Funding a Resilient,
nature-rich Gloucestershire

The Gloucestershire Nature + Climate Fund

Mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG), as set out in the Environment Act (2021), becomes law in January 2024. It means that all developments over 0.5ha (or 10 dwellings) will have to demonstrate that they are able to enhance wildlife on-site. If this cannot be done on-site, the developer will be required to provide off-site improvements, by paying for off-site biodiversity net gain units. The biodiversity net gains will be secured through the planning system and a development will have to show how the net gains will be achieved to obtain planning permission.

The Gloucestershire Nature + Climate Fund (GNCF) is a not-for-profit organisation established to support Landowners, Developers and Local Planning Authorities through the biodiversity net gain process.

The GNCF was established by the Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership and the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership. The GLNP is backed by Gloucestershire’s Local Authorities who fund and partner the initiative, as well as around 30 nature-based bodies from the county. The GNCF works to ensure that nature is replaced strategically across the county according to best ecological evidence. The GNCF will administer funds from BNG sales to support the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, enable improvement of green spaces within Gloucestershire’s urban centres and restore nature at a larger scale in rural areas.

The Gloucestershire Nature and Climate Fund (GNCF) will ensure that:

Developers have a simple risk-free way of meeting the biodiversity net gain challenge

The right projects for the right places are connected

Landowners diversify their income and are able to deliver environmental improvements

Nature restoration is delivered strategically across Gloucestershire

Reaping the benefits of our natural environment

Gloucestershire’s natural environment provides the local economy with benefits of half a billion pounds per year in free services[1] such as the reduction of flooding, clean drinking water, reduced air pollution and recreation. The GNCF will keep these benefits in Gloucestershire where they contribute to the local economy and the wellbeing of residents.

[1] Environment Agency Natural Capital Register and Account Tool V.1 (2021)

Developers

We can support your business requirements with risk-free, off-site credits that benefit the local area

Landowners

For landowners in Gloucestershire who want to diversify their income, reduce climate impacts and enhance nature on their estate

Planning Authorities

The GNCF will ensure that the Planning Authority is ‘offsite BNG ready’ with suitable receptor sites prepared for winter 2023

c/o Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Ellenborough House, Wellington Street,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1YD

2022 © Gloucestershire Nature and Climate Fund Limited

Registered in England company number 13662489