How much can I earn from BNG Credits?

It has recently been requested of us to supply a client with a quote for BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) Credits for a site near Chard and assessment of Carbon Credit Scoping.

This request is becoming more frequent as landowners may be interested in land use change, such as adapting disused or hard to manage land into biodiversity encouraging habitats.

Good areas to use for biodiversity credits might include boggy land, steep land, stoney land,  land with poor soil and any other area of underutilized Farmland.

Kate Jewell / Farmland near Scalford

BNG Credit Case Study

We will now describe to you a case study involving biodiversity net gain credits: The project consisted of assessing farmland which produces low yields and is hard to manage, and evaluating the current biodiversity value and understanding the ideal habitat to convert the land into. The subsequent increase of biodiversity value that can be gained with the converted land can be equated into Habitat Credits/BNG Credits. These BNG Credits can then be sold for between £9,000 and £25,000 (Squires, 2023).

The ideal habitat to be introduced was Native Broadleaved Woodland, and with 1 hectare of land enhanced from farmland this roughly equates to 5 habitat credits or £45,000.

Added Benefits

The newly planted woodland, funded by a BNG Credit buyer, can also gain additional carbon credits (WCU’s – Woodland Carbon Units). WCU’s can be sold for a guaranteed price for up to 2055/56 and can be sold for any newly planted woodland, not just for BNG.

If you require assistance with BNG Credit evaluation or Carbon Credit Scoping, let us know.

Image: Kate Jewell / Farmland near Scalford

SHRA?

Do you need an SHRA (Shadow Habitat Regulation Assessment) for you planning application, in Ashford, Kent? If you do please contact us and we can quote for a cost effective and timely service.

Why Do I need and SHRA?

The nutrient neutrality issue in Ashford, Kent, revolves around protecting the water quality of the Stour catchment, which has been negatively impacted by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients primarily come from sources like agriculture and wastewater treatment plants.

By Alex Lockton – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Here’s a breakdown of the issue:

The Problem:

• Excess nutrients in the Stour catchment harm sensitive habitats like the internationally important Stodmarsh nature reserve, so an Shadow Habitat Regulation Assessment is needed.
• To address this, Natural England implemented regulations requiring “nutrient neutrality” for new developments. This means any development that adds nutrients through wastewater needs to find ways to offset that impact elsewhere.

The Impact:

• This requirement has significantly impacted building projects in Ashford, as around 90% of planned development sites fall within the affected area.
• Many planning applications have been put on hold, hindering housing development and causing economic concerns, unless a Shadow Habitat Regulation Assessment can be provided, and then not even then!

The Controversy:

• Local authorities like Ashford Borough Council argue that the onus shouldn’t solely fall on them to address a wider issue beyond their control.
• They emphasize that water companies and the Environment Agency, responsible for water quality, should share the responsibility.
• The government initially proposed changes to lessen the burden on local authorities, but these were met with opposition and not enacted.

Current Status:

• As of October 2023, the government is working on a new bill to address the nutrient neutrality issue, aiming to shift responsibility to relevant bodies. But this was voted out, owing to being so poorly written. And as such for the time being the issue remains.
• Ashford Borough Council continues to seek solutions for development while the new bill takes shape.

Further Resources:

• Ashford Borough Council’s page on nutrient neutrality: https://www.ashford.gov.uk/planning-and-development/nutrient-neutrality/
• Local Government Association case study on Ashford’s experience: https://www.ashford.gov.uk/planning-and-development/nutrient-neutrality/
• Ashford Borough Council news on government reaction to the issue: https://www.ashford.gov.uk/planning-and-development/nutrient-neutrality/nutrient-neutrality-information-for-developers/

A New Phrase I Wish I Didn’t Know!

I suddenly realised the other day that my children (some of whom are teenagers) have never seen a car windshield (or windscreen :-/ if you are in the UK) covered in squashed bugs. “Good” you might say what a horrible thing to show a child. But really it is very worrying that they don’t know that this used to be normal in the UK during the summer, and its absence is not a great sign with regard to the UK’s levels of biodiversity.

Shifting Baselines

Example: Imagine a child growing up in a city with smog-filled skies. They may not realize the air quality is unhealthy because it’s their “normal.” This is the essence of shifting baseline syndrome: each generation accepts the current state of the environment as the baseline, even if it’s degraded compared to the past.

Windscreens of the Past

The Windshield phenomenon, also known as the Windscreen phenomenon, refers to the observation that fewer dead insects seem to accumulate on the windshields and front bumpers of cars compared to past decades. It’s become a common anecdotal observation among drivers, particularly those who have been driving for many years.

ecologyisnotadirtyword.com

Car windshield with splattered insects – Now a rare site in the UK

While the phenomenon itself is quite noticeable, the reasons behind it are complex and multifaceted. Here are some of the leading explanations:

1. Decline in insect populations:

• This is arguably the most concerning explanation. Studies across the globe have documented a significant decline in insect populations, with some estimates suggesting a drop of up to 75% in some regions since the 1990s.
• This decline is attributed to several factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and urbanization, excessive pesticide use, climate change, and light pollution.

2. Changes in driving habits and car designs:

• Modern cars tend to be more aerodynamic and have smoother front ends, which might make it less likely for insects to hit the windshield directly.
• Additionally, increased highway speeds and changes in driving routes may also play a role, as insects are less likely to encounter cars at certain speeds or on specific roads.

3. Observer bias:

• It’s possible that the Windshield phenomenon is partly due to our own perception. As people become aware of the decline in insect populations, they might be more likely to notice the absence of insects on their windshields, even if the actual number hasn’t changed significantly. However, I would have thought a long drive in the summer would yield a few casualties, so driving from Devon to Scotland without killing a single bug. . .  that is a bit of a coincidence.

The implications of the Windshield phenomenon are worrisome:

• Insects play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and prey for other animals. A significant decline in their populations could have cascading effects on entire ecosystems, impacting food webs and potentially even affecting human food security.

Therefore, it’s important to take the Windshield phenomenon seriously and investigate the causes behind it further.

More research is needed to understand the full extent of the decline in insect populations and to develop effective conservation strategies.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The Windshield phenomenon is not a definitive indicator of insect decline on its own. More comprehensive studies are needed to confirm the trends and their underlying causes.
• While the phenomenon might be partly due to observer bias, it’s still a valuable observation that raises awareness about the potential threat to insect populations.
• Conservation efforts focused on protecting insect habitats, reducing pesticide use, and mitigating climate change are crucial to addressing the broader issue of insect decline.

Remember, even small changes in our individual habits, like choosing organic produce and opting for sustainable gardening practices, can contribute to a healthier planet for insects and ourselves.