Natural Capital and Green Investment

There are opportunities to establish Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) schemes across the Arc, which would result in:

• Enhanced ecological connectivity by creating strategic links between priority habitats
• Expansion of existing designated sites by forming habitat buffers
• Improved ecosystem services through the adoption of environmentally sensitive land management practices over the long-term.

This ensures cost-effective delivery of BNG that not only benefits nature, but also provides social benefits, such as community access to nature and improved amenity value, as well as contributing to improved air and water quality and carbon sequestration.

This ensures cost-effective delivery of BNG that not only benefits nature, but also provides social benefits, such as community access to nature and improved amenity value, as well as contributing to improved air and water quality and carbon sequestration.

It is essential to have a high level of expertise in this sector, combining an understanding of environmental objectives with an understanding of relevant contractual and financial structures. We currently advise the two Wildlife Trusts operating in the Arc (Beds, Cambs & Northants Wildlife Trust and Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust), as well as numerous institutional investors and developers, on the establishment of BNG schemes and the monetisation of environmental outcomes from land.

The market for the provision of biodiversity units is expected to coalesce around dedicated conservation initiatives which are delivering habitat enhancements cost effectively, at scale, and in strategically important locations. The work we are doing in the area also evidences that very attractive financial returns can be derived from well-planned environmental initiatives.