Farming roots drive biodiversity venture

An environmental business is helping property developers meet new biodiversity rules by combining habitat creation with working farmland.

Green Acres BNG, based in the West End of Newcastle, is led by Matt Haycock and Northumberland farmer Michael Dungait. 

The company supports developers in meeting the UK’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, which require projects to deliver at least a ten per cent improvement in habitat value and maintain it for 30 years.

The legislation, introduced in England last year, allows developers to achieve these improvements either within their project boundary or through off-site land management.

Green Acres BNG owns and manages its own farmland, allowing developers to secure biodiversity units without sacrificing valuable development land. 

The approach is underpinned by Michael’s practical farming experience, with knowledge of soils, livestock and habitat management playing a key role in delivering long-term environmental improvements.

He said: “This isn’t a ‘plant some grass and walk away’ situation. 

“You need soil sampling, habitat suitability assessments, and realistic management plans. 

“Some habitats are extremely difficult to establish and even harder to maintain.

“Our farm, Green Acres Future and Green Acres BNG have grown together.

“We didn’t design this backwards from units and numbers. 

“We developed land that suited its natural conditions and built complementary habitats that genuinely work together.”

Green Acres BNG offers fractional biodiversity units, enabling developers to purchase only the amount required for a scheme rather than fixed packages, helping make compliance more accessible for smaller developments.

Projects supported by the company already range from student accommodation schemes in Newcastle to larger commercial developments across the region.

Matt added: “BNG isn’t a tick-box exercise. 

“It’s a legal, long-term commitment. 

“Developers must prove an uplift in habitat type, not just set land aside. 

“That takes experience, planning and proper land management.

“For many developers, delivering BNG off-site is more efficient and commercially viable. 

“But it also places a huge responsibility on the land manager.”

Matt added: “Developers need confidence. 

“They need to know their 30-year obligation will be met by people who understand land, care about outcomes, and will still be here in decades to come.”

Green Acres BNG operates alongside sister initiative Green Acres Future, which focuses on environmental education, corporate social responsibility and community engagement. 

Activities include working with schools and charities, supporting riding schools and promoting biodiversity awareness, while showcasing regenerative farming and wildlife habitats across its land.

One example of this work is Morpeth Rugby Club, where Michael, who has been involved with the club for more than four decades, is helping reduce its environmental footprint and introduce practical green measures into daily operations.

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