Page 16 - Biodiversity Environment and Ecology Strategy
P. 16

The Land Trust Biodiversity, Environment and Ecology Strategy

            Strategy in detail


            Mandatory





            biodiversity                                                                                                                                                                              Key principles for



                                                                                                                                                                                                      delivering biodiversity
                                                                                                                                                                                                      net gain
            net gain



                                                                                                                                                                                                      Engage with key
                                                                                                                                                                                                      stakeholders early

                                                                                                                                                                                                      in the process


                                                                                                                                                                                                      Secure dedicated

                                                                                                                                                                                                      funding for long-

                                                                                                                                                                                                      term management


            Over the last few years the Land Trust           What is biodiversity net gain?                                                                                                           Design biodiversity
            has moved into the residential service           Biodiversity net gain is a mandatory approach to                         Delivering biodiversity net gain
            charge market, with the charity now having       development that ensures biodiversity is left in a                       – the Land Trust model                                          net gain measures to
            responsibility for managing over 200 hectares    better state than it was before development. Where                       The Land Trust has been delivering biodiversity                 be resilient to external
            of public open space on behalf of 4,500          a development has a negative impact on biodiversity                      enhancements on our sites for 15 years and we
            homeowners at nine sites across the country.     it requires developers to provide an increase in                         know that for net gain to be successful the                     factors, especially
            This figure is expected to rise significantly over   appropriate natural habitat and ecological features                  designated areas must be appropriately funded                   climate change
            the next 10 years.                               over and above that being affected. It is intended                       and managed by a competent body with suitable
                                                             that the current loss of biodiversity through                            safeguards and experience.
            As environment and biodiversity is one of our    development will be halted and ecological networks                                                                                       Mitigate risk from
            five key charitable objectives we have always    can be restored.                                                         The Land Trust is ideally placed to help developers
            put management plans in place that ensure that                                                                            manage the challenges of biodiversity net gain                  other land uses
            people and wildlife can thrive side by side.     Biodiversity net gain can be delivered either on                         across the country, whilst providing local delivery
                                                             the development site or off site. The Land Trust is                      which aims to keep costs to a minimum and protects              Avoid displacing
            It has been very encouraging to see this becoming   able to undertake both delivery approaches using                      the investment they have made in their development.
            an increasing priority at the highest levels of   several proven funding models. This makes us the                                                                                        harmful activities
            Government with the publication of their 25 year   ideal delivery body for biodiversity net gain as we                    By working with communities to deliver
            Environment Plan.                                can work to nature’s timescales rather than those of                     biodiversity net gain, the Land Trust can also                  from one location
                                                             political cycles or commercial markets.                                  enhance community engagement, health and                        to another
                                                                                                                                      well-being, the local economy and education.
                                                             Achieving net gain in biodiversity is more than                          This provides a sustainable approach to net
                                                             simply outweighing losses with gains, it requires                        gain that delivers social value and environment,                Support local level
                                                             doing everything possible to avoid losing                                social and governance (ESG) credentials.
                                                             biodiversity in the first place. It requires the gains                                                                                   management of
                                                             in biodiversity to be valuable locally, and to make                      Creating a net gain legacy                                      biodiversity net
                                                             important contributions towards regional and                             The Land Trust will work with developers to ensure
                                                             national priorities for nature conservation.                             that biodiversity net gain generates long term benefits.        gain activities.





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