Natural Vegetation Classification and priority habitat survey for a private Hampshire estate

A Natural Vegetation Classification and priority habitat survey at a historic country house estate in Hampshire, identifying areas of Lowland Meadow priority habitat and informing future land management and design decisions.

The project

The project involved land surrounding a country House in Hampshire, a partially derelict historic property set within an eighteenth-century landscaped park near West Meon. The site included former lawns, parkland grassland, woodland, scrub, hedgerows and areas associated with the River Meon. Proposed future works and land management activities required a detailed understanding of the habitats present, particularly given the age of the landscape and its potential ecological value.

Our role

Wessex Ecology was commissioned to do a National Vegetation Classification survey and priority habitat assessment across the land immediately surrounding the house. This included detailed habitat mapping, quadrat surveys, vegetation analysis and condition assessments, allowing habitats to be classified accurately and assessed against national priority habitat criteria. The survey was carried out in line with recognised best practice and current guidance.

Outcome

The survey identified areas of species-rich grassland qualifying as Lowland Meadow priority habitat, alongside a wider mosaic of grassland, woodland, scrub and riparian habitats. The findings provided a robust ecological baseline, clearly identifying habitats of higher ecological value and areas of lower sensitivity. This information will be used to inform future proposals and land management decisions, ensuring that priority habitats are protected and that any change to the site can be planned in a sensitive and proportionate way.

Key facts

Location: West Meon, Hampshire

Sector: Rural development

Site type: Historic country house estate and parkland

Services provided: National Vegetation Classification survey, priority habitat assessment, habitat condition assessment