Fallows are the exclusive agents for the Chilgrove Farm nitrate mitigation scheme. This is a complex subject, and we hope to briefly explain the process below.
Every new home, will create an additional nitrate load that will eventually find it's way into the Solent. There is a proven scientific link between nitrates and harm being caused to protected inter tidal habitats in the Solent. As a consequence, it is a legal requirement to mitigate the increased nitrogen load, by securing a nitrate reduction elsewhere.
Chilgrove Farm occupies a unique position between the Kingley Vale Nature Reserve and the West Dean woodlands. Kingley Vale is one of the oldest and finest yew tree forests in Western Europe, supporting incredibly rare butterflies and chalk downland. West Dean woodlands, and its close association with the singleton and cocking tunnels, supports some of Europe's rarest bats. The nitrate mitigation scheme at Chilgrove Farm is providing an opportunity to connect these two rare and celebrated habitats by ceasing agricultural activities on once farmland and instead restoring chalk grassland, shrub and woodland that will complement and support these rare and endangered habitats and wildlife. By withdrawing from farming activities, the farm no-longer needs to apply nitrogen to the land. That nitrogen saving will benefit the Solent, in particular, Chichester Harbour, and part of that saving can be used to offset the increased nitrogen load associated with new development.
The process and calculations for this has been pre-determined and agreed with Natural England and the local planning authorities which is documented in an overarching s106 agreement.
So if developing a new home in the Chichester Area, the developer will be required to produce calculations (showing the quantity of nitrogen that development will produce) and a strategy for how they will reduce nitrates elsewhere. Chilgrove Farm can assist with the second aspect and Fallows can provide the developer with a nitrate mitigation strategy, confirming whether Chilgrove Farm is suitable for that development, and confirmation that sufficient credits are available.
To find out more, please make contact with Andrew Thomas on 01243 256680 or email office@fallows.co.uk
