Biodiversity net gain opportunities for landowners
An opportunity for landowners is arising with new planning rules requiring developers to improve biodiversity within development sites as well as locally.
Biodiversity net gain, introduced by the Environment Act 2021, seeks to ensure natural habitat which is damaged through development is not just replaced but enhanced by at least a further 10%.
Arable land with low alternative use value may have the potential to generate income through biodiversity units meeting local developer requirements, whilst also benefitting the environment.
We identify opportunities for establishing biodiversity net gain schemes within rural estates where there is significant potential for biodiversity uplift, through habitat creation and enhancement and highly expected developer demand for biodiversity units. Our experts will liaise with the relevant local planning authority to understand their requirements; develop and negotiate contractual structures for the scheme to minimise the risks and liabilities; and broker the biodiversity units with developers.
Our comprehensive understanding and experience of biodiversity net gain in practice makes us best placed to determine the appropriate mechanism for delivering such a scheme, whether this is creating habitat to order or establishing a habitat bank.
As Basic Payment Scheme funding continues to reduce, selling biodiversity units is becoming a lucrative alternative for farmers.
Watch our video to hear how landowners can benefit from natural capital opportunities with potential significant rewards:
£10 million+
biodiversity units transacted during 2023
Leading consultancy
in the biodiversity offsetting and net gain market
SERVICE OPTIONS
Forestry
Regarded as ‘architects of the forested landscape’, our highly specialised team identifies opportunities with real growth potential, then helps purchase and manage that asset for you.
Carbon Investment
We help clients find bespoke climate solutions, creating investable projects that deliver genuine climate mitigation and generate certified carbon credits.
Biodiversity Net Gain for Landowners
An opportunity for landowners is arising from new planning rules requiring developers to improve biodiversity lost through building schemes.
Biodiversity Net Gain in Development
Having a credible biodiversity plan for your scheme is becoming integral to securing planning permission and maximising end values.
Peatland Restoration
Restoring our peatlands is one of the most effective natural climate solutions at our disposal and we have the expertise to deliver projects at scale.
Woodland Creation
A deep-rooted understanding of landscape-scale economic and environmental drivers allows our forestry experts to deliver the complete woodland creation service.
Generating Carbon Credits for Landowners
We are helping landowners across the UK generate certified carbon credits and enabling the delivery of genuine climate mitigation projects.
Sustainable Farm Management
We work with you to identify how you can enhance the productivity of your land to ensure you maintain profitability whilst protecting the biodiversity your base resources depend on.
Habitat Creation and Restoration
Land unfit for development can often yield ecological benefits that go some way towards achieving your net zero targets.
Estate Environmental Strategy
Land and estate owners with a commitment to achieving net zero through green investments will need a clear strategy to determine environmental targets and deliver suitable interventions across their portfolio.
Related projects
Establishing a pioneering innovative biodiversity net gain initiative in South Cambridgeshire
Search for available Biodiversity Units
Our Natural Capital team is developing BNG schemes across England to provide a solution to developments with off-site BNG requirements.
Click here to view all biodiversity units for saleMore of our Sustainability capabilities
Natural Capital & Sustainable Investment
Sustainable Buildings & Places
Renewable Energy
Get in touch
Sabina Stothard
Assistant Environmental Consultant