Lost orchard and native wildlife to be reintroduced as part of nature restoration project near Hemel Hempstead

The 70-acre site at Pipers Hill sits within a wildlife corridor adjoining Highpark Wood, a local nature reserve which is recognised as ancient woodland.

The project is being managed by UK biodiversity net gain provider Naturum, and will restore woodland and scrub in the area, while enhancing grassland with wildflower and herb seed mixes.

Among the species set to benefit are brown hares, hedgehogs, great crested newts, common toads and the small heath butterfly.

The project, which is taking place over a 30-year period, will also see the reinstatement of a traditional orchard that once stood on the land, before being lost more than a century ago.

Work is due to begin later this year, and local schools will be offered guided visits once habitat works are underway.

Naturum’s co-founder Giles Perry said: “This land has been farmed by the same family for the best part of 80 years, and it means a great deal to us to be working alongside them as we start to bring nature back to it.

"Species like brown hares, hedgehogs and great crested newts are all found nearby, but decades of arable farming have made it harder for them to continue making their habitats here.

“Giving them the space to come back is really what this project is about.

"We want this project to be something local residents can be proud of.

“Somewhere they can walk with their children, watch the wildlife return over the coming years, and know that this corner of the Chilterns is being looked after for the long term."

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