From its origins as a joinery business in Belper in 1867, Wheeldon Brothers has been building homes and communities across Derbyshire and the East Midlands for more than 155 years.
new developments
BNG units allocated or reserved
distinct habitat types (grass, scrub, woodland);
years of gold standard biodiversity improvement
Wheeldon has worked with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for many years, and that established relationship has provided a strong foundation as Biodiversity Net Gain has become part of the planning process.
For Wheeldon, choosing a BNG partner was about finding an organisation it could trust to understand its requirements and work alongside its team as development opportunities come forward.
Wheeldon has worked with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for many years, and that established relationship has provided a strong foundation as Biodiversity Net Gain has become part of the planning process.
For Wheeldon, choosing a BNG partner was about finding an organisation it could trust to understand its requirements and work alongside its team as development opportunities come forward.
Developers need BNG partners who understand the practical realities of development and planning, but who also have the ecological expertise and long-term commitment needed to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes.
Through Wild BNG, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust provides developers with access to registered BNG units, expert ecological knowledge and ongoing support, helping make the process as straightforward as possible while ensuring investment delivers genuine benefits for nature.
For Wheeldon, having a trusted partner they can talk to as projects develop has proved invaluable.
“It’s working brilliantly for us.” says James.
Common Farm
BNG in action
The 34-hectare site near Nether Heage, in Amber Valley, was previously used for agriculture. The site is being transformed into a mosaic of wildlife-rich habitats, including grassland, scrub and woodland, with water retained on site wherever possible.
The habitat delivery is secured through a Section 106 agreement with Amber Valley Borough Council, providing a long-term framework for the biodiversity outcomes being delivered at the site.
Wheeldon has purchased multiple grass, scrub and woodland BNG units from Common Farm to support its various developments, helping meet its biodiversity requirements while contributing to the creation of a new space for nature and local communities in Derbyshire.
For Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Wild BNG is about more than simply providing units to satisfy a planning condition.
It is an opportunity to create new, high-quality places for nature and to make sure that development can contribute to wider nature recovery.
Common Farm will provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife, while also delivering wider benefits such as carbon storage, water retention and improved water quality. The site is designed with people in mind too, creating an accessible natural hub for the local community.
The biodiversity outcomes are secured for the long term, with Wild BNG sites managed in perpetuity for nature, going beyond the minimum 30-year requirement.
For Wheeldon Brothers, the exciting part is seeing the investment translate into a real place that will grow and mature over time.
“It will be exciting to see the farm develop over the coming period and, more importantly, grow and mature into a great reserve that will be able to put something back to the community in the locality here. We’ll look forward to seeing nature thrive.”
That sense of long-term legacy fits naturally with both organisations.
Wheeldon has been creating homes in Derbyshire for generations. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been protecting and restoring the county's wildlife and wild places for more than 60 years. Though Wild BNG, Wild Solutions brings these strengths together: development expertise and conservation expertise, working in partnership to create better places for people and nature.
We work alongside developers and their consultants, providing practical support as projects progress.
With Wild BNG, meeting your Biodiversity Net Gain requirements can also be an investment in the future of Derbyshire's wildlife, landscapes and communities.
With Wild BNG, meeting your Biodiversity Net Gain requirements can also be an investment in the future of Derbyshire's wildlife, landscapes and communities.
