Harold’s Park Wildland

Harold’s Park, which sits within the Green Belt, has a rich history dating back to the 11^th century when Anglo-Saxon King Harold II used the grounds for hunting deer and wild boar. In more recent times it became an arable farm and equestrian centre. 

The largely degraded landscape has heaps of potential. There are hotspots of life including ancient woodland, a scattering of smaller fields and a selection of unkept hedges, all of which give us a great start to re-establishing natural processes.

Nattergal will be returning the land to wood pasture, reminiscent of the ancient deer parks from 1000 years ago. Crucial biodiversity hotspots and seed sources include two areas of wonderful ancient woodland and a series of ponds. Alongside ancient oak pollards and hornbeam coppice, there’s plenty of deadwood and open-grown veteran trees.

Kick-starting rewilding

The project aims to restart traditional hornbeam coppice rotation to replicate the actions of beavers. Breaking land drains will help to restore hydrological function, kickstarting nature recovery. The next step will be to introduce the ecosystem drivers – ancient breed pigs, cattle and wild ponies.

Nature-based enterprises

Harold’s Park Wildland will generate income from the sale of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units and corporate sponsorship, and will support nature based tourism and recreation.