Habitat Bank Offers Nature-Friendly Solution for Developers

In October 2025, a new 85-acre (34 hectare) "habitat bank" is being established near the village of Greatworth in Northamptonshire. The reserve, managed by Environment Bank, is part of a national scheme that allows developers to buy "biodiversity units" to offset the environmental impact of their projects.

Under the biodiversity net gain policy introduced last year, developers in England must demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity to gain planning permission. The habitat bank offers a solution, with the pooled impacts from multiple development sites being used to create large-scale nature reserves.

According to Environment Bank's associate ecologist Matt Dodds, this approach is far better than the "compromised meaningless ecological enhancements" often seen on individual development sites. The diverse habitats being created, including meadows, wetlands, and woodlands, are expected to attract protected species like great crested newts, grass snakes, slow worms, and bats.

The habitat bank is located near several existing wildlife sites, providing a valuable addition to the local ecological network. As a public footpath crosses the site, the company plans to install signs explaining the project to the community. With the recovery of nature in rapid decline, this innovative solution is part of the government's efforts to support biodiversity.