Benefits

Farming is becoming increasingly challenging in the UK. Climate change is affecting crop yields, while unstable markets and shifting policies are squeezing profit margins.

At the same time, nature is in crisis. We need to address both challenges urgently.

That’s why CCGC is supporting food production and nature recovery across entire landscapes. We’re restoring existing habitats and reconnecting them so that wildlife can thrive. In doing so, we’re generating sustainable income for farms through carbon and biodiversity credits.

Habitat creation and maintenance will involve low-intensity management practices such as rotational grazing, hay cutting, and coppicing, which can be coordinated at scale through shared resources. CCGC will provide new opportunities for farmers to diversify their income by sequestering carbon, expanding farm tourism, and supporting sustainable food production.

Specialist advice will be provided to project farms, helping them reduce carbon emissions, cut costs, and improve soil health—building long-term resilience for both farming and nature.

Many species in the area are threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and climate change. CCGC is targeting the recovery of species such as the hazel dormouse, turtle dove and nightingale – all of which are dependent on increasingly rare, semi-natural habitats.

The hazel dormouse has experienced dramatic declines in the UK and is now at risk of extinction. Hazel dormice will not leave the safety of trees to cross large, open spaces, so linking new habitat corridors will allow for easier movement between foraging, breeding and hibernation sites. This in turn, will benefit other more common species, such as woodland birds, invertebrates and reptiles.

High deer numbers are a major barrier to a healthy habitat. They eat young plants like tree saplings, trample woodland and strip away surface vegetation. This damages woodland structure, making it harder for wildlife such as ground and scrub nesting birds to breed and survive. Reducing deer pressure will also help protect rare ancient woodland flora such as oxlip and crested cow wheat.

The shift from conventional arable farming to sustainable and regenerative practices will reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, improving water quality. These practices will also enhance soil quality through increased cover, reduced tillage and incorporation of livestock. Adopting these approaches, and funding them with public and private sector support, is crucial for supporting soil health across the large arable areas of our landscape.

Well-managed woodlands will be more resistant to pests and tree diseases, which are on the increase as the climate heats up. They will also be more resistant to fires due to shading, diverse flora and moisture retention, while well-maintained hedgerows, ditches and field buffers will help slow the spread of fires in crops and grasslands.

Woodlands will be established to better connect existing ancient woods and will help sequester carbon and help mitigate air pollution. More woodland and green spaces will increase the climate resilience of surrounding communities, reducing the impacts of extreme heat and improving flood protection.

Creating new habitats – especially along the River Stour and its tributaries – alongside improved soil health and water infiltration, will improve natural groundwater recharge, slow runoff, and help regulate water flow. These improvements will reduce flooding and drought impact, whilst sustaining existing floodplain grasslands.

Improving nature connectedness is a key focus of the project. CCGC will engage local communities, including those who may have limited access to the countryside. Through inclusive activities and improvements to existing public rights of way such as signage and accessibility, local residents and visitors to the area can learn about farming and nature, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits that getting out and about in the countryside can provide.

The project will also create local jobs and volunteering opportunities, enabling people to connect with nature while supporting the community. Careers in conservation, habitat management and education will help ensure that future generations have sustainable opportunities and knowledge tied to the land.