Land Agent in Sussex: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Sussex’s rural landscape is changing, and land agents now play an increasingly important role in helping landowners make the most of new land-use opportunities. While the profession has traditionally focused on estate management and agriculture, modern land agents in Sussex also support clients with conservation, planning, environmental land management, and commercial diversification.

One of the most significant emerging opportunities for Sussex landowners is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). BNG offers a reliable long-term income stream while encouraging more diverse and sustainable land use. Collington Winter Environmental works with developers and landowners across Sussex to identify how many biodiversity units landowners could sell through habitat banking.

As traditional subsidies continue to decline, income from BNG is becoming essential for many rural businesses. In some cases, land managed specifically for BNG can generate returns of up to £170,000 per hectare over a 30-year agreement.

Under the Environment Act 2021, major developments must deliver at least a 10% biodiversity uplift. BNG ensures that development leads to a measurable improvement in the natural environment.

BNG is assessed using Defra’s Biodiversity Metric, which assigns biodiversity unit values to different habitats. Developers must commission ecological surveys and provide a detailed BNG plan explaining how the uplift will be achieved and maintained.

For many development sites in Sussex, achieving the full uplift onsite is not feasible. In these cases, developers can purchase offsite biodiversity units from Sussex landowners with designated habitat banks. Units can be recorded on Natural England’s BNG Market Register. With continued development pressure across West and East Sussex, demand for offsite units is expected to rise.

A habitat bank is an area of land created, enhanced, and managed specifically for wildlife for a minimum of 30 years. The resulting biodiversity uplift generates units that can be sold to developers who need to compensate for habitat loss elsewhere.

Land agents are increasingly guiding both landowners and developers through the opportunities presented by BNG. At Collington Winter Environmental, our BNG specialists provide:

Site identification and feasibility – Assessing land for its suitability to deliver biodiversity uplift.

Negotiating BNG agreements – Structuring and negotiating long-term habitat management and offsetting contracts.

Valuing biodiversity units – Advising landowners on likely financial returns based on Sussex market demand.

Planning advice – Ensuring habitat creation proposals comply with Natural England guidance and local planning policies in Sussex.

With combined ecological and planning expertise, our team helps clients enter the BNG market with clarity and confidence.

Our BNG land agents in Sussex work closely with both developers and landowners, offering professional guidance to ensure full BNG compliance. Using the latest Defra metrics, we assess habitats and produce detailed, site-specific BNG plans.

Whether you are a developer requiring ecological support or a Sussex landowner exploring habitat creation as a new revenue opportunity, our team can support you at every stage.

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