Developer contributions to help fund ‘special’ £1m rewilding project at St Michaels hop farm, near Tenterden

A significant rewilding initiative is set to take shape at Haffenden Farm, located between Biddenden and St Michaels, just a short distance from Tenterden. This ambitious project, covering an impressive 170 acres, aims to restore and enhance natural habitats, benefiting various animal species and the local ecosystem.

The Hukins family, who have successfully farmed hops at Haffenden for over 120 years, are spearheading this £1 million rewilding effort. With plans to restore approximately 80% of the site, the project will introduce new habitats, including lowland meadows, species-rich native hedgerows, traditional orchards, and river habitats. Existing ancient semi-natural woodlands will also be preserved, contributing to a diverse environment that supports butterflies, bumblebees, moths, and birds.

This rewilding project aligns with the government’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) initiative, which mandates that new developments must leave biodiversity in a better condition than before. To meet these requirements, developers who cannot achieve sufficient biodiversity gains on their own sites can purchase "biodiversity units" from off-site projects, such as the one at Haffenden Farm.

The habitat bank created at the farm has received approval from Ashford Borough Council, allowing developers to invest in the environmental enhancements being undertaken. The anticipated cost for developers is around £6,000 per acre, which means the total investment into the project could exceed £1 million. Greenshank Environmental will facilitate the collaboration between developers and the farm's management team.

The Hukins family is committed to long-term ecological stewardship. Ross Hukins, who manages Haffenden Farm and serves as a trustee of Tenterden Wildlife, has been instrumental in transitioning the farm away from intensive farming practices. Over the past 25 years, the family has worked to restore grasslands, enhance hedgerows, and protect the unique features of their land. This ongoing commitment to environmental health is aimed at ensuring a resilient landscape for future generations.

Dr Gabriel Connor-Streich, CEO of Greenshank Environmental, emphasised the importance of this habitat bank as a secure, long-term solution for land management in Kent. He noted that the Hukins family has been dedicated to reintroducing nature to their farm over many years, and this project represents a practical method for developers to contribute to improved land management while fulfilling their environmental responsibilities.

Haffenden Farm is one of the few remaining hop farms in England, and it also features its own brewery, taproom, and glamping facilities under the name Hukins Hops. The rewilding project not only promises to boost biodiversity but also enhances the farm's appeal as a destination for visitors to Tenterden and the surrounding area.