What is BNG? In an era where environmental and social impacts are paramount in shaping a sustainable future, the emphasis on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has never been more critical! BNG is an innovative environmental policy framework that mandates any…
Shropham, Norfolk
A landscape in transition, restoring nature while redefining sustainable land use.
On the edge of Breckland in southwest Norfolk, Manor Farm is a 700-acre estate within the village of Shropham where the story of recovery is already unfolding. Once shaped by intensive irrigated agriculture, the land bore the marks of extraction: depleted soils, modified rivers, and declining biodiversity. Today, that trajectory is being reversed.
Across woodlands, grasslands, lakes, and river corridors, the estate is being carefully restored—reconnecting habitats, improving ecological condition, and building a landscape where nature and productive land use work together.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Manor Farm is being developed as a leading Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Estate, delivering measurable ecological uplift at scale.
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Regenerative Agriculture
Food production is being redefined through regenerative, organic principles.
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Property Development
The built environment at Manor Farm, its farmhouse, cottages, and agricultural buildings, forms an integral part of the Estate.
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Becoming a more balanced, resilient landscape.
Manor Farm is undergoing a long-term transition from intensive agriculture to a more balanced, resilient landscape. Following earlier stewardship schemes that reintroduced species-rich grasslands and reduced farming intensity, the estate now provides a strong foundation for large-scale ecological recovery.
Our vision is to accelerate this transformation, restoring natural processes, improving environmental condition, and integrating sustainable land uses that support both nature and people.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Across the Estate, habitats will be enhanced and diversified—transforming arable land into species-rich grasslands, scrub, wetlands, and wood pasture. Restoration along the River Thet reconnects the watercourse to its historic floodplain, improving ecological function and creating new habitat.
This work will deliver over 1,000 biodiversity units across more than 600 acres, secured through long-term conservation agreements and reinvested into ongoing nature recovery.
Regenerative Agriculture
We are transitioning away from intensive systems towards low-input, nature-aligned agriculture, introducing conservation grazing and working with local partners to produce high-quality food while enhancing biodiversity.
This approach supports soil recovery, increases ecological resilience, and ensures that productive land contributes positively to the wider landscape.
Property Development
We are committed to maintaining and improving these assets, ensuring they are energy efficient, well managed, and aligned with the wider environmental vision. At the same time, we will sensitively explore opportunities for new homes and building conversions, creating places for people to live and work within a restored landscape.
Together, this creates a model where conservation, agriculture, and rural living coexist and reinforce one another.
Explore our interactive landscape vision map for the Estate.
Bringing the landscape back to life. Where river, meadow, and woodland are recovering together.
The Estate already supports a wide range of habitats and species, with over 1,600 species recorded and significant opportunities for further ecological uplift through habitat creation and restoration. These outcomes reflect a long-term commitment to restoring natural capital—improving ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and delivering measurable environmental and social impact.
Through these efforts, we aim to achieve a range of objectives—including clean water, carbon storage, spaces for wildlife, community homes, nature engagement, education and learning, green jobs, regenerative agriculture, and clean energy—that collectively contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The figures to the right represent the long-term impact we aim to deliver through restoration—measured over the lifetime of the Estate.
1,000 BNG Units
generated through habitat improvements
12 km
of watercourses restored
4.6 jobs
supported across the Estate
Articles from across the Estate
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As we close the book on 2024, we’re not just reflecting on a year; we’re celebrating an expedition. It’s been a year of audacious ambitions, groundbreaking progress, and so many learnings that only come with challenging the status quo. At…
Meet your Estate Manager
As Manor Farm Estate Manager, Ashlee is responsible for overseeing various elements of the Estate, including property management and the implementation of complex environmental schemes. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sustainable land management, she plays a vital role in ensuring the Estate operates efficiently while preserving its natural beauty.
Email Ashlee