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Improve biodiversity and grow your business

There’s an exciting opportunity for your business to support nature recovery in Surrey – and potentially earn income at the same time. Under the new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) law, all new developments are required to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity on-site. This means enhancing the variety of plants and wildlife that inhabit the area. It’s a crucial step, especially since Surrey is experiencing biodiversity decline at a rate higher than the national average.
BNG is about protecting, improving, and expanding habitats where development occurs. But when this isn’t feasible on-site, developers can invest in off-site biodiversity projects instead. That’s where your business comes in. If you own land – whether it’s a farm, business premises, or other property – you could receive subsidies to host these off-site improvements, effectively becoming a ‘biodiversity bank’. This opportunity is available in both rural and urban settings.

While it’s vital to balance food production and the protection of countryside heritage, participating in biodiversity initiatives can also bring your business multiple benefits including:

  • Generating financial returns as a 'BNG Bank' by using your business premises to support biodiversity and help reverse nature loss.
  • Playing an important role in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which brings together local authorities, businesses, and community groups in collaborative efforts.
  • Enjoying the benefits of nature for staff wellbeing by creating or expanding green spaces on your site which would enable daily access to nature.
  • Achieving your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability goals through measurable environmental impact.