New Habitat Bank at Badger Bank Farm to Support Biodiversity Net Gain in North Yorkshire

Property developers in North Yorkshire will soon have access to a new habitat bank at Badger Bank Farm, designed to assist them in meeting their Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) obligations. Managed by biodiversity specialists, Biofarm, this initiative is set to provide off-site BNG units for developers unable to achieve the required biodiversity improvements on their own sites.

Since February 2024, BNG has been a legal requirement for all new developments, mandating that developers enhance biodiversity by a minimum of 10% compared to the original site value. For those unable to make these enhancements on-site, purchasing off-site BNG units, such as those available at Badger Bank, is an alternative.

Spanning 30 hectares, Badger Bank Farm will deliver 232 BNG units across various habitats, including species-rich grassland, mixed scrub, in-field trees, hedgerows, and watercourses. This habitat bank will cater to developments throughout North Yorkshire, as well as in Leeds, Wakefield, Doncaster, Rotherham, and neighbouring authorities.

The management of BNG initiatives at Badger Bank will be conducted by Biofarm, which aims to align the interests of developers, landowners, local authorities, and ecological needs. Richard Graham, the landowner at Badger Bank, expressed his commitment to the project: “Dedicating some of our land to this biodiversity project means we can reinvest further in the rest of our property and wider habitats. That keeps the land viable, managed, and productive in the round.”

Graham further noted the ecological benefits of restoring habitats, stating, “Restoring habitats helps pollinators thrive and can also improve the way land holds and filters water, for example, through better soil structure, vegetation cover and natural drainage. This can help reduce surface water runoff and support water quality.” He also highlighted plans to engage local contractors for habitat bank management tasks, which would contribute to the local economy.

Louise Martland, Ecology Director at Biofarm, commented on the potential of Badger Bank: “Badger Bank offers an amazing opportunity to enhance habitats, restore wildflower grassland, buffer and connect ancient woodland and better provide for nature. Located adjacent to the River Ure corridor and Ripon Parks Site of Special Scientific Interest – areas of national importance – our nature-led approach will transform the land into species-rich grassland and diverse scrub mosaic, enhancing the environment for a wide range of wildlife.”

Martland also mentioned the possibility of reintroducing traditional farming practices and establishing a rare breed cattle herd to manage the meadows.

Chris Scott, Chief Commercial Officer at Biofarm, emphasised the importance of the habitat bank for both developers and the environment: “Our job is to ensure this habitat bank delivers for developers and the environment as well as supporting the landowner to invest in the future of their farm. Badger Bank sits in a great location, right across a large catchment covering North Yorkshire and the Southern Magnesian Limestone National Character Area – running all the way from Bedale down to Nottingham, so it will be a great option for developers operating across a large part of Northern England.”

Scott added, “At Biofarm, we know how important it is to get BNG right, so we focus on bringing the structure, expertise and long-term thinking needed to make it work. That means developers get clear, reliable results, and landowners benefit from a steady, sustainable income.” He expressed eagerness to welcome developers to Badger Bank to showcase the quality of the site and the plans for its development.

“We’d love to speak with developers in the area who want to explore how Badger Bank can support their projects,” Scott concluded.