After the success of several events, and the interest in BNG and Carbon Credits that these sparked, BIP enlisted the expertise of Natural Asset Partners to understand the natural capital opportunities on some of the farms they had been working with. Devon County Council’s Agri-innovation programme provided funding to allow Chris tocomplete an ecological baseline survey on 2 different farms and draw up plans to create or restore suitable habitats to generate BNG units.

Surveying wildflower meadows on a vegetable farm and marshy wetlands on a beef and arable holding, Chris created in depth plans of how the farms could enhance their existing habitats to attract external investment. He was then able to assess the local demand for these BNG units to ascertain the potential income and commitment required for the farmer.

Chris shared the comprehensive surveys and plans with Vicky, our agricultural advisor here at BIP, so she could compare the potential revenue from BNG to the payment options through ELMS. Using the habitat survey, Vicky identified different options through the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. She created a table clearly showing the revenue comparisons and, where appropriate, when they could be layered on top of each other to maximise maintenance payments.

Vicky also reviewed the items on offer through the Capital Grant Scheme to compile a list of grant-funded items which could be used to create or restore habitats, such as fencing, leaky dams and tree planting. The farms then used Vicky’s costings and Chris’s proposals to progress their plans for habitat restoration on their farms, with a clear understanding of the costs and commitment involved and the potential revenue it could provide.