To identify potential supply sites, we analysed existing council mapping to select parcels between 20 and 100 hectares with a minimum of 10 hectares. These sites were then reviewed with the councils’ parks teams and sieved using a red, amber, green system to exclude areas unsuitable for habitat enhancement, such as allotments, sports pitches, and high-amenity spaces. The resulting long list was subjected to desk-based analysis using our HabiTEP software, which classified habitats according to UKHab criteria to support further assessment of their suitability for biodiversity unit generation.
In parallel, we modelled BNG demand from anticipated housing and employment development scenarios within the council boundaries to determine whether gains could be achieved on-site or if off-site units would be required. An interactive webmap was prepared to display development redlines, existing habitats, proposed enhancements, and the geographical relationship between supply and demand.
Following identification of a suitable supply site for a council-owned habitat bank, a site visit was undertaken to verify desk-based assessments and inform the preparation of a detailed Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan, based on the Natural England template, specifying enhancement actions, maintenance regimes, and monitoring requirements. Further support included cost modelling and forecasting of potential biodiversity unit sales, analysis of legal mechanisms for securing council land as a habitat bank, and guidance on policy alignment with BNG requirements and Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
The project provides a structured, evidence-based framework to enable the councils to deliver BNG across public open space assets and support sustainable development within their areas.
