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…
Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
A 968-acre estate shaped by granite tors, open moorland, and a rich mosaic of pasture and woodland.
Set on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor near Common Moor, Siblyback is located within the Cornwall National Landscape, it sits in a region defined by its natural beauty, ecological importance, and deep connection to cultural heritage.
While the landscape is striking, it carries the legacy of intensive grazing—leaving soils depleted, habitats simplified, and ecological processes disrupted. Today, Siblyback presents a rare opportunity: to restore a landscape at scale, reconnect habitats, and re-establish the natural systems that once defined this part of Cornwall.
Temperate Rainforest Restoration
At the heart of our vision is the creation of one of Cornwall’s largest temperate rainforest restoration projects.
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
A leading Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) estate—restoring ecological complexity across the wider landscape.
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Property Development
The built environment at Siblyback plays a key role in supporting the Estate’s long-term future.
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One of the most ambitious nature recovery projects in the South West.
Siblyback is where large-scale habitat restoration, natural capital growth, and sensitive land use come together.
Our approach is rooted in restoring natural processes across the Estate: reducing grazing pressure, reconnecting fragmented habitats, and allowing the land to evolve into a more complex, resilient mosaic of ecosystems.
Temperate Rainforest Restoration
Siblyback lies within an Atlantic rainforest zone—one of the UK’s rarest and most ecologically important habitats. Through large-scale native woodland creation, we will restore hundreds of acres of rainforest, reintroducing species such as oak, birch, hazel, and rowan to rebuild a rich, layered woodland ecosystem.
Over time, this will create a resilient canopy that supports a wide range of species, enhances carbon sequestration, and reconnects fragmented woodland across the wider landscape—positioning Siblyback as a flagship rainforest recovery project in the UK.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Alongside woodland creation, Siblyback is being developed as a leading Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) estate—restoring ecological complexity across the wider landscape.
Through conservation grazing and targeted habitat interventions, we are creating a dynamic mosaic of heathland, species-rich grassland, scrub, wetlands, and riparian habitats. This approach restores the structural diversity that supports pollinators, birds, and mammals, while improving soil health and water retention.
By delivering over 1,000 biodiversity units across the Estate, this work provides long-term, measurable gains for nature—while generating revenue that is reinvested into continued restoration.
Property Development
The principal farmhouse has been carefully renovated and returned to residential use, supporting the local housing market and ensuring the Estate remains a lived-in landscape. Across the wider Estate, traditional barns and agricultural buildings present opportunities for sensitive redevelopment—bringing underutilised assets back into productive use.
Through considered property stewardship, we are creating a model where conservation, community, and rural livelihoods are intrinsically linked.
Explore our interactive landscape vision map for the Estate.
Together, these outcomes reflect a landscape-scale approach to recovery.
Siblyback is in the early stages of a long-term transformation, with a detailed baseline now in place to guide restoration and track progress over time.
The Estate already supports a rich diversity of habitats—including heathland, rush pasture, headwater streams, and woodland—and over 200 species recorded, reflecting its ecological potential. With restoration underway, Siblyback is being shaped into a more connected, resilient landscape that delivers lasting environmental and social value.
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
through habitat restoration
6 km
of watercourses restored
4 jobs
supported across the Estate
Articles from across the Estate
Meet your Estate Manager
Will Lister is the Estate Manager at Siblyback Estate, leading efforts to enhance biodiversity, build climate resilience, and unlock Natural Capital value. He works closely with partners, stakeholders and the local community to ensure that environmental and economic goals are achieved in harmony.
Email Will