Land Agent in Hertfordshire: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Rural land management in Hertfordshire is changing quickly. As a result, land agents are playing a more important role than ever. A land agent is a rural property expert who helps landowners manage, sell, and plan the future of their land.

While land agents have traditionally focused on farming and estate management, their role has expanded. Today, they also advise on conservation, planning, diversification, and environmental projects.

In Hertfordshire, many land agents are now helping landowners benefit from Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). BNG can provide a long-term income while allowing land to be managed in a more sustainable way.

Collington Winter Environmental works with landowners and developers across Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. We assess land to see how many biodiversity units it could produce and help landowners sell those units to developers.

A land agent’s role will vary depending on the client, but it usually includes:

• Valuations and sales – Valuing land and property, managing sales and purchases, and negotiating terms
• Planning advice – Guidance on land use, planning applications, and development opportunities
• Agricultural and environmental support – Help with grants, subsidies, BNG schemes, and sustainable land use
• Legal compliance – Making sure landowners meet environmental and legal requirements

Biodiversity net gain is a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021. Most major developments must now deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity compared to the site’s condition before development.

If this cannot be achieved on the development site, developers must buy biodiversity units from elsewhere. This creates new opportunities for Hertfordshire landowners who can improve land for wildlife.

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

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

• Land agents play a key role in making BNG work for landowners and developers. At Collington Winter Environmental, we can help by:

  • Checking whether the land is suitable for BNG
  • Explaining the potential income from biodiversity units
  • Negotiating long-term BNG agreements
  • Making sure schemes meet DEFRA guidance and local planning policies

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

Whether you are a landowner looking to create new income from your land or a developer needing BNG support, we are here to help.

To learn more about our professional services or speak to a land agent in Hertfordshire from our team, contact us today at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, fill out the contact form below or call one of the team on 01204 939 608.