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Pudding Wood, Surrey

Transforming 155 hectares of low-grade agricultural land in southern England to new woodland and biodiverse habitats designed to sequester carbon dioxide and increase biodiversity over the long term.

About the project

The UK is now one of the most nature depleted countries on Earth1, and the impacts are increasingly being felt – from flooding to air and water pollution.

To combat the risks arising from climate change and nature loss, new opportunities are emerging around nature-based solutions.

L&G has expertise in developing real assets such as affordable housing. We are now building on this expertise by developing nature-based solutions.

Our aim is to demonstrate through Pudding Wood that we can invest in the development of high-quality biodiversity and carbon credits, while also delivering positive outcomes for local communities.


 

September 2025, Community update

We’re pleased to share that good progress is being made on the Pudding Wood afforestation and habitat creation scheme.

  • Woodland planting: We’re currently appointing a contractor for the initial phase of woodland planting, which will focus on the northern and western areas of the site. Planting is expected to begin in November 2025 and continue through to April 2026.
  • Habitat preparation: Some habitat works (i.e. the non-woodland sections) are also scheduled to begin in the second half of September 2025.
  • Long-term site management: We’re actively seeking a long-term management partner. This partner will help oversee community engagement, especially within the community woodland area, and coordinate volunteer activities.
  • Community update: We’ll be providing a formal update to the Parish Council on 22 September 2025.

Thank you for your continued interest. We’ll keep you informed as the project progresses.

 


Our plan for biodiversity

We aim to protect and enhance existing habitats and species of importance and add to these through habitat creation aimed at benefitting a range of key species, which will make a significant contribution to the objectives of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Countryside landscape with a lush, green field bordered by dense hedges and tall trees. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue.

Existing habitats

The Site supports priority habitats, including:

  • Irreplaceable ancient mixed deciduous woodland
  • Native mixed hedgerows
  • Streams and watercourses
  • Ponds
  • Veteran trees
A close-up view of bluebell flowers in a woodland. The background, with bluebell flowers and green foliage, is blurred.

Future habitats and species

New habitats we will create include:

  • Deciduous broadleaved woodland for carbon capture and wildlife
  • Traditional wildflower meadow
  • Traditional orchard
  • Species-rich native hedgerow
  • Field ponds
  • Wet grassland and ferns
A small bird perched on top of a wooden post along a country path. The path is bordered by lush green hedges.

We are aiming to support local priority species, including:

  • Nightingale, Turtle Dove and Marsh Tit
  • White Admiral Butterfly
  • Great Crested Newt
  • Water Vole, Hazel Dormouse and Bats

Woodland creation

Local community benefit

The idea? Woodland or orchard space for community access and benefit.

A father and son walking hand in hand along a woodland path. The surroundings are lush with green foliage, and the ground is lined with blooming bluebell flowers on either side of the path.

Potential outcomes:

  • Engaged community through local voluntary sector partnerships
  • Increased local access to nature
  • Biodiversity enhanced and protected

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the project, please email: natureinvestments@landg.com