Nature Credits – What you need to know

What are Nature Credits?

Nature credits are quantifiable credits for measuring biodiversity; they can also be known as biodiversity credits or biodiversity units. The nature based credits aim is to ensure the environment is maintained and restored in a way that preserves biodiversity.

Where biodiversity offsetting is inapplicable, nature credits are a great way to reverse any loss of biodiversity deriving from development projects, ultimately strengthening nature restoration. Nature credits work in a similar way to compensating for carbon emissions through carbon credits.

Developers and large entities can purchase nature credits, ultimately investing in environmentally friendly projects whose aim is to develop and preserve ecosystem services.

Our team at Collington Winter are experts in biodiversity and nature credits. If you are looking for more information about how we can assist you with your project, then please do not hesitate to contact us today.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity net gain refers to a concept and approach in environmental management where development projects aim to enhance biodiversity beyond the existing baseline. It involves ensuring that the biodiversity and ecosystem services lost due to development activities are compensated for by creating or restoring habitats elsewhere, resulting in a “net gain” in biodiversity overall. This approach acknowledges the importance of mitigating the negative impacts of human development on ecosystems and species.

Biodiversity net gain involves assessing the current biodiversity value of a site, predicting the biodiversity losses due to development, and then designing and implementing measures to achieve a quantifiable increase in biodiversity after the project’s completion. This approach is gaining traction as a way to promote sustainable development, minimize ecological disruption, and contribute to the broader conservation of natural resources in local communities. It aligns with the goals of preserving ecosystems, safeguarding species, and maintaining the essential services that biodiversity provides for both the environment and society.

Why Choose Collington Winter?

Collington Winter are a nature positive ecological consultancy with vast experience in biodiversity net gain and nature credits.

We can assist with biodiversity net gain by providing: 

• BNG guidance
• Assessments
• Mitigation

Please get in touch if you would like further information about BNG. We can also develop land management plans. We are happy to offer free CPD sessions on the BNG principles and how we can help your schemes achieve this.

Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, holds a Natural England license. If you would like to find out more about the services we provide, feel free to contact us using the details below.