The Land Trust continues to expand growing portfolio of green spaces with acquisition of two new SANGs

The Land Trust has continued to expand its growing portfolio of green spaces after completing the transfer of two new SANG. (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces).

The Trust has taken on Weyburn Meadows and Little Heath Meadow, with both sites located in Surrey.

Weyburn Meadows is a tranquil rural site bordering the River Wey that has open wet grassland in the north and semi-improved grassland in the south. Hedgerows, treelines and woodland add to its diverse character and circular walking routes and a boardwalk enable enjoyable access all year round.

Little Heath Meadow is an open meadow adjoining the oak and birch woodland of Little Heath Common and includes hedgerows, scattered trees, ditches and a pond. It is a great place for a peaceful short walk or a longer circular walk extending into the surrounding countryside.

Land Trust Chef Executive, Euan Hall, said:

“It’s always very pleasing to bring new sites under management, but even more so during these particularly challenging times, and these latest acquisitions prove that the Land Trust is still very much open for business.

“The value of the work we are doing has never been more evident with thousands of people across the country using the Land Trust spaces for their daily exercise during this very difficult time for everyone. Our new additions are two fantastic green spaces and we are very much looking forward to delivering a wealth of charitable output and making a positive difference to the lives of the local people.

“Additionally our management of these SANGs has provided the commitment to allow over 100 new homes to be built.”

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) is the name given to greenspace that is of a quality and type suitable for use as mitigation to offset the impact of new residential development on European protected Natura 2000 sites; Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The purpose of SANG is to provide an alternative greenspace to attract residents of new developments away from the protected and vulnerable sites.

Historically SANGs were transferred to local authorities to manage, however it is becoming increasingly common for developers to set up their own SANG sites and for these to be managed by organisations such as the Land Trust.

As well as Weyburn Meadows and Little Heath Meadow, the Trust also owns SANG at Ash Green Meadows, Eashing Fields and Wellesley Woodlands. At 110 hectares Wellesley is the largest SANG in the country.

Hall added:

“Through our work at Wellesley Woodlands and other SANG within our management portfolio and pipeline, we have been able to gain significant experience and we are able to share our knowledge with clients to ensure the design and management proposals are cost effective and fit for purpose.

“We are one of the biggest managers of SANG in the country and we pride ourselves on working with the people who live around our sites to understand how they wish the open space to be managed and developing and supporting healthy, resilient and successful communities.”