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Green light for 479 homes at Top Farm, Nuneaton

December 10, 2024/in Latest news

A joint venture has marked another major milestone with the approval for more than 470 new homes at its flagship development in Nuneaton.

Plans for the next 479 new homes at the 1,700 home Top Farm development in Weddington, Nuneaton, have been given the go-ahead by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council marking another significant milestone for Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council.

120 of these properties will be available as affordable homes through Platform, one of the largest housing associations in the region, with a further 135 designated for the private rental sector and 124 for the open market. The detailed planning consent also gives the green light for development of a park, a BMX track, a habitat pond, four balancing ponds and footpaths linking to other developments.

Work on the first 51 family homes started over the summer and included infrastructure work to create a northern link road tying together the surrounding communities. This will provide access to the 479 properties as well as the new 11-16 secondary school at the site. The school, currently under construction, will support 900 pupils and will be completed by the Department for Education in September 2025.

Top Farm is the largest of the Develop Warwickshire sites with its fully mixed-tenure community planned to include more than 1700 two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses and bungalow homes with a primary and secondary school, a local centre, extensive public open space and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads.

Each home is being constructed using modern methods of construction, incorporating features such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. Additionally, the development will include energy-efficient design elements, sustainable urban drainage systems and beautifully landscaped green open space to promote biodiversity.

Phil McHugh, Vistry Group’s Managing Director for North West Midlands, said: “We are excited to get planning approval for the next phase of much-needed homes at Top Farm. Getting the green light to build a further 479 family homes marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering over 2,000 high-quality, affordable homes that enhance communities and meet the diverse housing needs in Warwickshire.”

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of WPDG, said: “Develop Warwickshire continues to make impressive progress and the approval of the next 479 sustainable homes at Top Farm marks a pivotal step in the joint venture’s ambitious plans. This latest announcement sees the partnership continue its work to create a thriving new community in Nuneaton and deliver vital homes for Warwickshire.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “This marks another significant milestone for the Top Farm development and the Develop Warwickshire partnership. Through Develop Warwickshire we will create sustainable, high-quality, and affordable new homes, supporting our vision of building healthy and safe communities in which people feel proud to live.”

Develop Warwickshire has committed £2.5 billion to create much-needed new homes and job opportunities for local residents. The partnership’s dedication to sustainable development aligns with local authority criteria and aims to enhance the quality of life for Warwickshire residents.

Transforming a former school into a thriving new community

December 3, 2024/in Latest news

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and its partner Seddon Construction Limited are preparing to start work on the redevelopment of the site of Manor Park Secondary School.

Following enabling works, including demolition of existing buildings and remediation of the site, work is set to begin on 53 new homes on the site in 2025.

Tony Bunney, Senior Development Manager, has been working on the scheme since joining the company in September 2023.

In this latest blog he talks about bringing forward the Manor Park scheme, planning permission and securing the right partner to deliver the development

Tony Bunney

The Manor Park development in Nuneaton is a milestone scheme for Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG).

It will be the first residential scheme that we have delivered outside of the Develop Warwickshire joint venture – which is already successfully delivering more than 1,700 homes at two other sites in Warwickshire.

The redevelopment of the site has a history which dates back to before WPDG was formed – Warwickshire County Council (WCC) having secured a resolution to grant planning consent in October 2019.

This original consent included for the delivery of an associated Extra Care scheme, which is still planned as part of phase two of the development by WCC. In order to progress with the delivery of the new homes within phase one, our consultants submitted a Section 73 application to vary the planning conditions.

This was granted in May 2024 and it has been full steam ahead over the last seven months.

I have over 30 years of development experience, with a focus primarily on housebuilding and very rarely during that time, have I come across a building occupied by guardians.

For those who aren’t aware, property guardians are people who are granted flexible living in a building and look after it, whilst it is unoccupied. The lead guardian at Manor Park was brilliant to deal with and bent over backwards to be as helpful as he could, having lived on the site for nearly ten years.

We pursued a robust procurement process to secure a partner with which to deliver the scheme.

WPDG is a modest sized entity and we were looking for a partner who understood what we were trying to achieve and the process of market sale housing delivery – for example the expertise in going to market and ensuring the house types respond to local market demand.

Following the tender process, Seddon emerged as our selected partner – they are an organisation that shares our values, understand the need for speed of delivery, without compromising on quality and is backed with long established housebuilding knowledge and contracting capabilities.

We are now targeting a start for construction in 2025, with the development set to be a mix of primarily two, three and four bedroom properties.

We’re looking to create homes that are in keeping with the immediate vicinity and exceed building regulations standards, in terms of energy efficiency.

When completed, they will be the first new homes to be sold directly under a Warwickshire Property & Development Group brand.

We aren’t stopping there though, as we are looking to progress other similar schemes on this basis and already have a number coming through the pipeline.

For our direct delivery residential projects, we are focusing on schemes of a scale between 20 and 70 dwellings, aiming to meet demand and enhance integrated communities across Warwickshire.

From left to right – Stuart Buckley (WPDG), Richard Sterling (Seddon), Tony Clark (Seddon), John Booth (Seddon), Cllr Peter Butlin and Tony Bunney (WPDG).

Develop Warwickshire Community enjoys strong first year

November 14, 2024/in Latest news

A community fund has supported 14 projects in North Warwickshire and Nuneaton in its first year.

Develop Warwickshire – a joint venture between Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), Vistry and Warwickshire County Council – launched the fund to support projects positively impacting the communities near its development sites.

Community groups and organisations are able to apply for up to £2,000 grant funding or in-kind support. The fund has awarded 14 grants since it launched in December 2023.

Aspire in Arts, a not-for-profit youth organisation based in Nuneaton, has benefited from the fund and received a £1,689 grant.

The organisation moved into its new town centre home last year and the grant has been used to part-fund new first floor restroom facilities.

Aspire in Arts supports more than 200 local people, runs five youth clubs per week and offers support to young people who aren’t in education or employment.

From left to right – Stuart Buckley (WPDG), Sam Smith (Aspire in Arts), Lewis Butlin (Aspire in Arts), Dave Pullin (Aspire in Arts), Amina Mamoojee (Aspire in Arts), Kirsty Lowrie (Aspire in Arts) and Paul Costiff (Vistry).

Kirsty Lowrie, Director at Aspire in Arts, said: “We are here to support young people in Nuneaton and to be there for people who need that support the most. We moved into our new building around a year ago, it’s a huge space and perfect for what we want to do.

“However, there has been a lot of work to do, much of that is ongoing, and funding from organisations like Develop Warwickshire is crucial to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Other groups to have been supported this year include Nuneaton Men and Women in Sheds, which used the funds to purchase a new router table for its workshop.

Warton Community Speed Watch, which promotes road safety in the community, has been able to purchase a speed gun through the fund, while Nuneaton North Scout Group has purchased new loft ladders and a hatch to enable access to their loft space.

White Hart Community Group has used funding to convert a woodwork workshop into a meeting room and Bedworth Ex Servicemen’s Bowling Club has been able to install new external wooden doors to prevent break-ins.

Props, costumes and programmes from a production of Beauty and the Beast at Weddington Primary School were funded through the scheme.

Volunteer group Baxterley in Bloom has installed a bench and bought a hydrostatic mower with support from the Develop Warwickshire Community Fund.

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property said: “The Develop Warwickshire Community Fund is a fantastic way to extend the work of the joint venture for the benefit of local people in North Warwickshire, Nuneaton, and Bedworth.

“Through Develop Warwickshire we are creating sustainable, high-quality, and affordable new homes that really enhance our county and the community fund is a valuable extension of this work making a difference to a range of projects and schemes that play an important role to local communities.”

Develop Warwickshire is currently delivering two residential schemes in Nuneaton and North Warwickshire, a 71-home scheme in Warton and a major 1,700 home development at Top Farm in Nuneaton.

The annual grant fund is comprised of £25,000 in cash and £25,000 work in-kind from the joint venture partners.

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of WPDG, said: “We launched the fund a year ago with the aim of leaving a positive lasting legacy on communities in North Warwickshire and Nuneaton.

“The take-up from local organisations has been fantastic and we have been able to support a wide variety of different projects and meaningful causes.

“It was great to visit Aspire in Arts and learn about the excellent and important work they are doing for the community in Nuneaton. They are a perfect example of the projects and organisations we are aiming to support through the fund.”

Paul Costiff, Development Director at Vistry, added: “It is vital to integrate new communities with those already established when creating new places to live in. This fund is one of the ways we can make a real difference to those living around our schemes and leave a lasting legacy in our communities.”

To find out more about the Develop Warwickshire Community Fund, visit www.developwarwickshire.com/community-fund-and-applications/

WPDG wins Newcomer of the Year

November 11, 2024/in Latest news

A Warwickshire-based property development group has landed major recognition for its contribution to unlocking investment in the county – just three years after forming.

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) has been named Newcomer of the Year at the Insider West Midlands Property Awards 2024 – after being formed by Warwickshire County Council to realise the full potential of the Council’s development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights across the county.

Judges hailed the Group’s work as a “blueprint for public sector innovation” and it was “an excellent example of a commercially-minded local authority taking the initiative”.

Since its launch, WPDG has grown into a multi-million-pound development business, with 250,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace in the pipeline that will deliver 1,000 to 10,000 sq ft units to support the growth and development of SMEs.

Alongside its extensive commercial development work, the business has a pipeline of 2,200 residential plots, which are being delivered directly and through a joint venture partnership model.

The Group’s most significant commercial achievement is a 42,200 sq ft scheme in Southam called Sucham Park, which in under two years has seen WPDG transform a redundant site without planning permission to practical completion for nine units to support local SME growth, creating around 100 jobs.

WPDG is also bringing forward up to 200,000 sq ft of similar space over the next couple of years, alongside delivering 2,200 new homes across the county through its residential developments.

Picture : Lorne Campbell / Guzelian
The Insider West Midlands Property Awards 2024 held at the Eastside Rooms , Birmingham.
PICTURE TAKEN ON THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2024

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director at WPDG, said: “This award win is testament to the team at WPDG and the collaborative work that has taken place between the team and our various partners to provide the infrastructure to meet demand – whether that is providing SMEs with the right facilities to grow, or delivering on much-needed new homes.

“What we have achieved at Sucham Park in a rapid space of time – and under budget – is no mean feat, and typifies the crucial role that we can play as an organisation in helping to support the growth of the local economy.

“We are currently building a further pipeline of developments that will meet the needs of businesses seeking units that are sub 20,000 sq ft – as well as residential plots too – as we continue to grow and maximise opportunities for the county.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, added: “The creation of WPDG was a major step forward for Warwickshire, and this award-winning and innovative partnership is key to our ambition to make the most of the county’s assets for the benefit of local people and local communities.

“Through WPDG the County Council delivers on its aim to make the county an attractive place to live and do business. This isn’t just about delivering about bricks and mortar, but about all the elements that make Warwickshire a thriving place to live, work and visit.”

Supporting the evolution of WPDG

October 24, 2024/in Latest news

Carol Drake-Lee, Office Manager, is a key member of the team at Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), supporting the company’s operations and making the business tick behind the scenes.

In this latest blog, Carol reflects on her three years at WPDG and her role in establishing operations, from office management and building a team to growing the company’s profile and marketing activity, while also looking ahead to the next stage of the company’s evolution.

Carol joined WPDG in 2021 and has a wealth of experience in marketing, sales, corporate hospitality, events, operations and office management in the property sector. She began her career at Rover Group, before moving into the property sector with two Warwickshire-based companies.

Carol Drake-Lee

When I saw the WPDG role advertised I knew immediately this was a company I would like to be a part of.

It was clear that WPDG was ambitious and somewhere that I could expect to make a positive impact and use all my skills.

The company has changed enormously since I joined three years ago. I’m very proud of the team that has been created and the achievements we have delivered in such a short time.

In 2021, we had a new team of three, an empty office in Warwick and a couple of desks. The foundations were there, and we set about building the business.

My time here has been incredibly rewarding and the role has entailed everything from sorting phone lines and creating a workspace for our staff, to establishing HR policies, aiding in the development of the business plan and creating marketing material to promote the company.

My career started at Rover Group in a fast-paced role in sales and marketing. I decided to take a different course after having children and started working part-time for an estate agent in Leamington, my first venture into the property sector. From there I was approached to become office manager for a rural property developer and that is where I really got into the development side and day-to-day operations of the business.

Working with the senior team and the board at WPDG I’ve been able to use many of these skills and experiences to help establish the business.

Much of my role is behind the scenes, however the WPDG branding, and website is something that is visible to external audiences.

It was important to develop a simple and professional branding that clearly identifies WPDG to its customers and partners. This links to all our marketing material and helps communicate WPDG’s strengths and values.

In developing the new website, I was keen it should be professional, and clean and simple, in order to stand out and compete with other companies in the sector. I am proud to say the new website is up and running and provides details about WPDG developments, our latest news, important links, and information on our team, all at the click of a button.

My role has evolved dramatically over the last three years. In a very short time, the company has gone from a handful of people working in an empty office, to a well-structured team winning awards for its work in the property sector. My role will evolve again as WPDG grows further.

The key ingredients to our success have been collaboration and the excellent team we have at WPDG. Everyone is willing to jump in and help regardless of the task. It’s an exciting time for all of us to be part of a truly ambitious company and I feel privileged to be part of the team

Development partner announced for Nuneaton scheme

October 9, 2024/in Latest news

A new partnership has been formed to deliver up to 58 new homes on the site of a former school in Nuneaton.

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) is partnering with Seddon Housing Partnerships to redevelop the site of Manor Park Secondary School which closed in 2010.

Seddon, which has been appointed as development partner following a formal tender process, is one of the UK’s largest privately owned and family managed contracting businesses.

WPDG and Seddon will be working in partnership to prepare a Reserved Matters planning application to submit to Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to enable construction work to begin on site.

Outline planning consent has already been granted and the development is set to comprise a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties, including seven dwellings for affordable housing.

Enabling works will include the demolition of existing buildings and remediation of the site, with work on the new homes expected to start early next year, pending the result of the Reserved Matters application.

WPDG was established by Warwickshire County Council in 2021 to realise the potential of its development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights in the most sustainable way possible.

From left to right – Stuart Buckley (WPDG), Richard Sterling (Seddon), Tony Clark (Seddon), John Booth (Seddon), Cllr Peter Butlin and Tony Bunney (WPDG).

Tony Bunney, Senior Development Manager at WPDG, said: “This scheme will sustainably redevelop a disused site near the town centre into a thriving new community and we are looking forward to working with Seddon to bring it forward.

“Alongside our scheme at Top Farm, this development will help to meet the housing demands in Nuneaton and provide high-quality, sustainable homes for people in the town.

“Activity will be getting underway on site over the coming weeks, with enabling works beginning as we continue to prepare the next stage of our planning application in partnership with Seddon.”

Seddon is headquartered in Bolton and has Midlands offices in Stoke and Birmingham.

Peter Jackson, Managing Director of Seddon Housing Partnerships and MEP/Renewable Energy, said: “We are honoured to be collaborating with WPDG to deliver this paramount project.

“Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results, ensuring that these houses exceed the expectations of the Nuneaton community.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “We are delighted to welcome on board Seddon Housing as our partner on this exciting new development on the former Manor Park school site.

“Through this work the County Council will continue to realise its ambition to unlock the potential in local sites and make the most of the county’s assets for the benefit of our people and communities.”

The new homes are the first phase of development on the site of the former Manor Park Secondary School, with outline planning consent also secured for an up to 65-unit Extra Care scheme.

John Edwards appointed Non-Executive Chair

October 2, 2024/in Latest news

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) has named a new Non-Executive Chair to drive the next stage in its growth.

John Edwards has been appointed as Chair of the board for WPDG – with previous Chair Ian Cox stepping down after three years in the role.

Edwards, who lives in Warwick, has extensive experience in urban and rural regeneration, economic development and property development.

He is the former Chief Executive of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and Chair of the NHS Dudley Group of Hospitals. His last position was Chair of Midland Heart, one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands, a role he held for nine-years until 2023.

WPDG was launched by Warwickshire County Council in 2021 to realise the full potential of the Council’s development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights across Warwickshire.

Edwards said: “I’m inheriting a business which is in a very good place and in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities across Warwickshire.

“The senior team here has great ideas on how to move the business forward and the board will work with the team to realise those plans.

“We have an excellent working partnership with Warwickshire County Council, we are delivering results for the Council and that relationship will be crucial as we move forward.

“Our focus remains on delivering economic value for the county while positively contributing to the lives of people that live and work in Warwickshire.

“We will continue to develop high-quality, sustainable homes across a variety of tenures, ensuring our work benefits all areas of the county and we will be exploring more opportunities in commercial development, with the aim of creating more projects like our successful scheme in Southam.”

John Edwards and outgoing chair Ian Cox

Outgoing Non-Executive Chair Ian Cox has overseen the launch and first three years of operations at WPDG.

The group has completed its first commercial scheme and has a pipeline of 250,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace. Its first homes are also now completed and the group has a residential pipeline of 2,200 homes being delivered directly and through its joint venture, Develop Warwickshire.

Cox added: “I’m proud of what we have achieved at WPDG over the last few years. We’ve had a strong start, however as the company continues to grow, we felt it was essential to bring someone on board with the next level of expertise.

“John brings the right skillset and mindset to carry us forward, while still retaining the company culture and collaborative ethos which has set strong foundations for WPDG’s sustainable future.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “I want to pass on my thanks to Ian for his valued contribution to WPDG and leading the board during its first chapter during which the business has achieved so much in such a short space of time.

“I’m delighted to welcome John whose track record and experience speaks for itself. John will be a great asset to the board as it continues to work closely with WPDG’s leadership team to deliver on its ambitious development programme.

“Through WPDG and the Develop Warwickshire joint venture we deliver on our aim to make the county an attractive place to live and do business. This isn’t just about delivering about bricks and mortar, but about all the elements that make Warwickshire a thriving place to live, work and visit.”

Develop Warwickshire welcomes first resident at Brookmill Meadows

August 29, 2024/in Latest news

Develop Warwickshire welcomes first resident at Brookmill Meadows in Warton, Warwickshire

The first Develop Warwickshire residents, Sam, his partner and two dogs, have moved into their home at Brookmill Meadows, a new development of 71 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and bungalows in Warton, Warwickshire.

Samuel Ward, who recently moved into a four-bedroom home in Brookmill Meadows from Leicester with his partner and their two dogs, said: “We chose Warton as I wanted to be closer to my parents and friends after living in Leicester. What drew us to this house was the size of the main bedroom as well as the windows. The ones in the kitchen are amazing – it’s gorgeous how much light they let in.”

The development prioritises affordable homes, with 40 percent designated as affordable housing, evenly split between shared ownership and affordable rent options. Sustainability is the core of the development with each home constructed using modern methods of construction and incorporates features such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

Michael Moore, Operations Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the first resident, Sam, to Brookmill Meadows. This joint venture is incredibly important in meeting the housing shortage in the area with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods.

“We’re excited to be a part of Develop Warwickshire and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable communities.”

Brookmill Meadows is the first scheme developed by Develop Warwickshire, a joint venture between Warwickshire Property and Development Group (WPDG), Warwickshire County Council and Vistry Group.

Develop Warwickshire has committed £2.5 billion to create much-needed new homes and job opportunities for local residents. The partnership’s dedication to sustainable development aligns with local authority criteria and aims to enhance the quality of life for Warwickshire residents.

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), said: “Less than two years ago we were still in the planning process for this scheme, so to now be welcoming our first resident shows how Develop Warwickshire can move quickly to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes.

“Samuel and his partner are not only the first residents at Brookmill Meadows, but the inaugural owners of any Develop Warwickshire home! We hope they will be very happy in Warton.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “We are extremely proud of the Develop Warwickshire partnership between Vistry, Warwickshire Property and Development Group and Warwickshire County Council.

“This development marks a significant milestone in our ambitious, long-term vision to create sustainable, high-quality, and affordable new homes that really enhance our county, and we hope that Sam and his family will make many wonderful memories in their new home at Brookmill Meadows.”

The joint venture is ground-breaking in its scale and longevity. Over the next 30 years, Develop Warwickshire will help bring sites forward for housing providing over 1,800 much needed new homes in Warwickshire.

Bike hire opens for business at The Stratford Greenway

August 21, 2024/in Latest news

A new bike hire business has recently opened on The Stratford Greenway.

Mercia Cycles began operating at the start of the summer holidays and is currently open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, providing a vast range of bikes and carts to visitors.

This includes mountain bikes, traditional bikes with baskets, sand tyre bikes, cargo bikes, hybrid bikes, and children’s bikes and karts. Advanced booking is not required.

The cycle hire is conveniently located at the Seven Meadows car park end of the Greenway, making it an ideal starting point for both cycling the length of the Greenway and exploring Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding villages by bike.

Visitors can also enjoy some refreshment at the two converted railway carriage cafés: Bobby’s Cafe, located next to Mercia Cycles, and Milcote Café, located by Milcote car park at the far end of the Greenway.

Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Culture at Warwickshire County Council, commented:

“It’s fantastic to see this vibrant new venture serving the visitors to The Stratford Greenway. Active travel is a key priority for Warwickshire County Council as it offers a range of important benefits such as lower costs, improved health outcomes and a variety of benefits for the environment over travel by car.

“Over the last five years, we have been investing heavily in our walking and cycling infrastructure and hope this new cycle hire facility at the Stratford Greenway will be a great opportunity for our residents and visitors to get on bikes and explore some of the many beautiful sights in the local area.”

A licence has been agreed for the cycle hire venture by Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM) on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages lettings on hundreds of Warwickshire County Council-owned properties.

Mandeep Padan, Asset Manager at WPM, said: “Mercia Cycles is already encouraging residents and visitors to get active, socialise and enjoy the Stratford Greenway, along with exploring other nearby cycle routes. Over the past year we have completed new leases for the railway carriage cafes at Stratford Greenway and the cycle hire will further enhance what is already a vibrant and thriving country park.”

Picture caption: Dale Huddlestone and one of his award-winning Hebridean sheep

Flock of Hebridean sheep extend stay at Ryton Pools Country Park

August 12, 2024/in Latest news

A flock of Hebridean sheep which have proved popular amongst families visiting a Warwickshire Country Park are helping to boost its biodiversity.

Shepherd Dale Huddlestone introduced his pedigree flock of sheep to land at Ryton Pools Country Park last year and after a successful trial year, the flock is set to remain until at least 2034.

He has signed a letting agreement extension with Warwickshire County Council, through its managing agent Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM).

Dale’s flock of Hebridean sheep (often referred to as ‘Hebs’ – Hardy Economical Black Sheep), has grown from 50 to 100 and have been grazing across two different fields which are a combined 35 acres of land at Ryton Pools.

Picture caption: Dale Huddlestone and one of his award-winning Hebridean sheep

The sheep are ideally positioned as winter conservation grazers and are playing a key role in enhancing biodiversity on the park’s hay meadow, with the aim of boosting the diversity of traditional flower species.

Hebrideans are lightweight and that means they won’t excessively trample ground, and as pasture grazers will eat many of the weed species.

The black sheep have proved popular with visitors to the park too, with families stopping to look at the flock.

They have also been successful in major county show competitions, winning breed male champion at the national show at Royal Lancashire and previously picking up winning rosettes at the Royal Three Counties, Staffordshire County and Royal Cheshire shows. Dale also went on to achieve overall breed champion at Moreton in Marsh with his ram Revel Clegane, who was grazed at Ryton Pools all of last year.

Dale Huddlestone said: “We’ve had a really successful start to this project at Ryton Pools and from a biodiversity standpoint we are seeing the benefits already.

“Hebridean sheep are popular for conservation grazing and ideal for carrying out the work required to support the conservation project.

“The Hebs have definitely been a hit with people visiting the park too and it has been great to see so many people interested in the flock. They stand out in the field and have added to the offer the park has to visitors.

“The flock is continuing to grow too, as we have had a positive year of breeding, we let some of the ewes lamb here this year, which has been successful with no human intervention other than the usual welfare checks”

“I’ve spent time with my family at the park over the years and it’s great to be able to have a positive impact on such an important space for the region.”

The project is aligned with the conservation and wildlife management strategy at Ryton Pools Country Park. The meadow has been under a Biodiversity Net Gain scheme since 2017.

Councillor Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate and Culture, said: “Dale Huddlestone’s flock of characterful Hebridean Sheep at Ryton Pools support rangers in their vital work promoting and protecting biodiversity. They have quickly become a valuable and much-loved part of our park, and I’m delighted the trial year has gone so well that we are now able to extend the arrangement.

“The sheep are part of one of multiple biodiversity projects taking place across Warwickshire County Council that bring us closer to our net zero targets as well as preserving our county’s natural beauty and wildlife.”

WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages lettings on hundreds of Warwickshire County Council-owned properties.

Dale Partridge, Head of Asset Management at WPDG, said: “Dale’s first trial year was a success and it is clear that his sheep are bringing significant benefits to the biodiversity project at Ryton Pools Country Park.

“We’re pleased to have secured a further lease which will enable Dale and his flock of sheep to continue their work on this important project over the next decade.”

Find out more about the sheep here https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/27/meet-the-sheep-at-ryton-pools-country-park-