Boosting Buckinghamshire’s Biodiversity Net Gain brings new benefits for wildlife

Buckinghamshire Council has now secured its seventh habitat bank through a Section 106 agreement, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the county’s natural environment alongside new development. Section 106 agreements ensure developers contribute to improvements in the areas where they build, helping communities see real, local benefits from growth.

As a result, more than 100 hectares of land across the county are now committed to habitat creation and enhancement. This includes 2.45km of new or improved hedgerows, 83.3 hectares of grassland and over 5 hectares of woodland—helping to create cleaner air, more attractive green spaces and better opportunities for wildlife to thrive.

Biodiversity Net Gain means that any new development must leave nature in a better state than before. Where improvements cannot be delivered on-site, developers fund habitat creation elsewhere in the county. These new habitats are protected for at least 30 years, ensuring long-term benefits for both wildlife and local communities.

From Steeple Claydon to Beaconsfield, the council’s work with landowners is helping to establish a network of high-quality natural spaces. These areas not only support biodiversity but also contribute to residents’ wellbeing by supporting mental health and helping to mitigate some of the effects of climate change.

The council works with farmers, landowners, environmental organisations and ecologists to ensure each habitat bank delivers meaningful, lasting improvements, with ongoing monitoring to maintain high standards over decades.

Ade Osibogun, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, said:
“This milestone is great news for residents as well as for nature. By securing more land for habitat creation, we are enhancing the quality of life across Buckinghamshire—creating greener, healthier places for people to live, work and enjoy.

“While this is an important achievement, it is also just the beginning. As our habitat bank network continues to grow, so too will the benefits for our communities—supporting wildlife, improving our environment and ensuring that development leaves a positive legacy for future generations.”

Landowners interested in setting up a habitat bank on their land can get more information or speak to Biodiversity Net Gain officers by emailing: [email protected]

Further guidance is available online: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/environment/ecology-and-biodiversity/biodiversity-net-gain/