Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for Landowners
Turn your land into a biodiversity asset. Create a habitat bank, generate biodiversity units, and unlock long-term income while supporting sustainable development.
The Opportunity for Landowners
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now mandatory for most developments in England. Developers must deliver at least a 10% biodiversity improvement as part of planning approval.
When this cannot be achieved on-site, developers must purchase compliant off-site biodiversity units from registered habitat banks.
This has created a growing market demand for landowners who can convert suitable land into ecologically valuable habitat banks capable of generating these units.
Your land can become part of the solution — while creating a reliable, long-term income stream.
What Habitat Banks West Midlands Does for You
We manage the entire habitat bank creation process on your behalf:
Detailed land suitability and ecological assessment
Habitat design using the statutory biodiversity metric
Legal agreements and formal habitat bank registration
Biodiversity unit calculation and generation
Long-term habitat management, monitoring, and reporting
How the Process Works
We evaluate your land’s ecological potential for habitat creation.
Step 1 — Land Assessment
Step 4 — Generate & Sell Biodiversity Units
Units are made available to developers needing off-site BNG solutions.
Step 2 — Habitat Bank Design
Our ecologists create a plan that maximises biodiversity unit generation.
Step 5 — Ongoing Monitoring
We provide ecological monitoring to ensure full long-term compliance.
Step 3 — Legal & Registration Setup
We coordinate with your solicitors to secure the requited legal framework and register the habitat bank.
What Can Influence Your Income?
Income from a habitat bank depends on:
Size and current condition of the land
Type of habitat that can be created
Ecological connectivity and location
Demand for biodiversity units in your area
We provide bespoke income projections after assessing your site.
What Are Biodiversity Units?
Biodiversity units measure habitat value using the statutory biodiversity metric. When development causes habitat loss, developers must replace this by creating or purchasing units worth at least 110% of what is lost.
By establishing a habitat bank, landowners generate these units through habitat creation and enhancement, making them available to developers across the UK.
This transforms under-utilised land into a valuable ecological and financial asset.
Why Work With Habitat Banks West Midlands
Ecologist-led habitat planning
Experience working with developers and planning authorities
End-to-end support from assessment to unit sale
Strong understanding of BNG regulations and compliance
Clear, transparent documentation throughout the process
Frequently asked questions
Can any land be used for a habitat bank?
Most land with biodiversity potential can qualify. We assess suitability case-by-case.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary depending on habitat type and approvals, but we guide you throughout.
Do I need ecological knowledge?
No. We handle the ecological, legal, and regulatory process for you.
How do I know if my land is suitable for a biodiversity gain site?
Contact us for a free desktop feasibility assessment. We use the statutory biodiversity metric to estimate the unit potential of your land based on habitat type, size and current condition — with no obligation to proceed.
Can I combine BNG with farming or other agri-environment schemes?
In most cases, yes. BNG can be compatible with continuing agricultural use, Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreements and other environmental land management schemes, subject to the specific habitat management requirements.
How can landowners benefit from biodiversity net gain?
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) creates a new income opportunity for landowners and farmers. Since BNG became mandatory for all new developments in England in 2024, developers who cannot achieve their required 10% biodiversity uplift on-site must purchase off-site biodiversity units from registered landowners. As a landowner, you can generate and sell these units by creating or enhancing habitats on your land — turning low-yielding or underused land into a consistent, long-term income stream.
Habitat Banks West Midlands provided exceptional support in discharging our biodiversity net gain condition. Highly recommend their services!
Gerald Manton
★★★★★
Ready to Explore Your Land’s Potential?
Whether you are exploring options or ready to begin, our ecological team can help you understand how your land can become a biodiversity asset.
Services
Connecting landowners and developers for biodiversity gains.
Support
Contact us
ecology@lwmts.co.uk
+44-1543 762233
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