Biodiversity Net Gain: perspectives from local planning authorities

Biodiversity net gain is an exciting new tool that can be used to help us meet our environmental objectives in the coming years. Landowners across England and Wales can apply to set up ‘Habitat Banks’ which are strategically positioned to deliver biodiversity gains where developers are not able to meet their BNG requirements onsite. These gains need to be secured through a legal agreement, either in the form of a Conservation Covenant with a designated Responsible Body or through an S106 agreement with the local planning authority (LPA). TOE is delighted to have been involved in one of the first projects in the country with a BNG S106 agreement at Lopemede, an exciting floodplain restoration project along the river Thame in Buckinghamshire.

If you would like to read more about the views of some of the local planning authorities that have entered these agreements with landowners, you can find the recently published Government blog here: Securing off-site biodiversity net gain: insights from local planning authorities – Environment (blog.gov.uk)

Image: Peter Flemming Photography

Grants awarded from SODC's CIL Fund

Six projects across South Oxfordshire that will help to improve people’s access to nature, make better places for wildlife, and create a community-growing area recently received grants from the SODC Community Infrastructure Levy Fund administered by the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE).

The successful projects are:

  • Rycote Meadow Conservation Project in Thame.

  • Footpath management by the Chiltern Society volunteers and improvements to footpaths near Chalgrove.

  • The creation of three new ponds by The Howe Trust in Wheatley.

  • The initial phase of work to transform the derelict Cuckoo Pen plant nursery in Benson into a community garden.

  • Coppice restoration to improve biodiversity and sustainable forestry in Little Wittenham Wood for the Earth Trust.

  • The re-surfacing of a stretch of popular Footpath 4 in East Hagbourne.

Ben Heaven Taylor, chief executive officer of TOE, said: ‘We are delighted to have distributed £44,635 from the SODC Community Infrastructure Levy fund. There’s still money available to help more people transform their ideas into reality with grants ranging between £1,000 and £15,000 for tree and hedgerow planting, restoring community orchards, ponds, and nature-rich meadows across South Oxfordshire.’

Apply here: https://www.trustforoxfordshire.org.uk/local-environment-fund

TOE's New Habitat Bank in Buckinghamshire.

TOE are delighted to be bringing one of the first approved Habitat Banks to the market in Buckinghamshire. Following the approval of the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan and fulfilling all required Buckinghamshire Council Habitat Bank criteria, an s106 has been signed, securing the site. Excitingly, an application for inclusion on the Biodiversity Gain Site Register has also been made.

The wetland in the first stages of restoration.

The site involves a Floodplain Wetland Mosaic restoration along the Thame. Ideally located within the Thame Biodiversity Opportunity Area, the site creates a suitable corridor between two Important Freshwater Area’s (IFAs). This means the site scores well on strategic significance, especially when combined with the spatial risk calculation for developments within Buckinghamshire or NCA. Developed in conjunction with the respected River Thame Conservation Trust, the site also includes Other Neutral Grassland and Mixed scrub, offering a range of options to meet trading rules.

The wetland in the process of being restored and starting to take shape.

We are expecting a great deal of interest in the site, so we will be offering the opportunity to reserve units, especially to individuals and companies we have worked with to provide off set units previously.

Please do get in touch at net.gain@trustforoxfordshire.org.uk to discuss your or your clients requirements.