The countdown to mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has begun, which will come into force in November 2023.
BNG is an approach to developments, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before, this is measured in biodiversity units calculated by the DEFRA metric. In the first instance, developments should aim to achieve BNG on-site, but where this cannot be delivered off-site options should be explored – one of which includes habitat banks.
Habitat banks are parcels of land where biodiversity units are created (or ‘banked’) via enhancement or creation of wildlife habitats. These units can then be sold to developers who need help achieving the mandatory 10% gain in biodiversity units. Habitat banks and off-site projects therefore present exciting opportunities to deliver nature recovery in the Merseyside area and offers a new funding option for conservation land managers.
Habitat banks may be put forward by any landowners, manager or steward, however there must be a legal agreement in place, and the bank must be registered on the national database, in order to benefit from BNG funds across the 30 years.
MEAS are working towards identifying a number of sites across the Liverpool City Region to bring forward as habitat banks, some of which may include local greenspaces and local wildlife sites. Currently MEAS are looking at council-owned land and hope to encourage our local authorities to bring sites forward. However, the burgeoning Local Nature Recovery Strategy should identify further opportunities and help other landowners get involved in a way that is optimal for biodiversity, the community, and the economy.
MEAS would be interested to know if you are a landowner in the Liverpool City Region planning on creating a habitat bank – please get in touch if so.
You can find out about habitat banks which have been developed in other locations HERE
Article by Rhian Keating