1. Scope and objectives
This Policy applies to all land and water bodies owned, leased, or actively managed by the HEADTURNED Foundation. It guides decisions about zoning, access, infrastructure, and ongoing management, including how conservation areas sit alongside Sanctuary facilities, the Innovation Hub, and Vertical Farming sites.
Our main objective is to manage land as connected ecosystems, not isolated plots, so that biodiversity, climate resilience, and community benefit reinforce one another over time.
2. Landscape-scale thinking
We treat the Foundation's land as part of a wider ecological network. Land management decisions consider:
- how habitats connect across boundaries;
- movement routes for wildlife and people; and
- linkages with neighbouring land, water catchments, and regional conservation priorities.
Where possible, we align our plans with local and national biodiversity and climate strategies, adding value rather than working in isolation.
3. Zoning & compatible land uses
Land under our care may serve multiple purposes—core rewilding areas, Sanctuary facilities, education zones, research plots, or food production. We use zoning to ensure these uses support, rather than undermine, ecosystem health.
Core conservation and high-sensitivity zones have stricter controls on access, noise, lighting, and development. More flexible zones may host paths, viewing areas, educational infrastructure, or built facilities, provided their design and operation respect surrounding habitats.
4. Human access, recreation & disturbance
Access is planned to balance human connection with nature and protection of sensitive areas. Trails, viewpoints, and visiting routes are designed to:
- avoid key breeding, roosting, and nesting sites where disturbance is critical;
- limit erosion and trampling through path design and maintenance; and
- provide clear information on expected behaviour, including dog control, litter, noise, and drone restrictions.
Events or activities that bring larger groups onto the land are assessed in advance and may be restricted to specific areas, seasons, or time windows to reduce ecological impact.
5. Built infrastructure, lighting & visual impact
Buildings, tracks, fences, lighting, and other infrastructure are planned and maintained so they minimise habitat loss and fragmentation. Wherever feasible, we:
- reuse or retrofit existing structures rather than build new ones;
- design fencing and crossings with wildlife permeability and safety in mind;
- use downward-facing, low-intensity, and time-limited lighting to reduce light pollution; and
- select materials, colours, and forms that blend with the landscape where appropriate.
Infrastructure linked to the Innovation Hub or Vertical Farming must take into account surrounding ecosystems and contribute to, rather than compromise, our wider environmental commitments.
6. Agriculture, food systems & Sanctuary integration
Land management integrates Sanctuary needs, controlled-environment agriculture, and conservation aims. For example:
- buffer zones and habitat corridors are planned around built farming and Sanctuary areas;
- grazing or browsing animals used in habitat management are monitored to prevent overgrazing or soil damage; and
- manure, compost, and other organic inputs are handled in ways that support soil health without polluting waterways or sensitive habitats.
The cumulative impact of Sanctuary activity, vertical farming, and visitor presence is considered as part of land-use planning, not in isolation.
7. Risk, incidents & climate resilience
Land management includes preparation for extreme events—such as droughts, floods, storms, disease outbreaks, or pollution incidents. We seek to:
- build natural resilience into ecosystems through diversity and structural complexity;
- protect critical infrastructure from foreseeable climate risks; and
- plan response routes and protocols for incidents that may affect wildlife, habitats, or water quality.
Significant incidents are recorded, reviewed, and used to refine future land management decisions, in coordination with our Monitoring, Research & Public Engagement Policy.
8. Community, neighbours & partnership working
The Foundation aims to be a good neighbour. Land management decisions take into account impacts on adjoining land uses, rights of way, local communities, and shared water or wildlife corridors.
We seek constructive relationships with neighbouring landowners, local authorities, and conservation partners, collaborating where possible on landscape-scale projects and practical solutions to shared challenges.
9. Governance, review & feedback
This Policy is overseen through the Foundation's governance structures and is reviewed periodically, particularly when there are significant changes in land holdings, conservation strategy, or relevant law and guidance.
Feedback, concerns, or suggestions relating to land and ecosystem management can be raised through our usual contact routes or, where appropriate, under the Complaints & Feedback Policy. Insights from staff, volunteers, neighbours, and visitors help shape how the land is cared for over time.