Dacorum
Chiltern Habitat Bank - Pipers Hill, Hemel Hempstead
Added on 01/12/2025
Overview
Description
Located within Dacorum Local Authority and The Chilterns NCA, the site extends to 70 acres and is located only 3 miles from Hemel Hempstead. The land is ideally placed to mitigate development throughout Dacorum and the wider Chiltern area. At Nature Capital Partners we own all of our Habitat Bank sites and as such offer a much more secure option to clients in that we have absolute control of our sites and do not have to rely on 3rd party owners or managers. Our clients have complete clarity not only on who owns the land but also who is ultimately responsible for the delivery of the project. On the Eastern side and abutting the land is the Great Gaddesden Water Meadows, a local nature reserve containing the River Gade. This river continues Southwards and runs through the centre of Hemel Hampstead and is recognised locally as a very important chalk river. These rivers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to modern agricultural techniques and by taking the land out of high intensity arable farming we are doing a small part in maintaining the integrity of these very important local nature systems. On the Southern boundary of the site is Highpark Wood, a locally recognised wildlife site comprising a beech wood once typical of the Chiltern area and which are now much depleted. Part of our project is to extend this semi-ancient woodland for future generations to enjoy. Pipers Hill is a prime example of our commitment to large-scale biodiversity restoration. Our plans include: • Planting specialist wildflower and herb seed mixes to enrich grassland biodiversity, • Reintroduction of traditional orchards, originally onsite at the turn of the 19th Century, • Planting of individual trees in a park like setting, extending the existing woodland areas, • Planting of mixed scrub field boundaries to support local flora and fauna. This regionally significant project highlights our ability to transform monocultures into thriving, interconnected ecosystems that support both wildlife and community engagement.
Local Planning Authority
Dacorum
National Character Area
Chilterns
Total Units
182.96 units
Unit Price
£19,000 - £27,000
Area Units
| Broad Habitat | Habitat | Distinctiveness | Available Units | Unit Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathland and shrub | Mixed scrub | Medium | 33 | £19,500 | |
| Woodland and forest | Other woodland; broadleaved | Medium | 7 | £27,000 | |
| Grassland | Traditional orchards | High | 9.94 | £25,000 | |
| Individual trees | Rural tree | Medium | 0.2 | £25,000 | |
| Grassland | Other neutral grassland | Medium | 132 | £19,000 |
Hedgerow Units
| Broad Habitat | Habitat | Distinctiveness | Available Units | Unit Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hedgerow | Species-rich native hedgerow | Medium | 0.82 | POA |
Dacorum
Available
Chilterns
Naturum
Units available:
182.96
182.96
Unit price:
£19,000 - £27,000