Conservation Covenants

Long-term legal protection for nature recovery

About conservation covenants

Securing biodiversity gains for the long term

Conservation covenants are voluntary, legally binding agreements between a landowner and a designated Responsible Body. They are used to secure conservation outcomes on land for the long term, including the habitat creation, enhancement and management needed to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain.

For offsite BNG, conservation covenants can help ensure that biodiversity gains are protected, monitored and managed for at least 30 years.

Many Better BNG partner organisations, or organisations within their wider networks, are designated Responsible Bodies. This means they can enter into conservation covenants with landowners, monitor delivery against the agreed conservation objectives, and help ensure that habitat gains are secured for nature over the long term.

Why NGOs

Why work with an NGO Responsible Body?

Trusted conservation expertise: NGO Responsible Bodies bring ecological knowledge, local relationships and long-term conservation experience.
Long-term accountability: They can monitor whether conservation commitments are being delivered and take action where needed.
Better outcomes for nature: Covenants can be shaped around the needs of habitats, species and wider landscapes.
Developer confidence: Working with a designated Responsible Body can help provide assurance that offsite BNG is legally secured and properly stewarded.

Contacts