WildNet - Zsuzsanna Bird
Biodiversity Net Gain for farmers and landowners
Opportunities for landowners and farmers
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is new Government legislation which is intended to ensure that nature does not lose out when land is developed.
It means that by law, the biodiversity value of any site will need to increase by 10% after it has been developed for housing, industrial or other uses.
In some cases the developer will be able to achieve this within the site itself, for example by creating new natural features such as ponds.
But in cases where it can’t be achieved on the site, developers can pay other landowners elsewhere to carry out habitat improvements on their behalf.
Tom Ellis Photography
A diversification opportunity
BNG provides landowners the opportunity to make money while also supporting nature. So if you are looking to diversify your income, get a return on less productive areas or increase the wildlife on your land then Biodiversity Net Gain could be for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn from Biodiversity Net Gain?
It depends on where your land is and what the existing habitat is, but on average landowners can earn up to £20,000 per Biodiversity Unit (sometimes also known as a 'BNG Unit'). A Biodiversity Unit is essentially an area of habitat, and it is calculated using a metric that takes into account the size of the habitat, its quality and location.
How long will my land need to deliver Biodiversity Net gain for?
Land that is used for BNG will need to be managed for nature for a minimum period of 30 years. This timescale is necessary for a natural habitat to begin to fully establish and for species to recover. From a landowner point of view, it can seem like a long time to tie up land, but conversely the benefits of this are that it provides a secure, predictable income from a piece of land over a long period of time. It can be a good option for a piece of land that it not particularly valuable or productive.
Is Biodiversity Net Gain 'stackable' with other environmental schemes?
Land that is enrolled in other environmental schemes can also be used for BNG in some circumstances. Government guidelines state that you can sell BNG units and nutrient credits from the same piece of land by stacking them. You cannot sell a habitat enhancement funded by an agri-environment scheme as a BNG unit. However, you can use the same land to create further habitat enhancements on top of an existing agri-environment agreement.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust can carry out an assessment to calculate the number of Biodiversity Units on your land. Photo: Mark Hamblin
How do I start the process?
The first step is to have a BNG site assessment on your land. This will determine how many Biodiversity Units (sometimes called BNG Units) your land could deliver, and how much income this could generate. This ecological assessment will also provide you with information on what types of habitat you could create.
Book your FREE no obligation consultation using the contact form below.
Our Biodiversity Net Gain services for farmers and landowners
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust can support you in getting the most from your land. We have a proven track record of delivering high quality habitat restoration and enhancement.
We can guide you through the full BNG process, and offer the following services:
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Site Assessment (includes habitat surveys, habitat and species opportunities, BNG unit calculation, 30-year management plan options)
- Assistance with locating a developer to buy your BNG Units
- Delivery of BNG habitat restoration
- Ongoing management of BNG habitat restoration
- Monitoring of BNG habitat restoration
NB. Preference will be given to sites and projects which support local biodiversity priorities and strategies, like the Nature Recovery Network, and connect areas of existing habitat.
Watch our FREE webinar
We held a free webinar to give landowners and farmers the full rundown on BNG. Watch the recording below.
I want to find out more
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is offering farmers and landowners a FREE no obligation consultation to find out more about delivering Biodiversity Net Gain on your land.
Provide your contact details and we’ll get in touch to ask some questions about your land and what the options are.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help! To get in touch with our Environmental Net Gain Manager, please email: bionetgain@staffs-wildlife.org.uk