Stonehouse Habitat Bank near Frocester is being created by Environment Bank, which is restoring habitats across the country to support native plants and wildlife.
These so-called Habitat Banks are created on parcels of low-grade agricultural land often using sustainable farming practices.
The Stonehouse site is being transformed into a mosaic of grassland, wetland and woodland to support native flora and fauna across gently sloping arable fields.
A public footpath crosses the site, which will allow the community to enjoy the area as habitats develop over the coming decades.
The Habitat Bank sits near key sites including the Woodchester Park SSSI, the Coaley Peak Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve and two local wildlife sites – the River Frome mainstream and tributaries and Buckholt and Stanley Woods.
Created under the so-called Biodiversity Net Gain initiative, the habitats will support species such as skylark, woodcock and greater and lesser horseshoe bats, while woodland planting will complement neighbouring ancient woodland.
The landowner’s cattle will also help manage grasslands sustainably, supporting their wider farm business.
Jessica Allsop, Environment Bank’s lead land manager for the project, said: “The site has been carefully placed to connect with local nature areas and complement the rolling Cotswolds landscape.
“I’m really excited to be working with Rob, the landowner on this site.
“They are incredibly passionate about enhancing the biodiversity on the site and preserving it for future generations. “Stonehouse Habitat Bank not only supports these environmental goals but also offers a valuable source of diversified income for the landowner.
“The site itself is steeply sloped, offering stunning views to the north and west and I can’t wait to see nature flourish across the landscape.
“BNG not only supports national biodiversity goals but also provides farmers and rural landowners with practical opportunities to diversify income, enhance the natural environment, and strengthen the long-term resilience of their businesses.
“In England alone, the market is estimated to generate over £450 million in annual economic value, support nearly 4,500 jobs, and enable the restoration of more than 17,000 acres of land each year – delivering tangible environmental and economic outcomes.”
The area is is one of more than 40 BNG sites in Environment Bank’s national network, created and managed by its team of ecologists in partnership with rural landowners which covers more than 2,750 acres of land in total.