Horsham
Aspect Nature Reserve
BNG registered
Added on 21/02/2025Overview
Description
Aspect Nature Reserve & Mount Wood: two sites in West Sussex, near Gatwick, which are actively managed to maximise ecological biodiversity. They are owned by Aspect Land Management Ltd, which is itself 100% owned by a Private Trust. Aspect Nature Reserve & Mount Wood are operated in accordance with the following 4 mission objectives: - Maximise Ecological Diversity: We actively manage our sites to create optimal conditions for native flora and fauna to thrive. This includes practices such as avoiding the use of chemicals and a ‘let it rot’ ethos to deadwood management. - Encourage Education and Engagement: A core mission of Aspect Nature Reserve is to offer a safe, supportive space for local community groups and schools to enrich their educational experiences. We strive to share our learnings as widely as possible and inspire others to adopt similar practices wherever possible. - Champion Bold Innovation: We are proudly innovative, embracing new approaches to advance research and enhance biodiversity. For example, in collaboration with the Woodland Trust, we recently launched a large-scale demonstration project to showcase a variety of roundel management techniques (Roundels are circular, cleared areas surrounding trees). - Promote Multi-Generational Connections: Aspect Nature Reserve has been designed to endure for generations to come. Its Management Plan envisions the site lasting for at least 300 years - by which time our oak trees will be entering their middle age! Aspect Nature Reserve is a 24 acre site, purchased in 2024 after more than 30 years of intensive sheep-grazing. It boasts several interesting features that make it a particularly exciting site for BNG restoration efforts: 1. The site is crossed by Mans Brook, which feeds into the River Mole (and subsequently into the Thames), via a man-made straight-line trench. As part of our BNG plans, this segment of Mans Brook will be widened to create an area of flooded woodland, rich in Black Poplar and Willow. This will slow the flow in the Brook, both protecting the downstream areas from flooding and creating important habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals. 2. A 66 tree orchard has been established, with 44 different species of fruit trees (apples, damsons, plums, cherries, gages, pears etc.) and complete with a dedicated bee-hive area. 3. Working with the Woodland Trust, we have established five separate designs of roundels to showcase different management techniques, ranging from traditional hazel coppice to wildflower meadows. 4. A large pond, featuring an island to encourage bird life, will be constructed in late 2025 The pond’s edges will be designed to provide easy access for both grazing sheep and local wildlife. 5. Two separate stretches of dense, multi-species hedgerow (3-5 metres wide) have been planted. Notably, we are reinstating a hedgerow which was grubbed out in 1959, thereby restoring some of the native rural architecture on the site. 6. An arboretum with 21 different types of native UK tree species is being established, with a central arc of gabion-seats to provide the perfect outdoor classroom for visiting school children. Mount Wood is a 12 acre area of well-established woodland, including some ancient woodland, located 400m away from Aspect Nature Reserve. Mount Wood is a classic deciduous English woodland, rich in Oaks, Hazel, Ash and Hornbeam. It features several seasonal brooks which feed into a small pond which was established 3 years ago with the support of Sussex Wildlife Trust. There is an East-West ‘ride’ across the site, which provides a vital corridor of light for the local flora and fauna. By purchasing BNG credits from Aspect Nature Reserve, you have the opportunity to be part of this unique, ground-breaking initiative. In addition to enhancing the biodiversity of West Sussex, you will be supporting a facility that will provide a wealth of educational opportunities and community engagement for local school children.
Local Planning Authority
Horsham
National Character Area
Low Weald
Size
10.13 hectares
Total Units
47.97 units
Unit Price
£26,984 - £199,191
Area Units
| Broad Habitat | Habitat | Distinctiveness | Available Units | Unit Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes | Ponds (non-priority habitat) | Medium | 0.67 | £74,212 | |
| Individual trees | Rural tree | Medium | 1.93 | £37,083 | |
| Woodland and forest | Other woodland; broadleaved | Medium | 0.06 | £45,995 | |
| Heathland and shrub | Mixed scrub | Medium | 3.43 | £37,756 | |
| Grassland | Other neutral grassland | Medium | 35.49 | £32,602 | |
| Woodland and forest | Wet woodland | High | 0.23 | £64,654 | |
| Grassland | Traditional orchards | High | 1.07 | £49,178 |
Hedgerow Units
| Broad Habitat | Habitat | Distinctiveness | Available Units | Unit Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hedgerow | Species-rich native hedgerow | Medium | 4.62 | £31,032 | |
| Hedgerow | Native hedgerow | Low | 0.26 | £26,984 |
Watercourse Units
| Broad Habitat | Habitat | Distinctiveness | Available Units | Unit Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watercourse | Other rivers and streams | High | 0.21 | £199,191 |
Horsham
Available – Registered
Low Weald
Units available:
47.97
47.97
Unit price:
£26,984 - £199,191