A major Section 106 legal agreement has been signed to help deliver one of the biggest nature restoration projects in the UK.
The National Park Authority has signed a legal agreement with Halnaker Hill Farm, near Chichester, that will allow developers, businesses and individuals to invest in nature recovery.
Around 330 acres of land is being restored to its natural condition centuries ago, with a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats including hedgerows, grassland, ponds, woodland and wildflower meadows.
The land, previously intensively farmed and poor in nutrients, is already beginning to transform.
The scheme will deliver more than 850 Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units to help combat biodiversity loss and climate change.
The Section 106 agreement is the third to be signed by the Authority, with over 50 hectares of the Iford Estate, near Lewes, now formally dedicated to nature restoration.
Halnaker Hill Farm is owned by Halnaker Hill Natural Capital (HHNC).
Tim Slaney, Director of Planning, said: “National Parks are quickly becoming hubs for nature recovery and planning is at the heart of this movement.
“There’s growing desire to invest in the environment among developers and businesses and this dovetails with an ever-expanding need in the land and farming sector to diversify and find new revenue streams. Both sectors can work harmoniously together and National Parks can be the facilitator.
“We’re really excited about what we can achieve in the next few years.”
As well as Biodiversity Net Gain for developers, businesses and individuals can buy Voluntary Biodiversity Credits. Please contact Sarah Westbrook, Nature-based Solutions Officer, at Sarah.Westbrook@southdowns.gov.uk
Sarah added: “The National Park Authority plays a central role in the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain, acting as a Responsible Body, providing ecological expertise, securing outcomes through Conservation Covenants, and marketing and selling BNG units on behalf of landowners.
“The Authority works with delivery partners to support the creation, management, and long-term monitoring of biodiversity enhancements.
“To broaden market opportunities for landowners, the South Downs integrates Voluntary Biodiversity Credits (VBCs) into Section 106 agreements, enabling biodiversity outcomes to be sold beyond statutory BNG requirements.
“VBCs are separate from BNG and provide a mechanism for voluntary investment in biodiversity enhancement, including social value and philanthropic contributions, or alongside carbon offsetting approaches where biodiversity outcomes are sought in addition to carbon accounting.”