Exmoor Habitat Bank

Overview

This Exmoor habitat bank will convert former farm land into a diverse mosaic of regenerating scrub and species-rich grassland. Areas will be left to naturally regenerate into mixed-height scrub, initially excluding livestock and managing vegetation through selective cutting to create structural variety and open rides, followed by light grazing to maintain a dynamic habitat. Adjacent land will be restored to upland acid and neutral grassland through controlled grazing or mowing, soil disturbance, and the introduction of locally sourced green hay to enhance plant diversity. Grazing will be carefully timed and managed at low densities to support wildflower establishment, improve sward structure, and avoid nutrient enrichment, creating a resilient, wildlife-rich landscape over time.