RSPB Bowers Marsh is a shining example of the benefits of Biodiversity Net Gain for businesses, developers and wildlife.
Just a short drive from Basildon, South Essex, Bowers Marsh is a 250ha (hectares) nature reserve bursting with the sights and sounds of wildlife. A patchwork of grassland, marshland and lagoons, this grazing marsh has played a role in the lives of the local community and wildlife for centuries.
The site is regionally important for a range of bird species, especially a variety of wildfowl and waders. It’s also a haven for some of the UK’s most iconic wildlife, including Kingfishers, Lapwings and multiple species of birds of prey.
Local Planning Authority (LPA): Basildon LPA
National Character Area (NCA): Greater Thames Estuary
Distinctiveness units:
Heathland and shrub – mixed scrub (medium)
Grassland – other neutral grassland (medium)
Lakes – ponds – non-priority habitat (medium)
Scrub is an undervalued habitat that once would’ve been much more widespread in the Bowers Marsh landscape. Therefore, we’ll work with a local grazier to change 41ha of arable farmland into a mix of scrub and grassland habitats. By carefully using small numbers of cattle and innovative grazing methods, we’ll develop a more natural grazing regime to create greater diversity within the grassland.
Scrub and suitably managed grassland are vital habitats for some of the most vulnerable species in southern England. Our BNG work in Bowers Marsh will benefit a number of these animals, including Nightingales, reptiles including adder and ‘Thames Terrace invertebrates’.
These include endangered Shrill and Brown-banded Carder bumblebees, for which the Greater Thames Estuary is one of the last remaining strongholds; Bowers Marsh is a key part of that habitat. Finally, breeding priority bird species such as Yellow Wagtails, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Song Thrushes, Yellowhammers, Linnets, Reed Buntings and Nightingales will be monitored at the BNG site.
.jpg)
If you're a developer or consultant looking for high quality BNG - email our BNG team.
For Biodiversity Enhancements in Scotland, contact the development team.