Land Agent in Exeter: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Rural land management in Exeter and the surrounding countryside is changing rapidly. New environmental regulations, increased development, and evolving land use options mean landowners and farmers are facing more decisions than ever before. Making the right choices now is essential to protect your land and benefit from new opportunities.

A land agent supports landowners with long-term planning. While land agents have traditionally focused on farming and estate management, their role has expanded significantly in recent years. Today, land agents also advise on planning, environmental schemes, and ways to generate additional income from rural schemes.

At Collington Winter, we work with landowners across Exeter, helping them adapt to change and secure lasting value from their land.

The role of a land agent will vary depending on your goals, but commonly includes:

• Land valuation and sales – Valuing rural and property, handling sales and purchases, and negotiating on your behalf.
• Planning advice – Helping with planning applications, land use decisions, and assessing development potential.
• Environmental advice – Advising on environmental schemes, grants, subsidies, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• Compliance support – Making sure your land meets legal, planning, and environmental requirements.

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 a developer cannot achieve this improvement on their own site, they must secure biodiversity units elsewhere. This has created a new income opportunity for landowners in and around Exeter.

By improving land for wildlife—such as creating habitats, planting native species, or managing grassland appropriately—landowners can generate long-term income while supporting the environment. These improvements are measured using DEFRA’s biodiversity metrics and recorded on the national BNG Market Register, ensuring transparency and regulation.

A habitat bank is an area of land, often lower-grade or less productive farmland, that is managed to improve biodiversity for a minimum of 30 years.

The environmental improvements made on the land are measured in biodiversity units. These units can then be sold to developers who need them to meet their BNG obligations.

Importantly, landowners keep ownership of their land. A habitat bank can provide a reliable, long-term income stream while still allowing the land to be managed responsibly and sustainably.

BNG can be complex, especially for landowners new to environmental schemes. Professional advice makes the process much simpler and helps ensure schemes are viable and compliant.

At Collington Winter, we support landowners at every stage by:

• Assessing whether your land is suitable for BNG
• Explaining how many biodiversity units your land could produce
• Estimating potential income from a BNG scheme
• Setting up and negotiating long-term agreements
• Ensuring schemes meet DEFRA standards and local planning requirements

With the right guidance, you can be confident your land delivers both financial returns and environmental benefits.

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

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