Land Agent in Cambridgeshire: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Cambridgeshire is a county defined by contrast. From highly productive arable farmland and historic estates to fenland landscapes, river corridors and expanding market towns, the area offers a wide range of opportunities for landowners, buyers and developers. Its strong transport links and proximity to growth centres such as Cambridge continue to drive development interest, while environmental designations and planning policy place increasing emphasis on sustainable land use.

At the same time, planning policy and environmental regulation are evolving. Requirements such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) now play a central role in land and development decisions, meaning careful considerations and specialist guidance are more important than ever.

Working with an experienced land agent in Cambridgeshire helps landowners and developers navigate this changing landscape with confidence. A land agent provides professional advice on the management, sale and future use of land, helping clients understand both the opportunities available and the constraints that may apply. While land agency was once associated with estate agent matters, modern land agency now places significant emphasis on planning strategy and long-term environmental schemes.

At Collington Winter Environmental, we support clients across Cambridgeshire with clear, ecology-led advice. Our focus is on helping landowners and developers make informed decisions that commercial objectives with land use.

A land agent in Cambridgeshire plays and important role in supporting farmers and rural landowners. Their advice is focused on making land work efficiently, sustainably and in line with current regulations.

In Cambridgeshire, this typically includes:

• Advising on farm management, land use and long-term farming strategy
• Assessing land value and future potential, including opportunities beyond traditional farming
• Supporting the sale or purchase of farmland, often working alongside estate agents
• Advising on diversification opportunities, such as environmental schemes or alternative income streams
• Helping farmers understand planning policy and how it affects agricultural land
• Coordinating professional teams, including ecologists, planners and legal advisers
• Providing practical, start-to-finish support to reduce risk and uncertainty

This approach helps farmers make confident decisions about their land, whether they are planning for the future, reviewing farm operations or responding to regulatory change.

Biodiversity net gain is one of the most significant recent changes affecting land and development. Introduced under the Environment Act 2021, BNG requires most major developments to deliver at least a 10% improvement in biodiversity compared with the site’s condition before development.

If this improvement cannot be achieved on the development site, developers must secure biodiversity units offsite. This has created new opportunities for landowners and farmers in Cambridgeshire.

Land that is less productive, difficult to farm or underused may be suitable for habitat creation. With development pressure continuing around Cambridgeshire, demand for offsite BNG solutions is expected to remain strong.

For farmers, BNG can offer a long-term income stream alongside positive environmental outcomes.

A habitat bank is land that is managed to create or improve wildlife habitats for a minimum period of 30 years. The environmental improvement is measured using DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric and converted into biodiversity units. These units can then be sold to developers to help them meet their BNG requirements.

Habitat banks are often established on land that is less productive for agriculture or where landowners are considering alternative long-term uses. In Cambridgeshire, this may include grassland creation, wetland or fen restoration, woodland planting, or enhancing field margins and watercourses.

With the right planning and management, habitat banking can deliver both environmental benefits and long-term financial returns.

BNG involves long-term land management, ecology and planning. Specialist land agent support is therefore essential.

A land agent can help by:

• Identifying land suitable for habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement
• Assessing feasibility and biodiversity potential with ecologists
• Advising on habitat bank opportunities and long-term commitments
• Estimating potential biodiversity unit generation using DEFRA metrics
• Supporting discussions and negotiations with developers
• Helping structure clear and compliant BNG agreements
• Ensuring schemes align with local planning policy and national guidance

Is BNG suitable for all farmland?

Not all land will be suitable, but many types of rural land can support habitat creation. A professional assessment can help determine whether BNG is a realistic option.

How long does land need to be committed?

Most BNG agreements require land to be managed for at least 30 years. This long-term commitment should be carefully considered as part of any farm or estate strategy.

Can BNG work alongside farming?

In some cases, yes. This depends on the habitat type and management requirements and should always be assessed on a site-by-site basis.

Collington Winter Environmental provides ecology-led land services across Cambridgeshire. We work with farmers, landowners and developers to assess land, develop BNG strategies and support projects from early feasibility through to delivery.

We offer clear advice, local knowledge and practical support. We also work closely with estate agents and professional advisers to ensure decisions are well informed and coordinated.

Whether you are reviewing farm management, considering diversification or exploring BNG for the first time, our land agents are here to help.

To speak with a land agent in Cambridgeshire, Collington Winter Environmental at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call 01204 939608.