Submit a site for Biodiversity Net Gain or Habitat Site Restoration

Opportunities for landowners to generate additional income from their land whilst contributing to nature recovery.

How it works

From 30 November 2023 there will be a legal requirement under the Environment Act for developers to provide at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity.

The aim of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is to ensure that habitats for nature are in a better state than they were before development. Not all BNG can be provided on the development site.

We are currently look for sites that could be used for BNG, find out how to submit an expression of interest.

    For more information on Biodiversity Net Gain read the GOV.UK website

    Habitat Site Restoration sites

    There are four protected Habitat Sites within Cumbria that are in an unfavourable condition due to phosphorous pollution. We are seeking sites within their catchment areas where projects could be delivered to reduce the amount of phosphorous entering the site. This will aid the restoration of the Habitat Site.

    • Esthwaite Water Ramsar
    • River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake Special Conservation Area
    • River Eden Special Conservation Area
    • River Kent Special Conservation Area

    We are currently look for sites that could be used for Habitat Site Restoration, find out how to submit an expression of interest.

    Contact us for further information

    Contact us for information on:

    • sites
    • phosphorous pollution
    • BNG
    • Habitat Site Restoration

    Nature Recovery
    Nature.recovery@Lakedistrict.gov.uk
    Telephone: 07775116219 or 07825 456453

    Contact the relevant authority for the planning process

    A list of the relevant planning teams.

    Cumberland planning teams

    Allerdale area
    Email: planning@allerdale.gov.uk

    Carlisle area
    Email: EDA@cumberland.gov.uk

    Copeland area
    Email: Development.Control3@cumberland.gov.uk

    Find more information read the planning section on the Cumberland website

    Westmorland and Furness planning team

    Email: Planning2@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

    For more information read the planning section

    Lake District National Park planning team

    Email: Planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk

    Find more information read the call for sites page on the Lake District website

    Yorkshire Dales planning team

    Email: planning@yorkshiredales.org.uk

    Find more information read the BNG page on the Yorkshire Dales website