Land Agent in Carlisle: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Carlisle and the surrounding parts of Cumbria are defined by contrast, and the area presents a broad range of opportunities for landowners, farmers and developers. Planning and environmental regulation across Cumbria is changing. Requirements such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) now play a central role in land and development decisions, meaning early assessment and specialist advice are more important than ever.

For landowners and developers operating in and around Carlisle, understanding how these policies affect land value, future use and long-term commitments is essential.

At Collington Winter Environmental, we support landowners and developers across Carlisle and Cumbria with clear, ecology-led advice. Our focus is on helping clients make informed decisions that balance commercial objectives with environmental responsibility.

A land agent in Carlisle plays an 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 Carlisle, 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

Biodiversity net gain, introduced under the Environment Act 2021, requires most developments to deliver at least a 10% improvement in biodiversity compared with a site’s pre-development condition. Where this cannot be achieved on-site, developers must secure biodiversity units off-site.

This has created new opportunities for landowners around Carlisle. Land that is less productive, flood-prone or difficult to farm may be suitable for habitat creation. With ongoing development pressure in and around Carlisle, demand for off-site BNG solutions is expected to grow.

A habitat bank is land managed to create or enhance wildlife habitats for a minimum of 30 years. Using DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric, these improvements are converted into biodiversity units that can be sold to developers.

In the Carlisle area, habitat banks may include grassland restoration, wetland creation along river corridors, woodland planting or enhanced field margins. With the right planning, habitat banking can provide long-term income alongside measurable environmental benefits.

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 Carlisle and Cumbria. We help identify suitable land, assess biodiversity potential, advise on habitat banks and support BNG projects from early feasibility through to delivery.

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 Carlisle and receive expert advice, contact Collington Winter Environmental at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call 01204 939608.