North Devon LPA BNG
Discover key habitats, BNG requirements, and planning guidance for developers in North Devon LPA Local Planning Authority.
.avif)
Trusted by Developers and Landowners
Biodiversity Net Gain in North Devon LPA Local Planning Authority
North Devon, located in the South West of England, spans a diverse landscape of upland moors, coastal cliffs, wooded valleys, and lowland farmland. Covering approximately 1,085 square kilometres, the district includes towns such as Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, and South Molton, and borders Exmoor National Park and the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
In line with the Environment Act 2021, North Devon Council requires most new development proposals to deliver a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This can be achieved through on-site habitat creation, off-site biodiversity units, or collaboration with habitat banks and local ecological networks.
The district spans two National Character Areas (NCAs), Exmoor and The Culm. These NCAs shape a landscape rich in biodiversity, with habitats such as culm grassland, coastal heath, ancient woodland, and species-rich hedgerows. The area includes multiple Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the coastline.
Delivering BNG in North Devon often involves protecting sensitive upland and coastal ecosystems, enhancing farmland for biodiversity, and working within the constraints of designated landscapes.
We support developers, landowners, and planners in North Devon with a full suite of BNG services—baseline surveys, metric calculations, habitat design, and assistance sourcing biodiversity units.
Habitats in North Devon LPA Local Planning Authority
.avif)
North Devon supports a rich mosaic of coastal, upland, wetland, and lowland habitats recognised under the BNG metric framework and UK conservation priorities.
Coastal and Upland Habitats
Maritime Grassland and Coastal Heathland: Found along cliffs and headlands; support specialist plant and invertebrate species.
Cliffs and Rocky Shores: Important for seabirds and intertidal ecology; require protection under multiple designations.
Upland Grassland and Moorland Edge: Occur near the Exmoor boundary, supporting ground-nesting birds and rare flora.
Grassland and Heath Habitats
Culm Grassland (Rhos Pasture): A high-distinctiveness habitat unique to North Devon; supports marsh fritillary butterflies and other wetland species.
Neutral and Acid Grassland: Present in valley bottoms and on less-improved farmland.
Modified Grassland: Widespread and offers enhancement potential through reduced grazing and wildflower seeding.
Woodland and Scrub Habitats
Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland: Found in valleys and on estate lands; support bats, birds, and invertebrates.
Ancient Woodland and Wet Woodland: Present in river valleys and along steep slopes.
Scrub and Hedgerow Mosaic: Provide transitional habitats and important connectivity across the landscape.
Wetland and Watercourse Habitats
Rivers Taw and Torridge: Major river systems supporting otters, salmonids, and wetland birds.
Ponds, Springs, and Flushes: Valuable for amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.
Wet Grassland and Reedbeds: Located in floodplains and poorly drained pastures.
Cropland and Farmland Habitats
Arable Land: Predominantly in the south and east of the district; offers BNG opportunities through field margins and hedgerow restoration.
Temporary Grassland and Fallow Plots: Seasonal variation supports birds and insects when managed for biodiversity.
Hedgerows and Linear Features
Species-Rich Hedgerows and Devon Banks: Distinctive and ecologically valuable; provide habitat for dormice, birds, and pollinators.
Trackways and Green Lanes: Function as linear refuges and corridors across rural areas.
North Devon LPA BNG Planning
High distinctiveness habitats—such as culm grassland, ancient woodland, and coastal cliffs—require special consideration in BNG planning. Impacts on these habitats often necessitate off-site compensation and strategic biodiversity enhancement.
Lower and moderate distinctiveness habitats, including modified grassland, arable fields, and hedgerows, offer scalable and practical opportunities for BNG delivery through enhancement and restoration.
Barnstaple
Ilfracombe
Get notified of a scheme
We do not currently have any schemes covering this LPA.
Get notified when a scheme is available in this area.
Discover Schemes in
North Devon LPA
LPA
Restoring ecosystems and creating sustainable habitats
through BNG and nutrient mitigation.
Shavington Estate
Shavington Estate
Hurst Farm
Hurst Farm
Essex BNG at Priors Farm
Essex BNG at Priors Farm
Somerset BNG Scheme
Trinity Farm & Eastcombe Fields
Tees Nutrient Mitigation
Tees Nutrient Mitigation Scheme
.jpg)
Wiltshire BNG at Lydeway
Land at Lydeway
.jpg)
Herefordshire BNG at Hampton Wafre
Hampton Wafre Farm
Are you looking to start a BNG scheme?
Talk to Greenshank and explore the opportunities we offer through your land.
Latest News
A step-by-step guide for landowners looking to sell their land as BNG units, and how Greenshank can help at every stage of the process.
.webp)
Find out how biodiversity net gain legislation works under the Environment Act 2021, what it requires, and which developments are exempt.
Find out how nutrient mitigation schemes work for landowners, how nutrient credits are generated, and how to combine nutrient and BNG income.