Halnaker Hill

Halnaker Hill Farm is a leading example of landscape restoration and nature recovery within the South Downs National Park through nature finance.

The project encompasses 330 acres dedicated to reversing decades of intensive arable farming to restoring ecological integrity into the future. This initiative aims to deliver measurable biodiversity gains and create a resilient natural environment.

Vision and Objectives

The restoration strategy focuses on creating larger, better-connected habitats through:

Re-establishing species-rich calcareous wildflower meadows.
Planting native woodlands and hedgerows.
Developing dew ponds and scrub habitats.

These interventions will enable wildlife connectivity across the farm, foster colonisation of new areas and establishing a biodiversity reservoir that benefits the wider South Downs landscape. Essentially delivering the Lawton principles of ‘bigger, better, more joined up’ nature. Significant increases in rare species, including wildflowers, birds and butterflies are anticipated.

Halnaker Hill Farm is already evolving into a biodiversity hub and a catalyst for nature recovery across the region.

Funding and Investment

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) remains the primary mechanism for securing investment to deliver the restoration plans. In addition, Voluntary Biodiversity Credits (VBCs) are available for organisations and individuals seeking to support nature recovery beyond statutory requirements. These credits provide a flexible, high-integrity option for contributing to biodiversity enhancement across the estate.

As other Natural Capital funding opportunities emerge, they will also be explored to accelerate progress.

The Estate has launched a dedicated website to promote and market these opportunities to developers and investors.

Location

Situated near the historic city of Chichester at the southern edge of the South Downs National Park, Halnaker Hill Farm benefits from a diverse and inspiring setting. Old maps and historic records were used to shape the vision and land into the future for the farm which has strong cultural heritage assets.

Macro Landscape: Rolling chalk downs, ancient woodlands, and restored ponds to form a rich habitat mosaic. The historic Halnaker Windmill, dating to the 1740s, offers panoramic views extending to the Isle of Wight on clear days.
Micro Landscape: Small areas of wildflower meadow, woodland, and hedgerow provide tranquil spaces and critical habitats for rare species.

This combination of secluded areas and sweeping vistas continues to attract and inspire visitors.

Habitats and Species

Halnaker Hill Farm is recognised for its ecological significance. Restoration efforts have established:

Species-rich grasslands.
Native woodlands.
Hedgerows, ponds, and scrub habitats.

BNG units available include woodlands, hedgerows, ponds, grasslands, scrub, and individual trees—supporting statutory and voluntary biodiversity requirements for developers, corporations, and individuals.

Historical Context

The farm’s history spans millennia, with evidence of Neolithic farming and the Roman Stane Street crossing the property. The restored Halnaker Windmill remains a landmark feature.
Formerly part of the Goodwood Estate until 1947, the land was later managed by the Stride and Langmead families. After decades of intensive agriculture, the current vision prioritises nature recovery, regenerative food production, and carbon sequestration.

Restoration Plan

The initial BNG restoration plan targets priority areas, with future phases extending across the wider landscape.

Halnaker Hill Farm’s nature restoration plan for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) focuses on key habitats, with further plans to engage with neighbours and other land holdings to deliver benefits to nature an people into the future.

Map 1 shows initial BNG areas.

BNG Governance

BNG units at Halnaker Hill Farm are registered with Natural England and secured through a Section 106 agreement with the South Downs National Park Authority. This ensures:

Legal protection for at least 30 years.
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Guaranteed ecological value for all investments.

The South Downs National Park Authority provides assurance for offsite BNG compliance.

Got a question?

Please get in touch with us by emailing ReNaturecredits@southdowns.gov.uk.

For more information on BNG and Voluntary Biodiversity Credits, please contact Sarah Westbrook by emailing sarah.westbrook@southdowns.gov.uk or calling 01730 819 243.