Responsible BodyServices
As a DEFRA-registered Responsible Body, we can support landowners, developers, and organisations in delivering long-term, legally secure conservation outcomes. We can now provide support across all stages of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) process.
Photo Credit - Poppy Field by Gemma de Gouveia
What is a Responsible Body?
A Responsible Body is an organisation designated by DEFRA to enter into Conservation Covenants with landowners. These organisations must have a strong connection to nature, such as charities, public bodies, or organisations with conservation-focused activities.
ABEC's primary purpose is to support the enhancement of nature and our role is to:
- Enter into Conservation Covenants with landowners
- Ensure agreements meet legal requirements and deliver public good
- Monitor and enforce the long-term management of land for conservation purposes.
What is a Conservation Covenant?
A Conservation Covenant is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a Responsible Body. It sets out how land will be managed to achieve conservation goals.
These agreements:
- Are tailored to individual sites and needs
- Lasting for at least 30 years
- Remain in place even if the land is sold
- Can include actions such as habitat creation, enhancement, or restrictions on certain land uses
They provide a flexible way to secure land for conservation without the need for ownership transfer.
Our Services
Conservation Covenant Agreements
We create bespoke agreements that clearly define how land will be managed and maintained for conservation, ensuring long-term environmental benefits. We help deliver BNG requirements by securing and managing land through Conservation Covenants. This enables sites to be registered on the national BNG register and supports planning compliance.
Monitoring and Compliance
As a Responsible Body, we oversee and enforce the terms of Conservation Covenants. This includes ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure that agreed conservation outcomes are achieved and maintained, giving confidence to all parties involved.
Alternative to Section 106 Agreements
Conservation Covenants offer a flexible and efficient alternative to Section 106 (S106) agreements, often taking less time to establish while providing tailored solutions suited to individual sites. This approach enables conservation goals to be secured without the need for land purchase, offering greater flexibility for landowners.
Ecological Expertise and Advice
With strong ecological conservation and land management expertise, we provide guidance on habitat creation, restoration, and long-term land management. We work collaboratively to ensure the right habitats are delivered in the right locations, maximising ecological value and ensuring compliance with national policy.
All agreements we establish are legally binding and enduring, meaning they remain in place even if land ownership changes. This ensures that conservation outcomes are protected for future generations.
Contact
The earlier you involve an ecologist, the more control you retain over cost, programme and design.
📞 01622 357 821
📧 hello@adonisblue.org.uk
Or contact Michael Griffin for BNG advice:
📞 07923 253722
📧 michael.griffin@adonisblue.org.uk