Darlington LPA BNG

Darlington’s landscape is shaped primarily by the Tees Lowlands (NCA 15). This area supports diverse habitat types, many of which are recognized as priority habitats under the Biodiversity Net Gain framework.

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Grassland Habitats

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Lowland Meadows: Found in floodplains and river valleys, these meadows are rich in wildflowers and support pollinators and ground-nesting birds.

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Limestone Grassland: Present in areas with magnesian limestone geology, supporting orchids and rare invertebrates.

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Modified Grassland: Common in intensively farmed landscapes, with potential for enhancement through seeding and management.

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Woodland and Forest Habitats

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Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland: Scattered across Darlington’s rural areas, supporting birds, bats, and invertebrates.

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Wet Woodland: Typically found along river corridors and prone to seasonal flooding.

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Wetland and Watercourse Habitats

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Rivers and Streams: The River Skerne and its tributaries run through the LPA, supporting aquatic life including fish, otters, and amphibians.

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Ponds and Reedbeds: Provide essential habitat for amphibians, dragonflies, and wetland birds.

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Floodplain Grazing Marsh: Located near rivers, these habitats contribute to flood management and biodiversity.

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Cropland and Farmland Habitats

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Arable Land: Predominantly cereal cropping, but offers enhancement potential through field margins, beetle banks, and hedgerow integration.

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Temporary Grassland/Leys: When managed sympathetically, these can support higher biodiversity levels.

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Hedgerows and Linear Features

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Species-Rich Hedgerows: Key wildlife corridors linking habitats across the landscape.

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Ditches and Field Margins: Important for drainage and as linear habitats for a range of species.