Restoring Heritage Landscapes
BNG enables GK Denniss Farms to restore native habitats like chalk grasslands and floodplain meadows, fulfilling the Estate’s long-term environmental vision after decades of intensive farming.
Our Vision
BNG provides an opportunity to deliver long term goals that fit with the Estate’s ethos both in terms of the environment, but also the long term vision the Trustees have for the estate. The days of farming every last acre, productive or otherwise, to the very edge, be it watercourse or hedge are thankfully long gone. The prospect of finally delivering long held environmental aspirations including recreating chalk grassland on the North Downs and reinstating floodplain meadows in the Eden Valley is genuinely exciting. These habitat types take a long time to establish and to fully develop.
Agricultural intensification post World War II, saw the removal of hedges, scrub, woodland and species rich native grassland to feed a growing nation. Habitats that had been hundreds of years in the making were lost, as farmers followed government policy to rapidly increase food production. It was truly remarkable how much habitat could be destroyed with a day or two’s hard work with a chainsaw, tractor and a bulldozer. Our aim at GK Denniss Farms, is to undo some of the changes completed in the period from the 1950’s to the 1980’s and return areas of the estate to wildlife rich habitats. Sadly it won’t take a day or two, it will take many, many years, but we are committed to seeing our vision through to it’s fruition.
“Our mission at GK Denniss Farms is to restore and nurture native habitats such as chalk grasslands and floodplain meadows, reversing the environmental impacts of past agricultural intensification. We are committed to long-term stewardship that honors the Estate’s heritage and supports a thriving, wildlife-rich landscape for future generations.”
Restoring What Was Lost
Post-war intensification reshaped the countryside, stripping away centuries-old habitats. At GK Denniss Farms, we’re committed to reversing that trend—reinstating diverse landscapes like chalk grassland and floodplain meadows to bring nature back to the heart of the estate.
A Long-Term Vision for Nature
Farming with Balance and Purpose
Through considered land management, we’re making space for nature while continuing to produce food—honouring both our agricultural roots and our environmental responsibilities.