By Sarah Wood | 16th April 2026
A new nature recovery site in the north Cotswolds – the first in Gloucestershire to be funded through biodiversity net gain payments from developers – has officially been launched by the Gloucestershire Nature and Climate Fund (GNCF).
It is the first of a suite of offsite biodiversity net gain schemes across Gloucestershire, designed to boost and connect wildlife networks in the county.
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) has been a mandatory requirement for development under the Environment Act (2021) since February 2024. It requires developers to deliver a measurable (10%), positive impact on biodiversity when land is being developed. The gain (or loss) of nature is measured in ‘biodiversity units’.
The North Cotswold BNG Scheme
Biodiversity units can be created on the development site or purchased from registered off-site BNG schemes. Any registered off-site biodiversity schemes must restore and maintain the biodiversity units there for at least 30 years.
In an environment of declining environmental subsidies, off-site BNG schemes can provide landowners with an income opportunity for nature restoration.
The 40-acre North Cotswold BNG Scheme near Broadway will transform low-grade pasture into a species-rich Cotswold meadow, create diverse hedgerows suitable for nesting birds and foraging bats, and expand neighbouring forest with new broadleaved woodland.
Although privately owned, a public footpath crosses the site, allowing the local community to enjoy the return of flora and fauna as nature recovers.
A new model for biodiversity delivery
The biodiversity units which will be created on the site will be sold through GNCF.
GNCF is a new female-led, not-for-profit green business chaired by Dr Diane Savory Hill OBE DL (former chief operating officer of Superdry and former chair of GFirst LEP).
GNCF was established in 2022 by Gloucestershire’s Local Nature Partnership, which brings together more than 40 nature-based organisations, including the National Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Cotswold National Landscape.
Rachel Lenane, GNCF CEO, said: “This is a significant step forward for nature recovery in Gloucestershire and the first of 10 schemes we expect to bring forward, with larger-scale projects to follow soon, totalling around 430 hectares and delivering long-term positive impact for nature.”
“GNCF differs from other BNG businesses, in that any surplus profits will be used to support further nature recovery projects across Gloucestershire.”
The scheme is the first official offsite BNG project in the Cotswold district and in Gloucestershire, marking a milestone for nature recovery in the county.
The site registration has been supported by Cotswold District Council, which following completion of a legally binding contract with the landowners, has responsibility for monitoring the site over its 30+ year life span.
Rachel Lenane continued: “I would like to thank Cotswold District Council Ecology Team for their support. Their technical expertise played a pivotal role in helping shape the scheme. I’d also like to thank the wider council for enabling an innovative planning approach, despite limited resources.”
Cllr Juliet Layton, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “We are pleased to be working with the Gloucestershire Nature and Climate Fund to establish new habitat banks in the Cotswold district. This will help address the impact of new development by ensuring biodiversity is not only protected, but measurably improved.
“Creating habitats locally means environmental benefits are retained for our communities. In a district like the Cotswolds, where our natural landscape is a defining asset, this work is vital.”
In January, Gloucestershire County Council approved the launch of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) – a spatial plan to restore, create and manage habitats across the county – a move that was also required by the Environment Act 2021.
The GNCF BNG schemes connect with the LNRS, ensuring any habitat creation contributes to a wider network of bigger, better and more connected wildlife sites aligned with county priorities.
Biodiversity units now available
The North Cotswold BNG Scheme has been recorded on the Defra Gain Site Register, and high-distinctiveness grassland, woodland and hedgerow units from the site are now available for immediate purchase.
GNCF provides developers and planning agents with quotations, allocations and the documentation required to support planning applications under mandatory BNG requirements – offering a locally delivered, policy-aligned solution to the new BNG legislation.
GNCF also has additional biodiversity gain site projects progressing with local planning authorities in Stroud, Tewkesbury and the Forest of Dean, as well as further schemes within the Cotswold district — helping to build a pipeline of local BNG supply.
Any developers wishing to enquire about BNG units should contact enquiries@glosncf.com.
