Land Agent in Banbury: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Rural land management in Banbury is changing fast. New environmental rules, pressure for development, and changing land use mean landowners need clear, expert advice more than ever.

A land agent helps landowners manage, sell, and plan for the future of their land. While land agents have traditionally focused on farming and estates, their role has grown. Today, they also advise on planning, conservation, land diversification, and environmental schemes.

At Collington Winter, we help landowners across Banbury and the surrounding area make the most of their land.

A land agent’s role depends on your goal, but it often includes:

• Valuing and selling land – Rural valuations, land sales and purchases, and negotiations
• Planning advice – Support with land use, planning applications, and development opportunities
• Environmental advice – Help with grants, subsidies, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and sustainable land management
• Compliance – Making sure land meets planning and environmental rules

Biodiversity net gain is now a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021. Most major developments must deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity.

If this cannot be achieved on the development site, developers must buy biodiversity units from land elsewhere. This creates a new income opportunity for Banbury landowners who can improve land for wildlife while managing it sustainably.

BNG sites can be registered on the BNG Market Register, helping to keep the process clear and properly regulated.

A habitat bank is an area of land, often lower-quality or less productive farmland, that is managed to improve wildlife habitats for at least 30 years. These habitat improvements are measured in biodiversity units. The units can then be sold to developers who need them to meet their BNG requirements.

Land agents are essential in helping landowners make the most of Biodiversity Net Gain. At Collington Winter Environmental, we guide you through every step to ensure your land delivers both environmental and financial value.

We can help by:

Assessing your land for BNG – We evaluate your land’s potential based on soil, habitats, topography, and local biodiversity priorities to ensure schemes are practical and effective.

Explaining income potential – We show how many biodiversity units your land could generate and the revenue you could earn from selling them to developers.

Setting up and negotiating agreements – We help structure and negotiate long-term BNG contracts, protecting your interests and ensuring fair value.

Ensuring compliance – We make sure your scheme meets DEFRA standards and local planning rules, avoiding mistakes that could affect income or legality.

With a land agent, you gain a trusted partner who maximises both the environmental and financial potential of your land, while making the process simple and stress-free.

Our experienced BNG land agents work with landowners and developers across Banbury. We offer clear, practical advice and assess land using the latest DEFRA biodiversity metrics.

Whether you are a landowner looking to generate new income or a developer needing BNG support, we are here to help.

To find out more or speak to a land agent in Banbury, contact us today at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, fill out the contact form below or call one of the team on 01204 939 608.