Natural Capital and Biodiversity

What is natural capital? – new incomes streams for land

Significant changes in rural policy and land management have brought both challenges and new opportunities for farmers and landowners. Natural capital refers to the environmental value of the land — such as wildlife habitats, moorland for flood and water management, reed beds for natural sewage treatment, and carbon capture through wetlands and trees.

By understanding and enhancing the natural capital of their land, landowners can access emerging markets and income streams linked to environmental services.

What is biodiversity net gain? – making the most of natural capital

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an increase in biodiversity that development sites are legally bound to provide. With the rules now extended to include smaller sites and major infrastructure projects in 2025, many developers are seeking off-site solutions to meet their obligations.

This creates an opportunity for landowners to generate income by using their land to deliver biodiversity enhancements, effectively monetising their natural capital while supporting national environmental goals.

How can we help? – specialist legal advice for farmers and landowners

Our dedicated agricultural team has extensive experience in advising on farm diversification and environmental land use agreements. We can guide you through:

• Opportunities to generate new income from BNG and other schemes
• The legal and practical implications of committing land for 30 years or more
• How these agreements interact with existing tenancies or development contracts
• The tax implications for you and your family, now and for future generations

Whether you’re exploring BNG, carbon credits, or other land-based opportunities, we’re here to help you make informed, strategic decisions.