Natural Capital

As a fast-moving sector, our professional experts keep a close eye on how the private and publicly funded markets, regulation and legislation relating to Natural Capital assets develop to give the best possible advice to our clients across all sectors.

Biodiversity Net Gain

Developers are required to leave the biodiversity relating to a development site in a better state than before they undertook the development, giving rise to a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), as dictated by the Environment Act and the National Planning Policy Framework. We advise landowners in matters relating to private sector lease agreements which emerge as a result of changes in policy.

Nutrient Neutrality

The impact of pollutants, especially phosphates and nitrates, on protected environmental sites is an increasing issue which has wide ranging impacts on residential and agricultural development. Large parts of the South West fall within these catchments and any developments with the potential to increase the pollution levels must prove they are nutrient neutral before planning permission can be granted. Where on site mitigation measures are not possible, developers may seek agreement with a third party to offset the impact of their development.

Carbon Offsetting

Carbon offsetting is a way in which businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint can do so by paying a landowner in return for changing farming or land management practices to facilitate higher carbon capture. We are able to understand clients carbon requirements and related land management practices to advise accordingly.

Complete Advice

Symonds & Sampson’s history of valuation, planning and development combined with our experience of managing rural property places us in an unmatched position to give complete advice on how Natural Capital agreements may affect land value, management practices, and long-term strategy. Our experts advise on all matters involving the exploitation, exchange, off-setting or development of natural capital assets, on behalf of both developers and landowners