NHS offset construction of endoscopy unit through Wilder Doddington
THE NHS is the first buyer of units at Wilder Doddington that will ensure long-term benefits for nature in Lincolnshire.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units can be bought by organisations to offset the impact of developing land, fulfilling legal obligations and Wilder Doddington (above) has a new Habitat Bank of units, The New Orchard.
The construction of the new Endoscopy Unit (artist’s impression below) at Lincoln County Hospital has seen the NHS become the first body to buy units that will support the long-term recovery of natural areas.
The New Orchard will see the Wilder Doddington team transform a former pony paddock into a high-value habitat bank which is part of a 400-year vision to restore biodiversity across the East Midlands.
“We are extremely excited to be able to offer sites for Biodiversity Net Gain at Wilder Doddington,” said Claire Birch, owner of the Doddington Estate. “We have an ambitious programme for nature recovery across our whole estate.
“It is brilliant that our first buyer is the NHS because we know that being in nature is incredibly valuable for health. From the start, we have wanted as many people as possible to visit and benefit from Wilder Doddington, whether from learning about nature, getting hands-on as volunteers, or feeling the wonderful sense of connection and wellbeing that simply taking some quiet time in nature can give.”
Mike Parkhill, Group Chief Estates and Facilities Officer for Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, said: “We are excited to partner with Wilder Doddington to plant more trees, enhance habitats, and support the green agenda as part of our new endoscopy build at Lincoln County Hospital. This partnership means that as we are improving health care for the residents of Lincolnshire, we are also contributing to a beautiful place for them to enjoy.”
The New Orchard will see land near the Georgie Twigg Track nurtured into a visibly thriving, species-rich meadow interplanted with wide rows of climate-resilient fruit and nut trees. As the primary buyer, the NHS has worked with the Wilder team to plan the habitat development to aid nature recovery on the site, ensuring resilience and longterm stability.
The New Orchard is the first of three BNG Habitat Banks – with The Woodland, and The Wild Land – legally secured at Doddington to meet regional BNG demand over the next 30 years. The creation of the banks will ensure a simple process and streamlined transactions for buyers of BNG units, and a choice of different habitat types.
