Chalksole Farm Wins Prestigious CIEEM Best Practice Award

13th November 2026

CIEEM 2026 Best Practice Award for Chalksole Farm Habitat Bank photographed in a wildflower meadow

We're delighted to announce that Chalksole Farm Habitat Bank in Kent has won a Best Practice Award at the 2026 Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Awards.

The project received the award for Best Practice Large-Scale Project Design for Mitigation, Compensation and Enhancement, recognising the approach taken to creating and managing a substantial new habitat bank that supports biodiversity while helping developers meet their Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.

The award was presented at the CIEEM Awards ceremony in London on 4 November 2026, bringing national recognition to a project that has been several years in the making.

A Major Achievement for Chalksole Farm

Located within the Kent Downs National Landscape, Chalksole Farm is a habitat bank managed by Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions.

The project is transforming former agricultural land into a diverse mix of habitats designed to support wildlife and improve ecological connections across the surrounding countryside.

Habitat creation includes:

  • New broadleaved woodland and mixed scrub
  • Neutral and calcareous grassland, including wildflower meadows
  • Species-rich hedgerows and individual trees
  • New ponds and wetland habitats
  • Wildlife corridors connecting existing habitats and nearby ancient woodland

Together, these habitats will provide valuable opportunities for wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bats and other species that depend on healthy, connected habitats.

Chalksole Farm also provides off-site BNG units for developers, supporting development projects that need to meet mandatory biodiversity requirements.

Recognition for a Collaborative Project

The award recognises the approach taken to designing and delivering ecological improvements on a large scale.

Chalksole Farm has been developed through collaboration between Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions and ecological specialists Biodiverse Consulting.

The award-winning project was entered under Biodiverse Consulting, while Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions is responsible for establishing and managing the habitat bank.

Representatives celebrating the Chalksole Farm Habitat Bank award at the 2026 CIEEM Awards

Chalksole Farm was also shortlisted for the CIEEM Best Practice Large-Scale Practical Nature Conservation Award, making its recognition particularly encouraging.

We're grateful to everyone who has contributed their knowledge, experience and practical support to the project.

Creating Lasting Benefits for Biodiversity

Winning the award is an important milestone, but the work at Chalksole Farm extends well beyond the initial habitat creation.

The site has been established with a long-term management and monitoring commitment, helping ensure that the new habitats develop successfully and continue providing environmental benefits for decades to come.

For Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions, the award is recognition of the considerable planning, investment and practical work involved in establishing a habitat bank.

We're proud to see Chalksole Farm recognised by CIEEM and look forward to continuing its development as a valuable habitat for wildlife in Kent.

Find Out More About Chalksole Farm

Chalksole Farm offers off-site Biodiversity Net Gain units across a range of habitat types, with units available for developers requiring BNG provision.

Explore our Chalksole Farm Habitat Bank or view our available BNG units and pricing.

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