The voluntary market for Biodiversity Net Gain credits – how companies and individuals can invest

The conversation around Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) schemes tends to focus mainly on developers, who are required by law to deliver a 10% biodiversity improvement for every development in England.

This legal requirement has created the mandatory market for BNG units, which developers purchase to offset the impact of their projects when the required improvement cannot be fully achieved on the development site.

However, there is significant but less widely discussed voluntary BNG market.

What is the voluntary BNG market?

The voluntary BNG market enables individuals or companies to leave a personal and lasting environmental legacy for generations to come. While a developer’s investment in BNG is usually quantified in BNG units, the voluntary market more commonly refers to BNG credits.

Through this market, companies, individuals and families with no connection to development can support biodiversity recovery not because they are legally required to, but because they choose to.

Why would businesses buy voluntary BNG credits?

Voluntary BNG credits provide a practical way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity and support nature-positive projects.

As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers and stakeholders, the purchase of credits offers clear evidence and a strong story for businesses to share about the positive impact they are making.

While they are not required by law, BNG credits may also provide a tangible way for businesses to address the biodiversity impacts of their activities, including those not directly related to development.

Halnaker Hill Farm serves the voluntary as well as mandatory markets

Halnaker Hill Farm is made up of 330 acres of previously intensively farmed land, now being restored under the guidance of an expert team.

The project includes the creation of woodland, hedgerows, wildflower meadows, ponds and wildlife corridors. Registered with Natural England, it delivers 856 biodiversity units for both the mandatory and voluntary markets.

Voluntary BNG credits at Halnaker Hill Farm

While mandatory units are expected to be the most common purchase, voluntary credits work in the same way, representing a direct investment in nature.

Every unit is calculated and monitored usingNatural England’s metrics, which assess habitat size, distinctiveness and condition. This ensures voluntary investment is measurable, accountable and meaningful in helping to reverse biodiversity decline.

Our units, or credits, are already quantified and registered, representing a secure investment and confirmed commitment to nature.

How to get involved

If you are interested in voluntary BNG credits at Halnaker Hill Farm, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more, please see our BNG information.

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