Nature first at new development in Hailsham

Leading house-builder Bryant Homes is implementing the findings of a Wildlife Protection Plan to care for a variety of native animal species during the construction of The Grange, a new development at Welbury and Woodholm Farms in Hailsham.

Under the Plan, great crested newts, slow-worms and grass snakes found at the site will be carefully collected and rehomed behind special fencing to ensure they can continue to enjoy a secure marshland and grassland habitat.

Ecologists have also been on the lookout for badgers, bats and nesting birds, and while none was found, surveys of the area will continue while the homes are being built.

Clare Rooke, Sales Manager for Bryant Homes, says: “The survey was commissioned by us and carried out by environmental experts RSK Carter Ecological, who recommended a series of measures for us to mitigate our impact on the habitats of great crested newts, slow-worms and grass snakes found at the site.

“These measures have fitted very well with our plans to preserve ponds, trees, hedgerows and grassland areas close to the development, which are an outstanding feature of this semi-rural location.

“In the areas of construction, we are carefully collecting invertebrates and rehoming them behind the special fencing, and we are training construction staff to continually monitor for these and other species which might choose to live in such a nice area.”

Work on the first phase properties will begin soon, after the rehoming programme has been completed.

The Grange is located off Hempstead Lane, Hailsham, less than a mile from the historic town centre and on the edge of the undulating chalk countryside of the South Downs and the wooded hills of the southern Forest Ridge.

Ancient woodland runs adjacent to the site, and the Cuckoo Trail, the former route of the dismantled branch railway line.

Three and four-bedroom homes are now available to purchase off-plan, priced between £234,995 and £289,995.

Further information about The Grange is available from Fox & Sons Estate Agents at 37 Vicarage Field, Hailsham, or online at Bryant.co.uk .