Somerset developer becomes first commercial investor in major nature restoration project
SOMERSET, UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 20, 2026 / South West developer Summerfield has become the first commercial investor in a 120-acre nature restoration project at Wrangcombe Farm, near the Wellington Monument, funding improvements to native wildflower grasslands as part of a wider programme of biodiversity recovery.
Working with naturethrive, Summerfield is funding the restoration of two areas of previously improved grassland, covering 2.27 hectares, to significantly increase the diversity and abundance of native wildflowers and deliver measurable improvements in biodiversity as part of its approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
Under current planning legislation, many new developments are required to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity compared with the site's pre-development condition.
Summerfield is investing in locally generated BNG units through naturethrive, helping it meet those obligations while supporting habitat restoration and enhancement within Somerset.
As well as investing in the restoration work, Summerfield plans to offer staff opportunities to volunteer on the site and learn more about the project as it develops.
The wider 120-acre site includes rare mire habitat, steep-sided wooded stream valleys known locally as “goyles”, heathland, ponds and areas rich in orchids. Public access is restricted to help protect sensitive habitats and ground-nesting birds.
James Holyday, Group Managing Director at Summerfield, said: “We are committed to operating in greener ways, from increasing our use of renewable energy to protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
“Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain effectively can be complex, particularly when it comes to securing long-term habitat management, so we are delighted to be working with naturethrive on a local restoration project where we can see the environmental benefits being delivered and maintained.
“It is particularly positive to be able to invest in a scheme close to home which will restore and enhance habitats while supporting our wider environmental responsibilities.”
Jonathan Withey, Director and Co-founder of naturethrive, said: “We really appreciate Summerfield’s commitment as our first commercial investor. Their support means we can move ahead with preparing and re-seeding the grassland and begin the long-term process of restoring these areas for wildlife.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the biodiversity benefits develop over the coming years.”
To mark the partnership, representatives from Summerfield and naturethrive planted an oak sapling on the site. The sapling was relocated from an area of heathland where it had been struggling to establish, to an area of grassland close to a planned pond.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, please contact:
Karen Morledge karen@morledgeandco.com / 07717 756644
Vicky Banham vicky@morledgeandco.com / 07540 495441
Images and video
High-resolution photographs and a short aerial video are available to view and download for editorial use via the Summerfield Wrangcombe Farm media assets folder.
Image 1: From left: Jonathan Withey, Director and Co-founder of naturethrive; Neal Jillings, Divisional Director, Strategic Land & Planning at Summerfield; and James Holyday, Group Managing Director at Summerfield, at Wrangcombe Farm near Wellington. Credit: Summerfield.
Image 2: Neal Jillings, Divisional Director, Strategic Land & Planning at Summerfield, and James Holyday, Group Managing Director at Summerfield, planting an oak sapling to mark Summerfield's new partnership with naturethrive. Credit: Summerfield.
Video: Short aerial footage (11 seconds) of the 120-acre nature recovery site at Wrangcombe Farm, near Wellington, showing the scale and setting of the project. Credit: naturethrive.
About Summerfield
Summerfield is a long-established, multi-award-winning business based in Taunton, Somerset, and has been developing property for over 200 years. The traditional family-owned building firm was founded in 1823 and has since become a trusted name in both residential and commercial development across the South West. From thoughtfully designed homes to high-quality workspaces, Summerfield creates characterful places with sympathetic styling and timeless craftsmanship.
Summerfield Homes, established in 2007, has built over 2,000 homes, with developments ranging from 10 to 300 properties. These developments combine sustainable construction with modern living, while offering some of the best locations across the South West. Every development is thoughtfully planned, and each home is tailored to complement its surroundings and bring communities together.
Summerfield Commercial has developed over 4 million sq ft of workspace throughout the South West, with well-known developments such as Blackbrook in Taunton and Westpark in Wellington. The company provides leasehold and freehold design-and-build options and flexible rental arrangements, with a diverse portfolio of more than 160 tenants.
With values aligned to supporting both the community and the environment, Summerfield has contributed over £6.1 million to charitable causes and local community projects and has planted 1.1 million trees to help offset developments and enhance ecosystems in the South West.
About naturethrive
naturethrive works with landowners, developers and businesses to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain and nature restoration projects. Its work focuses on creating and enhancing habitats, supporting long-term biodiversity recovery and helping organisations invest in measurable environmental improvements.
Contacts
Karen Morledge
karen@morledgeandco.comMorledge & Co.
Phone: 07717 756644 Mobile: 07717 756644
www.morledgeandco.com