Land Agent in Dorset: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Dorset is known for its diverse landscape, from rolling farmland and private estates to protected coastline and designated countryside. This variety makes the county an attractive place for landowners, buyers and developers alike. At the same time, planning policy and environmental regulations, such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), continue to evolve, meaning decisions about land now require careful thought and specialist guidance.

Working with an experienced land agent in Dorset helps landowners and developers navigate these changes with confidence. A land agent provides professional advice on the management, sale and future use of land, helping clients understand both opportunities and constraints. While the role was once closely linked to agriculture and estate management, modern land agency now places a strong emphasis on planning strategy, environmental schemes and long-term land use.

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

Every site is different, but the role of a land agent is always centred on acting in the client’s best interests. In Dorset, this typically includes:

• Advising on land value, future potential and long-term land strategy
• Supporting the buying and selling of land, often working alongside estate agents, where land or property is brought to the open market
• Assessing development opportunities, taking account of planning policy, environmental designations and access constraints
• Providing guidance on land management and diversification options
• Coordinating professional teams, including partners, ecologists and legal advisers
• Offering start-to-finish support that reduces uncertainty and helps manage risk

This joined-up approach allows landowners and developers to move forward with confidence, knowing advice is practical, well coordinated and locally informed.

Biodiversity Net Gain has become one of the most significant changes affecting land and development across Dorset. 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.

Where this uplift cannot be delivered onsite, developers must secure offsite biodiversity units. This has created new opportunities for Dorset landowners, particularly those with underused or lower-grade land that could be enhanced for wildlife.

With development pressure increasing in parts of the county and many environmentally sensitive areas, demand for off-site BNG solutions is expected to continue growing. For landowners, this can offer a stable long-term income stream alongside meaningful environmental improvements.

A habitat bank is land that is managed specifically to create or enhance biodiversity for a minimum period of 30 years. The biodiversity uplift is measured using DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric and expressed as biodiversity units.

These units can then be sold to developers who need to meet their BNG obligations. Habitat banks are often established on land that is less productive for agriculture or where landowners are reviewing alternative long-term uses.

In Dorset, habitat banks may involve grassland restoration, wetland creation, or woodland enhancement, depending on site characteristics and local ecological priorities. With the right management, habitat banking can deliver both environmental value and long-term financial returns.

BNG involves planning, ecology and long-term land management, which is why specialist land agent support is essential. A land agent in Dorset can assist by:

• Identifying land suitable for biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation
• Assessing feasibility and biodiversity potential in collaboration with ecologists
• Advising on habitat bank opportunities and long-term land commitments
• Estimating potential biodiversity unit generation using DEFRA metrics
• Supporting discussions and negotiations with developers
• Helping structure BNG agreements that are clear, compliant, and commercially realistic
• Coordinating planning input to ensure schemes align with local policy and national guidance

By managing these elements from start to finish, land agents help ensure BNG projects are well planned, compliant and deliver long-term value for landowners.

Is BNG suitable for all types of land?

Not every site will be suitable, but many types of rural land can support habitat creation. A land agent can help assess whether BNG is a realistic option based on location, habitat type and planning context.

How long does land need to be committed to BNG?

BNG agreements typically require land to be managed for a minimum of 30 years. This long-term commitment is an important consideration when reviewing land strategy.

Can BNG work alongside other land uses?

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

Collington Winter Environmental provides ecology-led land services across Dorset. We work with landowners, developers and investors to assess land, prepare biodiversity net gain strategies and guide projects from initial feasibility through to delivery.

Our team offers clear communication, local understanding and practical advice built on real experience. We regularly work alongside estate agents and professional advisers to ensure land decisions are well informed and properly coordinated.

Whether you are reviewing land management options, considering development potential or exploring BNG for the first time, our land agents are here to support you at every stage of the process.

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