A new scheme to boost biodiversity and tackle nitrate pollution will be launched in the New Forest.

Kingwell (Aubrey) Limited has announced the Keyhaven Natural Capital Scheme, which will be based on its 605-acre farm at Keyhaven, near Milford on Sea.

The project, which is the first of its kind in the New Forest, is being delivered in partnership with New Forest District Council (NFDC), New Forest National Park Authority and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

The land, which is currently used for farming, will be transformed into a nature reserve, connecting a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Ramsar site and Special Conservation Areas to create a 1,000-acre reserve west of the Pennington Marshes.

The scheme will generate around 440 Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units and around 3,950 Nitrate Mitigation credits, with the aim of boosting biodiversity and mitigating water quality impacts from development sites within the New Forest District and National Park areas.

Alistair Emery, founder of Kingwell, said: "This is an ambitious project requiring the collaboration of very different organisations within the private sector, local government and NGOs.

"It has taken considerable time to pull together in order to meet the interests of the various parties involved, whilst also ensuring we can respond to the market."

Ed Harden, natural capital adviser to Kingwell, added: "Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust have always been a key part of this project.

"Their long-term involvement provides the highest possible integrity for how units and credits will be created and managed over the course of each scheme."

David Bence, chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: "This is a strategically important site - located between the New Forest and Solent - and presents a great opportunity for nature recovery at scale.

"The environmental enhancements at Keyhaven will support the wider management of this important area of the New Forest for nature recovery."

Councillor Derek Tipp, economy and planning portfolio holder of NFDC, said: "The Keyhaven Natural Capital Scheme will not only enhance biodiversity and mitigate environmental impact but also set a positive example of collaboration between local authorities, private landowners, and conservation organisations."