Land Agent in Derbyshire: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Rural land management in Derbyshire is evolving rapidly. New environmental regulations, increasing development pressure, and changing approaches to land use mean that landowners face more decisions than ever before. Having the right professional advice is now essential to protect land, meet legal requirements, and make the most of new opportunities.

A land agent supports landowners by helping them manage, develop, and plan for the future of their land. Traditionally, land agents focus on farming and estate management. Today, their role is much broader. Modern land agents also advise on planning, environmental schemes, and land diversification.

At Collington Winter, we work with landowners across Derbyshire to help them manage change confidently and get the best long-term value from their land.

A land agent’s role depends on what you want to achieve, but typically includes:

• Valuing and selling land – Providing rural valuations, handling land sales and purchases, and negotiating on your behalf
• Planning advice – Helping with planning applications, land use decisions, and development opportunities
• Environmental advice – Supporting landowners with grants, subsidies,Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and sustainable land management
• Compliance support – Ensuring land meets planning, environmental, and legal requirements

Land agents act as trusted advisers, helping landowners make informed decisions while avoiding costly mistakes.

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

If developers cannot achieve this on their own site, they must buy biodiversity units from land elsewhere. This has created a new income opportunity for Derbyshire landowners. By improving land for wildlife and managing it sustainably, landowners can generate long-term income while supporting the environment.

BNG sites are registered on the national BNG Market Register, helping to ensure the process is transparent 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 improvements are measured using biodiversity units, which can then be sold to developers who need them to meet their BNG obligations.

Habitat banks allow landowners to turn environmental improvement into a reliable income stream while retaining ownership of their land.

Biodiversity Net Gain can be complex, but an experienced land agent makes the process much easier. At Collington Winter Environmental, we guide landowners through every stage.

We help by:

• Assessing whether your land is suitable for BNG
• Explaining how many biodiversity units your land could produce and the income this could generate
• Setting up and negotiating long-term BNG agreements
• Ensuring all schemes meet DEFRA standards and local planning rules

With professional support, you can be confident your land delivers both environmental and financial benefits.

Our experienced rural land agents work with landowners and developers across Derbyshire. We provide clear, practical advice and use the latest DEFRA biodiversity metrics to assess land accurately.

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

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