East Riding of Yorkshire
Southburn Chalk Stream Sanctuary
BNG registered
Added on 26/03/2026Overview
Description
Southburn Chalk Stream Sanctuary began not as a commercial project, but as a long-term vision to restore land and leave a meaningful legacy. The site was previously arable farmland, part of our wider farming operations. In 2020, a decision was taken by the second generation of the Rymer family, who currently lead the business, to take this land out of production. The intention was simple: to create something that would endure beyond day-to-day farming — a space dedicated to nature, to be passed on to the third generation and beyond. This decision was made before Biodiversity Net Gain became a legal requirement, and before a formal market for biodiversity units existed. It was driven by values rather than commercial targets. Works on the ground began in 2022, marking the start of the site’s transformation. Located between two chalk streams — some of the most northerly in Europe, and potentially in the world — the site carries a particular environmental responsibility. These rare watercourses influenced the vision for the land, shaping a focus on improving water quality, restoring habitats, and strengthening ecological connectivity across the landscape. From the outset, the project was approached as a collective effort. Over 6,000 trees were planted to begin establishing woodland and restoring ecological function. Staff across the business were invited to take part, with time set aside for those who wanted to contribute, embedding a sense of shared ownership in the site’s future. Since then, the sanctuary has continued to evolve. Grasslands are being improved to become species-rich, wildflower meadows are being established, and pond scrapes have been created to support wading birds and other wildlife. Grazing is being introduced to help naturally manage habitats, while existing woodland is being enhanced and new native woodland areas established. The site does not exist in isolation. We work closely with partners including Yorkshire Water and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to support wildlife recovery across the wider landscape, and our broader farming operations incorporate initiatives such as Operation Pollinator to create corridors for biodiversity. Today, Southburn Chalk Stream Sanctuary represents both a continuation of our farming heritage and a shift toward long-term environmental stewardship. While Biodiversity Net Gain has provided a framework to support and scale this work, the foundations of the project were laid with a different goal in mind — to restore, protect, and leave the land in a better state for future generations.
Local Planning Authority
East Riding of Yorkshire
National Character Area
Holderness
Size
35.57 hectares
Total Units
218.77 units
Unit Price
POA
Area Units
| Broad Habitat | Habitat | Distinctiveness | Available Units | Unit Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grassland | Lowland meadows | Very High | 26.44 | £0 | |
| Grassland | Other neutral grassland | Medium | 146.33 | £0 | |
| Woodland and forest | Other woodland; broadleaved | Medium | 46 | POA |
East Riding of Yorkshire
Available – Registered
Holderness
Units available:
218.77
218.77
Unit price:
POA