Jess Brown-Fuller MP meets Ecological Landscapes at Southend Farm to discuss long-term habitat banking

Jess Brown-Fuller MP recently met with specialist ecologists from Ecological Landscapes, alongside farmers William and Mariella Fleming, to discuss their ongoing partnership to provide a long-term habitat bank at Southend Farm in Donnington.

Jess meeting with specialist ecologists from Ecological Landscapes

The visit also focused on the 30-year agreement that Ecological Landscapes and Southend Farm have signed with Chichester District Council to this habitat bank, which over time will offset the environmental impact of development on rural areas.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was introduced in 2024 and mandates that major developments must deliver a net gain for biodiversity. More often than not, this is unachievable on the site they are developing, so they can purchase credits at locations called ‘habitat banks’ and the money is then used to ensure stewardship of the land and the continued creation of habitats. Developers will pay more, the further away the habitat bank is, thus incentivising the BNG credits to be spent locally.

During the meeting, Ecological Landscapes laid out hopes for the future of the habitat bank, informing Jess that they hope this location may form a crucial link between Chichester and Pagham Harbours and form an important wildlife corridor.

Speaking after the visit, Jess Brown-Fuller said:

I am determined to see that future housing developments in and around Chichester take their environmental obligations seriously, and that starts with creating new habitats that are rich in nature such as these.

More and better awareness must be made of the benefits of well-maintained habitat banks as our rural communities find themselves hemmed in by new housing. It is very reassuring to see this partnership between farmers, ecologists, and the District Council come to fruition, which will ensure that this new habitat will be protected into the 2050s.

Jess Brown-Fuller is committed to continuing to engage with local residents for better accountability and environmental protection in local development projects.