Habitat bank lets developers 'offset' climate harm

The Horwich habitat bank is split over two parcels of land

Moorland in Greater Manchester will become a "habitat bank" that will conserve wildlife and attract new species.

Under the scheme, developers will be able to buy biodiversity "units" to offset environmental harm from their projects.

Environment Bank, which provides off-site biodiversity units, has announced a collection biodiversity net gain (BNG) habitat banks.

Horwich habitat bank landowner and farmer Richard Pendlebury said the funding commitment of a minimum of 30 years would secure a "stable income" for "generations to come".

Environment Bank has 25 habitat banks already live, generating more than 4,000 biodiversity units.

The 51-hectare Horwich habitat bank, which is split over two parcels of land, covers low-yielding farmland and grassland that will be transformed into a nature restoration site.

It is to the south of the West Pennine Moors, parts of which are notified as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

Environment Bank is working to enhance and manage the grasslands as species-rich meadows, with ponds and enhanced ditches within the naturally wetter depressions.

As the Horwich site develops, it is hoped native wildlife will return to the area, such as curlew and great crested newt.

Protected species already residing there will benefit from the habitat improvements, including lapwing, skylark, grasshopper warbler, common toad, and brown hare.

Environment Bank has funded a conservation grazing course so that the existing landowner can farm traditional native cattle breeds.

The herd will improve the quality of the landscape by sustainably grazing the grasslands and scrub.

While the cattle are grazing for conservation purposes, they’re also being reared for meat production to enhance the landowner’s existing farm business.

The public will be able to access the site on existing footpaths, so that they can witness as the habitat bank continues to develop over the years.

The sites transform low-yielding farmland into nature recovery sites and maximise biodiversity uplifts.

Developers can then purchase more than 800 off-site biodiversity units to offset their construction projects.

BNG also offers landowners a way to diversify their income, enhance their natural landscapes and build business resilience for their farms.

'Offers certainty'

Mr Pendlebury said receiving funding to manage the habitat bank "offers both certainty and a stable income for our family business for generations to come".

"Such a guaranteed source of income is quite rare in the farming landscape, which is typically subject to constant change."

Catherine Spitzer, Environment Bank's chief executive, said: "Securing legal agreements for these sites is the final step in unlocking the supply of biodiversity units.

"With developers required to ensure their projects benefit nature overall, this marks a significant milestone in the implementation phase."