Case Study: Habitat Creation - Oxfordshire
​​​Restoring Nature with Practical Precision
​Location: Oxfordshire
Scope: 32 hectares of capital habitat creation works for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
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Field and Estate was appointed as ecological contractor to deliver a major habitat creation scheme across 80 acres of land on a privately managed estate in West Oxfordshire.
The project aimed to deliver high-value biodiversity outcomes in line with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) principles, while maintaining the land’s agricultural utility through carefully planned infrastructure and collaboration.
Scope of Works
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Species-Rich Lowland Meadow Creation – Establishment of floristically rich grassland using locally sourced, brush-harvested seed across both arable and improved pasture.​
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Wetland Scrapes and Ponds – Excavation of shallow scrapes and permanent ponds to create habitat for waders, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates.
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Scrub and Hedgerow Planting – Structured planting to create edge habitat and transitional zones between grassland and woodland.
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Cut-and-Collect Management – Initial cut-and-collect operations on environmentally sensitive areas to reduce nutrient load and prepare the soil for successful meadow establishment.
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Livestock Fencing – Installation of 5,500 metres of new fencing to facilitate low-intensity grazing, integrating habitat management with ongoing farm operations.
Overcoming Ground Conditions with Specialist Machinery & Techniques
This project demanded a specialist approach due to difficult site conditions, including extensive peat soils and active floodplain. Standard groundworks were not feasible, so we deployed low ground pressure machinery and bog mats to protect sensitive substrates and maintain progress across waterlogged terrain.
Frequent changes in weather and ground stability required our team to adapt quickly, rescheduling works and adjusting methods without compromising quality. The resilience and technical skill of our operatives ensured that all habitat creation was delivered safely, sensitively, and on time — even under demanding conditions.
​​​​​Outcomes & Long-Term Benefits
The habitat creation works were completed successfully and are already delivering early ecological benefits. Monitoring has reported increased pollinator activity, the return of key bird species, and rapid colonisation of newly established wetland features.
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A 30-year management plan is in place to support habitat maturity and ensure resilience over time. The project enhances natural flood management across the site, supports existing farm operations through controlled grazing, and provides a long-term income stream through the sale of biodiversity units.​​
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“The habitat creation team have done incredible work. The land is already starting to flourish, and we’ve secured long-term income and biodiversity gains across the estate.”
— Alex, Estate Manager