South Downs National Park LPA BNG
Explore BNG rules, habitats, and opportunities in South Downs National Park LPA LPA. Learn how to meet biodiversity requirements in planning and development.
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Biodiversity Net Gain in South Downs National Park LPA
The South Downs National Park, spanning across Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex in South East England, covers approximately 1,627 square kilometres of chalk downland, woodlands, river valleys, and coastal habitats. Known for its rolling hills, rich cultural heritage, and biodiversity, it is the largest chalk landscape in England.
The South Downs National Park Authority serves as the planning authority within the park, enforcing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements in line with the Environment Act 2021. Most developments are expected to deliver a minimum of 10% BNG through habitat creation, enhancement, or off-site biodiversity credits.
Situated primarily within the South Downs National Character Area, the park’s habitats include chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands, chalk streams, and heathlands. These habitats support important species such as the chalkhill blue butterfly, nightingale, dormouse, and native orchids.
Effective BNG in the South Downs focuses on protecting and restoring chalk grasslands, enhancing ancient woodlands, and improving connectivity through hedgerows and riparian habitats.
Our consultancy offers detailed BNG assessments, habitat surveys, and metric calculations tailored to the South Downs’ unique landscapes and biodiversity.
Habitats in South Downs National Park LPA
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The South Downs hosts a diverse range of priority habitats essential for BNG.
Grassland Habitats
Chalk Grassland: Species-rich grasslands supporting rare orchids, butterflies, and wildflowers.
Acid and Neutral Grasslands: Found on pockets of heathland and downland, important for pollinators.
Woodland Habitats
Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland: Broadleaved woodlands dominated by oak, ash, and beech, providing habitat for bats, dormice, and woodland birds.
Riparian Woodland: Along chalk streams and river valleys, supporting aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
Wetland and Watercourse Habitats
Chalk Streams: Clear, nutrient-poor streams hosting native fish, invertebrates, and water voles.
Ponds and Wet Meadows: Important for amphibians, dragonflies, and wetland plants.
Hedgerows and Linear Features
Species-Rich Hedgerows: Acting as wildlife corridors connecting fragmented habitats across farmland.
South Downs National Park LPA BNG Planning
High distinctiveness habitats such as chalk grassland, ancient woodland, and chalk streams require careful management and restoration to achieve meaningful biodiversity net gain.
Lower distinctiveness habitats, including improved grassland and hedgerows, offer valuable opportunities for habitat creation and connectivity improvements.
Lewes
Midhurst
Petersfield
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We do not currently have any schemes covering this LPA.
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Discover Schemes in
South Downs National Park 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
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Wiltshire BNG at Lydeway
Land at Lydeway
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Herefordshire BNG at Hampton Wafre
Hampton Wafre Farm
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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.