The Pent BNG offset site
Local Planning Authority (LPA): Folkestone and Hythe
National Character Area (NCA): North Downs
OS grid ref: TR 13997 39360
Postcode: CT21 4EY
What3words: ///bends.snuggled.exchanges
Habitat units available
A total of 8.19 area habitat and 1.44 hedgerow units are available from the following habitat types:
Grassland
Other neutral grassland (Medium distinctiveness) - 4.30
Heathland and Shrub
Mixed scrub (Medium distinctiveness) - 0.75
Woodland
Other woodland; broadleaved (Medium distinctiveness) - 3.13
Hedgerow
Native hedgerow with trees (Medium distinctiveness) - 1.44
Site description
The Pent is a 2.14 ha site located approximately 4.8 km north of Hythe and 2.4 km southwest of Lyminge. It consists of a species-poor modified grassland field bordered by hedgerows. The site lies about 140 m south of the Postling Down Local Wildlife Site, which is designated because it comprises unimproved and semi-improved lowland calcareous grassland, with 26 chalk grassland indicator species having been recorded.
The land at The Pent will be restored for nature, with species-rich grassland to be created at the northern end to help buffer the LWS, which will blend through a scrubby strip into a native broadleaved woodland at the southern end.
Being positioned on lime-rich loamy soils, the site has good potential to be naturally colonised by some of Postling Down's chalk grassland indicator species over time as the soil nutrient content and pH falls.
The woodland will act as an excellent 'stepping stone' for wildlife, and provides important habitat for breeding birds such as Great Spotted Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk.
Habitat Transitions
Site Photos
