Off-Site BNG Units for BCP

No Spatial Risk Penalty for BCP

This is the single most important fact for any developer building in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole: BCP Council falls within the same Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) area as The Ferals. Under the 2024 statutory biodiversity metric, off-site units delivered within the same LNRS area as the development carry no spatial risk multiplier penalty. In practice that means the units you buy from us count in full — you do not need to buy extra units to compensate for distance.

The Ferals is a registered biodiversity gain site on the Natural England register (reference BGS-180925001), backed by a 30-year Section 106 agreement with Dorset Council. Units are available now and can be allocated within weeks of agreement.

Why BCP Developments Need Off-Site Units

BCP is one of the most densely developed areas in the South West. The conurbation's brownfield regeneration sites, urban infill plots and constrained coastal parcels rarely have the space to deliver a full 10% biodiversity net gain on site. That makes off-site units the practical route to compliance for the majority of BCP schemes — from apartment blocks in central Bournemouth to redevelopment in Poole and Christchurch.

Where We Are

Habitat Bank

The Ferals, Tarrant Keyneston

Distance from BCP

Approx. 25 miles (Poole / Bournemouth)

Shared LNRS Area

Dorset LNRS — includes BCP Council

National Character Area

Cranborne Chase (NCA 134)

Spatial Risk to BCP

No multiplier penalty

Natural England Register

BGS-180925001

Why Off-Site BNG?

Not every development can deliver its full 10% biodiversity net gain on site. Common reasons developers need off-site BNG units include:

• Constrained sites - urban developments, brownfield sites, or small plots with no space for meaningful habitat creation
• Specific habitat types required - the biodiversity metric may require grassland, scrub, or woodland that cannot be created on the development site
• Speed and certainty - purchasing from a registered habitat bank gives immediate compliance rather than years of uncertain on-site habitat establishment
• Higher quality outcomes - a dedicated 250-acre habitat bank delivers better ecological outcomes than isolated pockets of habitat on development sites
• Planning condition requirements - some planning authorities specifically require off-site delivery through registered habitat banks

Available Unit Types

The Ferals currently offers four habitat unit types, all verified under the statutory Biodiversity Metric:

• Other Neutral Grassland - available now. Medium distinctiveness. The most commonly required unit type.
• Mixed Scrub - available now. Medium distinctiveness. Hawthorn, blackthorn and native shrub species.
• Individual Trees (Rural) - available now. Native tree planting contributing to habitat connectivity.
• Traditional Orchard - coming soon. High distinctiveness. Native fruit varieties.

For full details on our available units and how to purchase, see our BNG units for sale page. For pricing information, see our BNG unit cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use The Ferals' BNG units for a development in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole?

Yes. The Ferals is a registered habitat bank in Dorset, and BCP Council sits within the same Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) area. This means our off-site BNG units are fully eligible for BCP developments and carry no spatial risk penalty.

Is there a spatial risk penalty for buying BNG units outside BCP?

No. Because The Ferals and BCP share the same Dorset LNRS area, the statutory biodiversity metric applies no spatial risk multiplier. Your units count in full, so you do not need to purchase additional units to compensate for distance.

How quickly can BNG units be allocated to a BCP development?

Units at The Ferals are available now and can typically be allocated within weeks of agreement. Send us your completed Biodiversity Metric and we will confirm availability, pricing and the exact unit requirement for your scheme.

How much do off-site BNG units cost for a BCP scheme?

Pricing depends on habitat type and quantity. See our BNG unit cost guide for detailed pricing, or send us your metric for a firm quote tailored to your development.

Areas We Serve

The Ferals supplies off-site BNG units to developments across Dorset and neighbouring counties. Explore our area guides: