Championing biodiversity and sustainability in a leading UK business park

Chineham Park, located in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is one of the South East’s premier business parks. Owned by Frasers Property and managed by MAPP, the 95-acre site blends modern commercial real estate with natural open spaces, hosting a wide mix of occupiers from SMEs to multinational firms. Chineham Park prides itself on creating an attractive, healthy and sustainable working environment for businesses and their employees, placing increasing emphasis on biodiversity and ESG performance.

A drive to align sustainability with service excellence

In recent years, the team at Chineham Park identified an opportunity to go beyond routine grounds maintenance and elevate their green infrastructure as a channel for environmental progress. They faced multiple challenges:

A growing need to align with Frasers Property’s Net Zero targets by 2050, including biodiversity net gain.
An ambition to become a recognised leader in sustainable commercial landscapes.
The requirement to consolidate services under a reliable partner who could offer strategic biodiversity leadership, consistent delivery, and measurable results.

Internally, the client team felt driven but stretched. Balancing ambitious sustainability goals with budget constraints and operational demands created ongoing pressure. They needed a service partner who could not only deliver excellence on the ground, but also offer direction, insight, and innovation.

A sustainable partnership built on purpose, expertise and delivery

When Nurture Landscapes took over the grounds maintenance contract at Chineham Park in 2020, we saw an opportunity to help the client achieve far more than just visual upkeep. Our goal was to support Chineham Park in becoming one of the most biodiverse and environmentally conscious business parks in the UK, aligning with Frasers Property’s long-term sustainability goals.

We introduced a tailored Biodiversity Management System and Biodiversity Policy, supported by monthly strategy and progress meetings. This framework allowed us to track, review and evolve the contract collaboratively with the client and stakeholders. Key biodiversity surveys and risk assessments were carried out, informing decisions that prioritised habitat enhancement and ecological sensitivity.

Strategic biodiversity action planning, including rewilding zones, aquatic pond creation, and pollinator support.
A full transition to battery-powered machinery, reducing noise and emissions.
A closed-loop waste system: green waste is repurposed into mulch and used on site.
Collaborative delivery with ecologists, ASA Landscape Architects, local wildlife groups and park occupiers.

This ecosystem of support ensured every action, from planting to mowing, was purposeful and environmentally sensitive.

Overcoming on-the-ground challenges

The implementation was built on careful planning and close collaboration. The contract transitioned smoothly following Nurture’s acquisition of Integritas, with continuity of service and team knowledge retained. The team overcame several challenges:

Balancing ecological aims with practical site use, such as maintaining paths and car parks while increasing wild areas.
Navigating ecological sensitivities in and around ancient woodland and watercourses.
Delivering measurable biodiversity improvements within the limits of a commercial landscape.

A dedicated on-site team of four operatives, supported by an experienced regional supervisor, worked hand-in-hand with the client to deliver every objective, with regular reporting and data-led reviews.

A landscape transformed; a community engaged

The outcomes at Chineham Park have surpassed all expectations, creating a vibrant, biodiverse environment that engages the community and sets a new standard for sustainable grounds management.

Significant achievements include the prestigious Wildlife Trust Biodiversity Benchmark, earned by only three UK business parks, alongside the discovery of over 90 wild orchids, including the rare Lizard Orchid. The creation of an aquatic wildlife pond and the planting of more than 3,000 bulbs have contributed to thriving populations of dormice, hedgehogs, bats, slowworms, and other native species.

Rare flora, real impact

Over 90 wild orchids recorded, including the rare Lizard Orchid, along with 30+ Bee Orchids and 30+ Pyramidal Orchids. These results led to the first Nurture ‘Orchid Walk’ event in 2024. Further connecting the community with the natural environment.

Industry recognition and award-winning excellence

This commitment to sustainability has earned Chineham Park multiple accolades, including the Green Flag Award for the fifth consecutive year, the Green Apple Biodiversity Silver Award, and a BALI Award. The site stands as a benchmark for what can be achieved when ecological stewardship is embedded at the heart of service delivery.

2021

BALI Award Winner –
Grounds Maintenance
(Limited Public Access)

2023

Green Apple Silver Award – Biodiversity (Conservation)

2024

Awarded the Wildlife Trust Biodiversity Benchmark

2024

Pro Landscaper Award Winner – Maintenance Contract for Sustainability and Biodiversity

Hear it from the people behind the partnership

“The relationship between ourselves, Becky (Nurture Regional Manager), Frasers Property, ASA Landscape Architects, James (Ecologist) and the Nurture operatives on site has worked so well over the years. We have monthly meetings to discuss progress and I know that no matter what we discuss a plan will be created and carried out professionally and to a high standard. We get a lot of positive feedback from our occupiers. The knowledge and expertise that the operatives have on the grounds is excellent, they are passionate and deliver exceptional work.” – Jennie Walker, Assistant Facilities Manager, MAPP.

“Nurture have been very supportive of the biodiversity enhancements, quickly taking on board what we are trying to achieve and being instrumental in helping to deliver the actions on site. The team are helpful, knowledgeable and play a key role in delivering biodiversity management.” – James Webster, Ecologist.

Let’s grow a greener future together

At Nurture Landscapes, we believe that every outdoor space has the potential to deliver more. More biodiversity, more beauty, and more value for the people and communities who use it every day.

Whether you manage a single office park, a nationwide commercial estate, or a complex corporate portfolio, our expert teams are here to help you unlock the full potential of your green space. From strategic biodiversity enhancements to award-winning maintenance and ecological design, we deliver measurable results that align with your sustainability goals and corporate values.

Ready to see the difference for yourself?