Planning for nature
Legal requirements to improve wildlife
Biodiversity net gain
Following the Environment Act 2021, development must legally ensure wildlife is left in a better state than it was before any development takes place – showing a 10% improvement or ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG).
The types of development subject to this requirement are defined by national government.
To meet the BNG target, habitat improvements can be delivered directly on the development site, or BNG units can be bought off-site.
Nutrient neutrality
The water quality of the internationally designated habitats of the Solent and River Avon are also at risk of increased level of nutrients. Much of this comes from the environment, but wastewater from new development also has an impact.
As a result, proposals for new homes and other forms of overnight accommodation in the National Park are legally required to demonstrate they are ‘nutrient neutral’.
Keyhaven Natural Capital Scheme
In 2024-25 Kingwell (Aubrey) Limited launched the first BNG and nitrate mitigation scheme offering credits in the New Forest so environmental responsibilities can be off-set here.
The Keyhaven Natural Capital Scheme covers 605 acres near Milford on Sea and the landowner is working closely with the National Park Authority, New Forest District Council and the local Wildlife Trust.
The project will restore farmland into natural habitats, connecting 1,000 acres of protected habitats in the Keyhaven area, including saltmarshes and reedbeds, and creating a major new wildlife reserve west of Pennington Marshes. The Kingwell scheme at Keyhaven offers BNG and Nitrate Mitigation credits to developers.
These support legal requirements to protect nature and water quality and, once complete, the scheme will generate around 440 BNG units and 3,950 nitrate credits, while supporting birds, pollinators, and improving the environment for future generations.