Surrey’s first Habitat Bank celebrates key milestone

Wild Capital and Elmbridge Borough Council are pleased to announce a major milestone in Elmbridge’s journey towards enhanced biodiversity in the borough, as Surrey’s first and only habitat bank, located in Cobham within the River Mole Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA), has secured its Section 106 (s106) agreement and is now officially listed on the national Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) register. 

A pioneering project in Elmbridge 

The habitat bank, developed and managed by Wild Capital, represents an innovative approach to biodiversity conservation. The site plays a key role in achieving sustainable development goals, enabling the creation, restoration, and protection of vital habitats within the River Mole BOA—an area recognised for its high conservation value and diverse ecosystems. This provides a nature-positive solution for developers in meeting their mandatory biodiversity obligations under the Environment Act 2021.

 Key features of the site include carefully restored and enhanced habitats that align with Wild Capital's commitment to ecological integrity and long-term nature preservation. As the only habitat bank in Surrey, it provides a crucial local resource for developers, ensuring compliance with planning policies while delivering meaningful ecological benefits. 

Jack Potter, Partner at Wild Capital stated: 
“We are delighted to see the Elmbridge habitat bank achieve s106 approval and secure its place on the register. This is a testament to the value of public-private collaboration in advancing biodiversity goals. This site is not just a compliance tool; it is a legacy for nature and the community.” 

Cllr Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning services added: 
“This habitat bank is a milestone for Elmbridge, offering developers a unique opportunity to fulfil their biodiversity requirements locally while contributing to the borough’s broader environmental objectives.”

Cllr Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment at Surrey County Council said:
“The Cobham habitat bank is a landmark achievement for Surrey. By integrating high-quality habitat creation with strategic planning, this project provides a way to balance development with nature conservation. I’m proud to have supported a project that will deliver lasting benefits for Surrey’s ecosystems and wildlife.” 

Looking ahead 

The Cobham habitat bank sets a benchmark for integrating ecological preservation into the planning process. Developers across Elmbridge now have access to high-quality BNG units, including units of grassland, watercourses hedgerows and more, that support both their projects and the environment, ensuring that the borough continues to grow responsibly while fostering biodiversity resilience for the future.