protect bat foraging routes and other nocturnal wildlife habitats, ensuring the preservation of local biodiversity. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems are integral to the development, for reducing flood risks while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity through thoughtfully designed water management. Recreational areas, including playfields, trails, and community allotments, are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, offering spaces for leisure and engagement.

Beyond Northstowe

Homes England has also acquired farmland at Setchel/Smithy Fen, located six kilometres northeast of the town. This area is being transformed into a wildlife-friendly habitat while maintaining its function as a working farm, helping to deliver on Northstowe’s 15% voluntary BNG target.

The initiative supports mitigation for farmland birds such as skylarks, linnets, and yellow wagtails, helping to maintain and improve bird populations in the area. Additionally, it introduces valuable ecological features such as beetle banks, bat roosts, and bird nesting boxes - all of which provide crucial habitats for a variety of species. The creation of nectar flower areas and winter bird food planting will also support pollinators and provide food sources for birds during the colder months. The site will be monitored for 30 years to ensure the success of these efforts.

Northstowe is continuing to grow into a place where nature and urban life can thrive side by side.

For more information about biodiversity and green infrastructure at Northstowe, read the full document or get in touch.