The neighbouring Wildlife Trusts of Cheshire and Staffordshire have entered into a conservation covenant to secure what will be the first Wildlife Trust owned off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) site in the Peak District National Park Local Planning Authority. The work on Greenbooth Nature Reserve, which is owned and managed by Cheshire Wildlife Trust, will be overseen by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust acting as Responsible Body.
Working with solicitors, the two Trusts agreed terms on a legally binding contract, the first between two charities within the federation of Wildlife Trusts, demonstrating a new way in which Trusts can work in close partnership to support high integrity, privately financed conservation projects. In addition to managing the site for the benefit of species including breeding wading birds, ground nesting-birds and a locally significant population of waxcap fungi, Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Greenbooth Nature Reserve will provide a supply of 40 grassland BNG units into the local market, with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust ensuring the restoration plans are implemented successfully.
Recognising the need to deliver ‘gold standard’ BNG, Greenbooth Nature Reserve will also benefit from in-perpetuity stewardship ensuring lasting ecological value, while also providing public access and opportunities for community and volunteer engagement. Through these initiatives, the partnership will foster green skills development and long-term local involvement, supported by robust ongoing monitoring of species and habitats to guarantee measurable and enduring outcomes.
Ross Harding, Head of Nature Based Solutions at Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: "Securing a conservation covenant with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is a great step forward, both for us as a local Trust but also for the wider federation. As well as opening up a new funding stream to realise our long-term vision for Greenbooth, it also demonstrates that Trusts can collaborate to access private nature markets and, more importantly, hold one another to the highest possible standards. As privately financed nature recovery continues to grow, it is essential to find new ways of working together while demonstrating the highest levels of integrity to the wider sector”.
If you would like to know more about Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s work on BNG please visit our dedicated webpage and if you would like to contact the team about purchasing BNG units email bng@cheshirewt.org.uk.
