How It Works
Project Details
After you submit an enquiry, we'll arrange a no-obligation, in-depth discussion about your project. Our team will:
- Understand your project's scope and location to determine relevant LPA and NCA
- Clarify your unit requirements from your DEFRA metric
- Review your planning application status and timeline
This information helps us determine whether you need immediately available units or if we have time to work with suppliers in the registration process.
Unit Sourcing & Proposal
Based on your needs, we'll use our existing network of landowners and farmers to source appropriate off-site units. This involves:
- Identifying suitable units from our database of verified providers
- Conducting new searches if necessary to meet specific requirements
- Preparing a clear, competitive offer detailing unit pricing and next steps
This approach ensures we find the most suitable and cost-effective BNG solution for your development.
Select Purchase Options
Our flexible options allow you to choose the approach that best aligns with your project timeline and specific requirements. You can choose to purchase units at this stage or later in the process.
We offer three main purchasing options to suit different project needs.
Ready To Use Units
Ideal for urgent needs or projects with imminent planning submissions. These verified units from our established habitat banks can be rapidly allocated to your project.
Built To Order
For larger developments or niche habitat requirements, we create custom BNG solutions tailored to your needs.
Option Contracts
Lock in prices and availability, mitigating risks in an evolving market. Ideal for developers with multiple projects or those preparing for potential unit scarcity.
Securing Your Units
Once you've accepted our quote, we prepare a comprehensive set of documents to support your planning application. You pay an initial deposit to WNC to reserve your chosen BNG units, while we prepare the documentation:
- Reservation letter or deposit confirmation letter
- Draft 30-year Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP) specific to acquired units
- Letter of support for your application
This provides the preliminary evidence of your BNG compliance. Its important to note that you can submit your planning application at this stage without having purchased the units outright.
Completing The Process
Following planning approval, you make the final payment in full to WNC (minus deposit cost) and we arrange the transaction with the landowner.
We then provide the following completed documentation:
- Section 106 agreement with LPA, confirming unit sale rights and delivery obligations;
- Finalised 30-year Habitat Management Plan (HMMP);
- Confirmation of allocation on DEFRA's Biodiversity Gain Sites Register;
- Bilateral Supply & Assurance Agreement between you and the landowner
You receive a biodiversity credit certificate, discharging your BNG obligations, and the landowner assumes legal responsibility for the off-site project's 30-year term.
This final stage ensures full BNG compliance, clear responsibility transfer, and long-term offset management. With your off-site gains recorded on DEFRA's national register, you can confidently submit your Biodiversity Gain Plan to your LPA, paving the way for your development to proceed.
The Wellshead Difference
Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to explore practical BNG solutions for your land or development?
Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation with our Land Team and learn how we can help you navigate natural capital markets successfully.