Biodiversity Net Gain – Habitat Bank
Project Summary
Oxfordshire County Council wants to use rural properties owned by Oxford City Council to generate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units through sustainable land management practices. The units will either be used to offset the council’s internal biodiversity requirements or be sold within the emerging BNG market, creating both environmental and economic benefits.
Outcomes
- Actively managing rural land will enhance carbon capture while promoting biodiversity
- Enhancement of habitats across Oxfordshire
- Commercial opportunities aligned with environmental sustainability
- Advancement of the Local Nature Recovery policy objectives
Other information
Organisation
Oxfordshire County Council.
Total Cost
As an estimate £200,000 to £500,000 of upfront capital (debt equity, direct investment, single investor) will be required for habitat creation (possible physical works to the habitats) in accordance with management plans and to fund set-up costs for the SPV. Some of this is expected to come from internal Oxford County Council sources. £75k internal Oxford County Council capital secured to date.
ROI
TBC.
Timeline
Project is expected to self-finance after the first year, deliver outcomes after year 1, with the land managed for 30 years.
BNG
BNG credits are monetized either by sales of the credits to the open market via the portal or by direct delivery to internal Oxford County Council teams for a value.
Landowner
Oxford City Council own the land which will be granted to the SPV on a tenancy. Any capital will come from Oxford County Council or the investor.
Supporting Information
Details around costs and ROI are to be confirmed.