As a Responsible Body, we will be able to enter into legally-binding agreements with landowners and developers called ‘conservation covenants’, which will establish the long-term protection of a landholding for nature conservation.
One of the key uses of a conservation covenant is to enable the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a planning policy introduced earlier this year. BNG requires developers to leave the natural world in a better state than it was prior to their development being built. The rules mean that almost all developments must result in a minimum 10% increase in natural habitat, which can be delivered within the development itself or on land elsewhere.
As a Responsible Body, we will work with landowners and developers to get a conservation covenant in place, which will set out the habitat improvements that must take place in order to deliver a net gain for nature. We’ll also be responsible for monitoring the habitat restoration work to ensure it is carried out properly over the length of the agreement, and can take enforcement action if there are any breaches.
With many wild species in serious decline, our involvement in the creation of conservation covenants will play a key role in helping us achieve our ambition of 30% of land managed for nature in Staffordshire by 2030. We will seek to work collaboratively with clients who will help us to meet our nature conservation goals and are committed to delivering genuine and measurable biodiversity gains.
Head of Nature Recovery Networks David Cadman said: “We’re proud to be the first Wildlife Trust in the country to achieve Responsible Body status. It is central to our commitment to deliver Gold Standard BNG across Staffordshire – where habitat is created and restored to a high standard in the right places, in line with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, ensuring that positive outcomes for people and nature are secured in perpetuity.”
If you would like to get in touch about working with us as a Responsible Body, or any other aspect of BNG, email our team at bionetgain@staffs-wildlife.org.uk