Farms
Turning nature into income, without compromising productivity
01 What We Offer
We support farmers in turning their land’s natural capital into long-term income, creating, managing and selling BNG units, optimising water use, and unlocking new environmental funding opportunities through expert-led, end-to-end delivery.
BNG
Farms can integrate biodiversity-focused practices while boosting profitability. We help:
- Create BNG Habitat Banks & Bespoke BNG Sites
- Sell the units to developers
- Implement, manage and monitor the units
Smart Water Management
Water is an essential resource for agricultural operations. Our solutions:
- Reduce operational and abstraction costs
- Manage floods & increase drought resilience
- Include assistance with licensing, permitting and assessments
Additional Natural Capital Services
We provide access to our full team of experts for all your needs and we assess all our clients for a wide range of complementary income sources, including:
- Carbon, water neutrality and nutrient neutrality credits.
- Specialist funding & grant support including relocating protected species e.g., great crested newts and woodland creation grants.
- Multidisciplinary environmental expertise including law, tax, ecology and many more.
02 Why Choose Us
Our solutions enhance soil health, conserve water, and promote biodiversity while ensuring regulatory compliance. By integrating natural capital solutions, we help agricultural businesses secure a resilient future.
01
Farm Focused Expertise
We understand the operational realities of modern agriculture and design BNG and natural capital strategies that fit crop cycles, land capability, and business goals.
02
Compliance & Marketability
Sustainable farming positions your farm to access premium markets and cater directly to eco-conscious consumers, ensuring ongoing market relevance and future profitability. All whilst meeting environmental regulations.
03
Climate & Pest Resilience
Diverse, ecology rich landscapes strengthen resistance to extreme weather, pests, and disease, safeguarding future profitability.
04
New Income & Funding Streams
In light of recent uncertainties, such as the unexpected closure of schemes like SFI, diversifying your farm's revenue is essential to protect your financial stability. BNG and other natural capital schemes offer robust alternative income sources from monetising unproductive land to pay for machinery, water infrastructure, and other upgrades—debt-free.
03 FAQs
What is BNG?
BNG is a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021. It means all new developments in England must leave biodiversity in a measurably better state—at least 10% better—than before development. This uplift must be maintained for at least 30 years.
What are BNG units?
BNG units are a measurable way of capturing the gains in biodiversity from habitat improvements.
What is a Habitat Bank?
An area of land where new habitats, such as meadows, woodlands, hedgerows, and ponds, are created and managed long‑term to generate biodiversity gains. These gains are quantified into BNG units for sale to developers. These sites are created in advance of developer demand, with units then being sold to developers as required.
What is a Bespoke BNG site?
An area of land where new habitats, such as meadows, woodlands, hedgerows, and ponds, are created and managed long‑term to generate biodiversity gains. These gains are quantified into BNG units for sale to developers. These sites are created to match existing developer demand, with units being reserved by developers upfront.
How soon can I expect to receive income from BNG units?
Typically, income from BNG can start flowing within 6–9 months after the initial agreement and registration. Engaging Natural Capital Partners early allows for proactive baseline surveys, planning, and preparation, accelerating your return on investment.
What tax implications should I consider when entering a BNG agreement?
BNG arrangements may impact Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Income Tax liabilities. Natural Capital Partners recommends early consultation with our in-house tax specialist to maximise your financial and tax position.
Are there minimum or maximum size requirements?
While our preference is for land parcels in England over 25 acres (10 hectares), we may consider smaller sites or those outside England in future phases of our habitat creation programme. So, please still register your BNG interest using our form.
Can tenant farmers sell BNG, and under what conditions?
Yes, as a tenant farmer, you can sell BNG, provided you have the agreement of the primary landowner. Similarly, landowners must secure tenant consent before undertaking BNG projects.
Can existing activities such as livestock grazing continue on a BNG site?
Yes — strategically managed livestock grazing can positively support habitat creation and maintenance. By choosing suitable livestock breeds and grazing schedules, biodiversity can thrive. We’ll guide you in developing the most effective grazing strategy tailored to your farming methods.
Can BNG be combined or ‘stacked’ with other environmental schemes such as carbon or nutrient initiatives?
Yes, BNG integrates effectively with other environmental strategies like Nutrient Neutrality schemes and Carbon Credits. Our team at Natural Capital Partners provide expert guidance to ensure seamless compatibility, enhancing overall estate sustainability and revenue potential.