Northumberland Wildlife Trust Launches First Registered Habitat Bank to Support Biodiversity Net Gain
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is proud to announce that Earsdon West Forest has officially been registered as a Habitat Bank, providing a high-quality Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) solution for developers while delivering long-term benefits for nature across Northumberland.
The 83-hectare site, formerly improved grassland, is being transformed into a diverse landscape of species-rich grassland, woodland and hedgerows, creating valuable habitats for wildlife and strengthening ecological connections across the wider Wilder Druridge landscape.
As Biodiversity Net Gain becomes a standard requirement for developments across the UK, Earsdon West Forest offers businesses and developers access to a trusted source of biodiversity units, helping them meet their legal obligations while supporting genuine nature recovery.
A habitat bank is land that is specifically managed to create and enhance habitats for wildlife. Under Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, habitat banks generate biodiversity units that can be used when environmental gains cannot be delivered directly on a development site. These habitats are secured through legal agreements ensuring long-term accountability and measurable environmental outcomes.
With decades of experience creating, restoring and managing habitats, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has developed Earsdon West Forest in line with its Gold Standard Principles, ensuring the right habitats are created in the right places and contribute meaningfully to nature's recovery close to where impacts occur.
For the Trust, Biodiversity Net Gain is about much more than compliance. It is an opportunity to create bigger, better and more connected habitats for wildlife, while delivering lasting benefits for local communities and the environment.
If your business requires a Biodiversity Net Gain solution, Northumberland Wildlife Trust can help keep your development BNG compliant while supporting nature recovery across the region.
To find out more about biodiversity units or discuss your requirements, visit www.nwt.org.uk/bng.