Case Study - Buriton Meadows
Nestled within the South Downs Local Planning Authority, and located within the South Downs National Park NCA, the area has been identified as a Biodiversity Opportunity Area by Hampshire County Council. Buriton Meadows stands as a flagship for our dedication to biodiversity and nature.
Once shaped by turf production and, more recently, heavy grazing, this site brims with untapped potential for ecological uplift. Positioned right next to Queen Elizabeth Country Park and the Butser Hill National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Buriton Meadows offers a rare chance to expand these precious habitats. Over time, our vision is to weave Buriton Meadows into a seamless, flourishing natural network spanning more than 2,000 acres.Butser Hill SSSI itself, is a sprawling haven of semi-natural dry grasslands and thick yew woodlands, alive with biodiversity. It’s a sanctuary for a rich array of butterflies, including a notable stronghold for the Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina). The site’s chalk grasslands and rare calcareous yew woods, are among the finest examples of a habitat scarce in Britain, blend with transitional zones to form an ecological gem of national importance.
Our strategy for Buriton Meadows includes:
• Sowing tailored wildflower and herb seed blends to boost grassland diversity
• Recreating the Lowland Calcareous Grassland that thrives on neighboring Butser Hill
• Crafting a Floodplain Wetland Mosaic in the site’s lower reaches
• Reviving boundary hedgerows to enrich species variety
• Expanding Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland to bolster local wildlife, from resident badgers to a rising cast of invertebrates,including the striking Wasp Spider already spotted onsite
This project, with its national resonance, showcases our expertise in turning single-use landscapes into vibrant, interwoven ecosystems that nurture wildlife and invite community connection.