Mid Devon LPA BNG

Mid Devon’s farmed landscape supports a wide variety of habitats recognised under the BNG framework, including several high-priority types.

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Woodland and Forest Habitats

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Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland: Common throughout the district, supporting bats, woodland birds, and ancient ground flora.

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Ancient Woodland: Present in several valleys and estate woodlands; irreplaceable under the BNG framework.

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Scrub and Early Successional Woodland: Valuable on the fringes of agricultural and development sites.

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Grassland Habitats

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Species-Rich and Neutral Grassland: Found in floodplains and unimproved pastures; important for pollinators and wildflowers.

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Modified Grassland: Widespread in grazed landscapes and urban fringes; suitable for enhancement through wildflower planting and relaxed management.

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Floodplain and Wet Grassland: Occurs along the River Culm and other low-lying areas.

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Wetland and Watercourse Habitats

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Rivers and Streams: The Exe, Culm, and Creedy support otters, aquatic invertebrates, and serve as critical biodiversity corridors.

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Ponds and Wet Ditches: Frequent in lowland farmland; provide habitat for amphibians and insects.

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Wet Woodland: Found in poorly drained river valleys and alongside tributaries.

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Cropland and Farmland Habitats

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Arable Land: Common throughout the district; BNG opportunities include field margins, beetle banks, and pollen-rich cover crops.

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Temporary Grassland and Rotational Leys: Provide seasonal biodiversity value with appropriate management.

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Hedgerows and Linear Features

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Species-Rich Hedgerows: A key feature of the Devon countryside; essential for bats, birds, and invertebrates.

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Devon Banks and Ditches: Distinctive landscape elements offering biodiversity and connectivity.