The application supports the next phase of work at Honeygar: the sensitive conversion and redevelopment of existing farm buildings to create a nationally significant, world-leading research and teaching facility focused on lowland peatland restoration. The proposals are designed to support research, learning and collaboration that will help address urgent challenges including climate change, water quality, flood risk, food security and biodiversity loss related to lowland peatlands.
Honeygar is a former dairy farm situated on the Somerset Levels and Moors, one of the few areas in the UK that still holds deep lowland peat. Since acquiring the site in 2021, Somerset Wildlife Trust has been allowing nature to recover with low-intensity grazing and stabilising water levels for peatland restoration, while undertaking extensive monitoring to better understand how lowland peatlands can be protected and restored for the benefit of nature, climate and people. Further information about Honeygar Farm and the Trust’s work on peatland restoration is available here.
Peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth’s land surface but store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. Despite this, peatlands are under-valued, and the majority of the limited research and restoration that has been undertaken has focused on upland sites. Honeygar offers a rare opportunity to generate robust, real-world evidence about how lowland peatlands, such as those across the Somerset Levels, can be managed in ways that support wildlife, sustainable land use and local economies. The site is already well used by universities, academics and researchers conducting studies on everything from tiny soil microbes to the impact of shifting weather patterns.
The proposals have been developed to align with the Trust’s wider strategic objectives, including nature recovery, climate resilience and using robust evidence to inform decision making. They have also been informed by ongoing engagement with local communities, land managers, and other stakeholders.
Georgia Dent, CEO at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “This planning application marks the next step in our long-term commitment to Honeygar Farm. We want Honeygar to become an internationally recognised hub for research, innovation, and collaboration – testing and gaining a better understanding of how peatlands can be managed to support nature, communities and local economies. We know how important and precious peatlands are, and that sensitive management can help find solutions to some of our biggest challenges such as adapting to climate change and improving water quality. Honeygar will bring researchers, academics, land managers and conservationists together with businesses, land agents and other professionals to collaborate, share learning and rise to the challenges we face locally and nationally.
This next stage in Honeygar’s history will provide real benefits to Somerset in addition to finding those solutions, boosting the economy through the use of local contractors and businesses both in construction and operation, creating jobs and providing a wide range of training opportunities.
Designed in consultation with communities, local people will benefit from enhanced public access along a circular walk with viewing areas and public toilets. The plans also include spaces to hire and the restoration of the existing orchard for community benefit using traditional techniques and local species.
We’re really excited about this next step in our plans for Honeygar.”
