Land Agent in Skipton: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

Skipton and the surrounding areas are landscapes of variety and opportunity. From productive farmland to river corridors and natural habitats, the region presents both potential and complexity. For landowners, farmers, and developers, this mix creates opportunities to make land work efficiently, sustainably, and profitability.

At the same time, planning and environmental rules are evolving. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), introduced under the Environment Act 2021, is now a key factor in land and development decisions. This makes early assessment and specialist advice more important than ever for anyone managing land or planning development.

At Collington Winter Environmental, we work with landowners and developers in Skipton to provide clear, ecology-led advice. Our goal is to help clients make confident decisions that balance commercial objectives with environmental responsibility.

A land agent is a trusted adviser for farmers and landowners. They help land perform at its best, ensuring it is productive, compliant with regulations, and aligned with long-term strategy.

In Skipton, a land agent typically provides support in areas such as:

• Farm management and long-term strategy: Advising on the most efficient and sustainable ways to use land.
• Assessing land value and potential: Identifying opportunities beyond traditional farming, such as diversification or environmental schemes.
• Buying or selling farmland: Working alongside estate agents to ensure smooth transactions.
• Diversification planning: Exploring alternative income streams, from renewable energy projects to conservation schemes.
• Planning and regulation advice: Helping landowners understand how planning policy affects agricultural land.
• Coordinating expert teams: Organising ecologists, planners, and legal advisers to provide complete support.
• Practical guidance: Reducing risk and uncertainty in complex land or development projects.

BNG requires most new developments to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity compared to the site’s pre-development condition. If improvements cannot be made on-site, developers must secure biodiversity units off-site.

For landowners around Skipton, this creates exciting opportunities. Land that is less productive, prone to flooding, or difficult to farm can be ideal for habitat creation. With ongoing development pressures in the area, demand for off-site BNG solutions is expected to grow steadily.

BNG provides a way for landowners to generate additional income while contributing to local biodiversity and environmental health. However, it requires careful planning and long-term commitment, typically 30 years or more, to ensure habitats are properly established and maintained.

A habitat bank is land managed to improve or restore wildlife habitats for a minimum of period of 30 years. These improvements are measured using DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric and converted into biodiversity units that can be sold to developers.

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