Projects
At Wellshead Natural Capital, we're creating high-integrity biodiversity project that support British agriculture and benefit local communities.
Coombe Farm
Crewkerne, Somerset | BNG
The A H Warren Trust is a farming estate covering approximately 2,500 acres (1011 ha). The estate comprises of three organic dairy farms, as well as other business ventures, including commercial/residential properties, riding school, shooting/fishing sporting facilities, holiday lets, storage, and a solar farm. ​ ​The Trust supplies milk to a local processor, rears beef cattle as a by-product from the dairy herd, and maintains a flock of Lleyn sheep, with a year-round outdoor lambing system. Crop production activities include taking three cuts of grass for silage, harvesting hay from water meadows, and baling straw from their own cereals to bed and feed to livestock during winter. The Trust also grows forage crops and cereals to provide a balanced ration, allowing near self-sufficiency in animal feed.
Project Background
The A H Warren Trust is a farming estate covering approximately 2,500 acres (1011 ha). The estate comprises of three organic dairy farms, as well as other business ventures, including commercial/residential properties, riding school, shooting/fishing sporting facilities, holiday lets, storage, and a solar farm.
The Trust supplies milk to a local processor, rears beef cattle as a by-product from the dairy herd, and maintains a flock of Lleyn sheep, with a year-round outdoor lambing system. Crop production activities include taking three cuts of grass for silage, harvesting hay from water meadows, and baling straw from their own cereals to bed and feed to livestock during winter. The Trust also grows forage crops and cereals to provide a balanced ration, allowing near self-sufficiency in animal feed.
Project Scope
Our BNG initiative at Coombe Farm is set to transform 38.94 ha of land, creating a mosaic of biodiverse habitats. While the final number of biodiversity units is yet to be determined pending negotiations with the LPA, we anticipate a significant contribution to the local BNG market.
Our Solution
Assessment Phase
Our journey began with Liz Warner, Head of our Land Team, conducting a comprehensive site walkover with Guy Coleman, AHWT Director, his son Theo, and the farm managers. This initial consultation allowed us to gain invaluable insights into the estate's operations and identify areas with high BNG potential. Following this, our team of ecologists conducted a detailed baseline survey of the selected parcels. This thorough assessment provided a clear picture of existing habitats, species presence, and the overall ecological context of the site, forming the foundation for our bespoke BNG plan.
Planning Phase
Using the data from our baseline survey, we developed a tailored BNG plan that maximises biodiversity gains while respecting the working nature of the farm. This plan was carefully crafted to complement the estate's organic farming practices and long-term vision.
We are currently assisting the Trust with the legal securement of the land, a crucial step in ensuring the project's long-term success. This involves navigating the complexities of conservation covenants and exploring options that provide both flexibility for the estate and certainty for potential unit purchasers.
Delivery Phase
As we move towards implementation, the Colemans have chosen a mixed approach, combining their farming expertise with specialist contractors for more complex tasks. This collaborative method ensures that the BNG interventions integrate seamlessly with the estate's agricultural activities.
Looking ahead, we'll conduct regular monitoring and develop a 30-year management plan. This long-term strategy will ensure the created and enhanced habitats continue to thrive and deliver biodiversity benefits for decades to come.
Key Features
Riparian Enhancement
​The project's proximity to the River Axe presents unique opportunities for riparian habitat enhancement. We're looking to implement a 15-meter wide buffer zone along the river, creating wetland areas and restoring the riverbank.
This intervention aims to improve water quality by reducing agricultural runoff and providing crucial habitats for species like the water vole and kingfisher.
Project Outcomes
Creation of Multiple High-Quality Habitat Types Across 38.9 ha
Enhanced Connectivity Between Existing
Natural Areas
New, Sustainable
Income Stream for Coombe Farm
Generation of Verified, Local BNG Units
For Developers
