Information for Landowners

How do I get involved?

At first, you simply need to let us know that you are interested in making your land available for biodiversity offsetting. This does not mean that you have committed to anything. You can change your mind at any time and we will remove your details from our records.

Should you wish to make more of a commitment then we will speak to you about the suitability of your land for different habitat creation schemes and what works may be required and the timescales involved. Some projects may only require a few years of simple management, others may involve a significant amount of habitat creation and require 30 years of management. However, the amount of time and effort that you are willing to put into biodiversity offsetting is up to you because a habitat management company can be employed to undertake all or part of the management activities.

We will then place your details on our database and actively seek developments in your area requiring offsetting land.
Once a development has been identified we will contact you again to confirm whether you wish to commit your land to an offsetting scheme.

Will this stop me from using my land as I do now?

Where activities are contrary to the aims of the biodiversity offsetting, then they will not be possible. For example, where neutral grassland was being created then it would not be possible to graze livestock on it which may enrich the sward. However, where farming practices are not contrary to the aims of the offsetting, they can continue.

It should be noted that if you are being paid to undertake management practices as part of a Government Scheme then it is not possible to claim that these are for biodiversity offsetting. However, it is possible to partake in both schemes as long as separate management activities are undertaken.

How much will I be paid?

This varies depending upon the amount of work involved and the timescales. Obviously, schemes which require a lot of management will result in higher payments to compensate you for your time.

Will you own my land?

No. We will lease the land from you for as long as biodiversity offsetting is required. In most cases this is likely to be for 30 years.

Available Land

As a landowner you may have land which cannot be used efficiently. Such land may include areas with farming constraints such as access difficulties, small size, a steep slope or wet soil. Our team can assist you in understanding the options available for these areas. Following an initial assessment, the suitability of this land for potential biodiversity offsetting or species mitigation can be identified, unlocking the potential for this land to provide a regular guaranteed source of income.