Habitat Banking: Long-Term Habitat Management in the UK

Why is Habitat Banking Required?

The introduction of mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) regulations in England has made habitat banking a significant consideration. Under the Environment Act 2021, most new developments must deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain, secured for at least 30 years. For many projects, achieving this entirely on-site is not practical. This is where habitat banking provides a solution. By purchasing BNG units from an established habitat bank, developers can ensure compliance without compromising their project timelines.

Local planning authorities frequently require evidence that biodiversity obligations have been met before granting planning permission. By using habitat banking, developers can ensure that development not only meets legal requirements but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. This mechanism creates a balance between construction and conservation, providing a clear framework for protecting nature while supporting much-needed housing and infrastructure delivery. It also gives landowners new opportunities to generate income through ecological enhancement projects.

What Types of Habitats Can Be Created?

A wide variety of habitats can be designed and managed through habitat banking, depending on the location, ecological value, and regional conservation priorities. Typical examples include species-rich grassland, native woodland, wetland areas, and rewilding projects.

Each of these habitats contributes to ecological networks at a landscape scale, creating resilient ecosystems that can adapt to climate change. The choice of habitat is usually tailored to local ecological priorities, ensuring that the investment delivers maximum biodiversity benefit.

These projects not only generate measurable BNG units but also provide wider benefits such as improved air and water quality, enhanced green spaces for communities, and climate resilience.

How Large Does a Habitat Bank Need to Be?

The required size of a habitat bank depends on the scale of the development being offset and the ecological value of the impacted site. Local planning authorities and statutory agencies typically assess requirements based on three factors:

1. The type of habitat affected by the development.
2. The size of the area lost or degraded
3. The species and ecosystem functions supported by that habitat.

In practice, this means that some projects may require relatively small habitat banks, while others will need large-scale schemes to provide sufficient biodiversity value. The overriding goal is to ensure that the created habitat provides adequate compensation for what has been lost, meeting both ecological and policy standards.

Long-Term Habitat Management

A crucial part of habitat banking is ensuring that benefits are not short-lived. To be recognised within the BNG framework, all projects must be maintained for at least 30 years. This requires ongoing habitat management, monitoring, and reporting to confirm that biodiversity gains are being delivered.

Proper long-term planning helps build trust in the system, giving developers confidence that their investments are meeting regulatory requirements and providing communities with assurance that nature is genuinely being enhanced. Not only do habitat banks reduce environmental impact, but they also contribute positively to the natural world and play a pivotal role in creating new opportunities for modern-day landowners.

How Collington Winter Can Help

At Collington Winter, we specialise in guiding developers and landowners through every stage of the habitat banking process. Our team of experienced ecologists can provide:

• Initial desk-based assessments to establish habitat banking requirements.
• On-site ecological surveys to assess suitability and constraints.
• The design and delivery of habitat banks tailored to specific projects.

Ongoing habitat management and monitoring secure the long-term biodiversity gains required by planning authorities and legislation.

Our Managing Director, Olivia Collington, holds a Natural England licence and brings a wealth of experience in delivering complex ecological projects. Under her leadership, our team provides practical, science-led solutions that balance the needs of development with the demands of nature recovery.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your project, please get in touch with our team today by filling out the form below, emailing info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, or calling 01204 939608, and a member of our team will be in contact.