At Kingsbridge, we have always believed that development and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We’re putting this commitment to sustainability front and centre of our business as we partner with Halnaker Hill Farm, the largest single Biodiversity Net Gain project in the UK.

Kingsbridge is managing the commercial aspects of the project, which will see 330 acres of historic farmland in the South Downs National Park returned to their natural condition of centuries ago, placing us in a unique position as a UK developer with access to a land bank providing environmental benefit for generations to come.

Registered with South Downs National Park Authority and Natural England, Halnaker Hill Farm is one of the largest single Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) banks in the UK by number of BNG units available. It will provide a total of 856 units to be sold to both the mandatory and voluntary markets across the UK to help combat biodiversity loss and climate change.

The units are available to:

• Residential, commercial and infrastructure developers, who by law must meet the Government’s Environment Act 2021 biodiversity requirements for a minimum of 10% BNG at the site of their developments, and must purchase off-site BNG Units to make up any shortfall.
• Corporates, which can purchase voluntary units to help them meet their ESG targets by supporting nature recovery
• Individuals looking to personally invest in enhancing the natural environment

Before it was acquired by Halnaker Hill Natural Capital (HHNC), in 2024, the land had been farmed for wheat since the 1970s, with the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides leaving poor quality soil and low levels of biodiversity.

The restoration plan is based on an 18th-century map, drawn up by the topographers Yeakell & Gardener for the “Great Survey of Sussex”, which shows how farmers worked alongside nature before the advent of intensive farming methods.

Chris Fry, CEO of Kingsbridge, said: “We are immensely proud to play our part in the success of Halnaker Hill Farm, a project which aligns with our values as a commercial developer that puts sustainability at the heart of its business.

“Together, our shared passion for environmental responsibility and for the restoration of this beautiful, historic landscape will create a unique, sustainable legacy that will have a positive effect on the environment for generations to come.”

Greg Lukasiewicz, Sales & Marketing Director at Halnaker Hill Natural Capital, said: “Halnaker Hill Farm is one of the largest BNG Nature banks in the UK, generating over 850 available BNG units, providing us with an outstanding opportunity to restore hundreds of acres of farmland through regenerative farming methods.

“Since HHNC acquired the site in 2024 we have been at work, and have already seen the landscape transform from intensively farmed land to a green haven for wildlife, as the grassland, new trees and hedgerows that we have already planted are given the space to thrive.

“We are excited to launch Halnaker Hill Farm to the market, setting a new benchmark for sustainable, regenerative farming while helping to meet the BNG needs of developers, and providing organisations and individuals with a responsible way to invest in biodiversity and the fight against climate change.”

The Halnaker Hill Farm project spans two Natural Character Areas (NCAs) including South Coast Plain and South Downs National Park Authority, delivering habitats of medium and high distinctiveness. These include hedgerows; lowland calcareous (chalky) grassland; other neutral grassland; mixed scrub; ponds; individual trees and woodland.

Enquiries about BNG Units should be directed to Greg Lukasiewicz, Sales & Marketing Director, Natural Capital, at greg@halnakerhill.co.uk

For more information about Halnaker Hill Farm and for regular updates visit www.halnakerhill.co.uk, or find the project on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/halnaker-hill and Instagram @HalnakerHillFarm.

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