Environmental and Natural Capital Advice
The Environment Act 2021 has ushered in profound changes that will shape our countryside for generations. As part of the Government’s commitment to designate 30% more land for nature by 2030, landowners and farmers face both significant challenges and genuine opportunities – and the landscape is changing rapidly.
This is a novel and fast-moving area, and Rupert’s research at the Royal Agricultural University examined the implications of natural capital schemes on land valuation and wider community dynamics, bringing an unusually deep understanding to advice in this field.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain allows landowners to sell habitat units from their land for periods of up to 30 years, generating income while contributing to nature recovery. This is an emerging market that has already seen significant transactions, though much depends on the quality and current condition of the land and its habitats. We can assess your land’s potential and guide you through the process.
Carbon Credits
Carbon credits and nutrient neutrality are attracting increasing attention as larger companies and developers seek to meet their ESG commitments. We advise landowners on the opportunities these markets may present and help them understand the broader implications for their holdings.
Local Nature Recovery Strategies
England has legally binding commitments to halt and reverse the decline of nature. Forty-eight responsible authorities have been appointed to lead Local Nature Recovery Strategies, creating local habitat maps and biodiversity priorities that will directly affect farmers and landowners – some beneficially, some less so. We help you understand what these strategies mean for your land and how best to respond.
Farmland Habitat Mapping
Meeting UKHAB guidelines and accurately identifying the habitats present on your farm is the essential first step in understanding your land’s environmental value and its potential within emerging natural capital markets. We carry out thorough, professionally grounded habitat assessments to give you a clear picture of where you stand.
Natural Capital Assessments
A Natural Capital assessment identifies and places value on the natural assets within your landholding – from soil health and water quality to biodiversity and carbon storage. Understanding what your land is worth in natural capital terms is becoming increasingly important for both financial planning and long-term land management decisions.
Navigating natural capital for the first time? This is a complex and evolving area. We are happy to have a straightforward initial conversation to help you understand what the opportunities and obligations might mean for your land. Get in touch to find out more.