Responsible Body for Conservation Covenants

Responsible Body for Conservation Covenants

South Downs National Park Authority: Now a Responsible Body for Conservation Covenants

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is now an authorised Responsible Body under the Environment Act 2021. This means we can enter into private, voluntary agreements to conserve the natural or heritage features of land with interested parties.
More information on Conservation Covenant Agreements (CCAs) is available on GOV.UK.

In the first instance, SDNPA will use CCAs to support off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), nutrient mitigation schemes and Voluntary Biodiversity Credit (VBC) projects within UK National Parks and Landscapes. Use in relation to other opportunities will be explored and piloted in due course.

For enquiries, please contact us via ConservationCovenants@southdowns.gov.uk.

FAQs

• What is a Conservation Covenant Agreement (CCA)?

  A Conservation Covenant Agreement is a legally binding, voluntary agreement between a landowner and a Responsible Body to conserve the natural or heritage features of land. These agreements are tied to the land itself and continue even if ownership changes.

• Who can enter into a Conservation Covenant Agreement with SDNPA?

  Landowners or organisations with land in or connected to the South Downs National Park, or National Parks and National Landscapes of England, may be eligible to enter into a CCA with the SDNPA, subject to alignment with our conservation priorities. The UK National Parks and Landscapes map can be downloaded from here.

• What is SDNPA’s role as a Responsible Body?

  As a Responsible Body designated under the Environment Act 2021, SDNPA can enter into CCAs to secure long-term environmental outcomes. Initially, we are focusing on supporting off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Nutrient Neutrality (NN) and Voluntary Biodiversity Credit (VBC) projects.

• Can Conservation Covenant Agreements be used for other environmental goals?
  While our current focus is on Biodiversity Net Gain, nutrient mitigation and Voluntary Biodiversity Credits, we may explore other applications in the future. This may include sustainable land management, cultural heritage protection, habitat restoration (non-BNG) and regenerative agriculture. Please contact us via ConservationCovenants@southdowns.gov.uk for updates.
• Do Conservation Covenant Agreements affect land ownership?

  No. CCAs do not transfer ownership or control of land. They simply place agreed conservation obligations on the land that persist over time.

• How long does a Conservation Covenant Agreement last?
  CCAs are designed to be enduring and can last for decades. The exact duration is agreed upon by both parties during the setup process.
• How do I enquire about setting up a CCA with SDNPA?

  Please contact us via ConservationCovenants@southdowns.gov.uk. We aim to respond within five working days.

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