Responsible Body
delivering BNG Conservation Covenants

DEFRA Appointed – Commercially Minded – A Partnership Approach

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Phones answered within 2 rings and emails within 1 hour.

Independent Responsible Body for Biodiversity Net Gain

A Responsible Body is legally responsible for securing and overseeing Biodiversity Net Gain outcomes for a minimum of 30 years. 
 
ProHort EcoShield fulfils this role through governance, monitoring, and enforcement under conservation covenants with a collaborative approach and a commercial mindset; we assist the landowner to maximise the number of BNG units your land can produce.  

Delivering Long-Term Stewardship Through Partnership

As a DEFRA-approved Responsible Body, ProHort EcoShield is committed to making habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement practical, effective and achievable for landowners and developers. Through our BNG Conservation Covenant Services, we help establish the long-term stewardship arrangements needed to secure meaningful environmental outcomes and support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) compliance.

Collaborative Stewardship

Working with landowners and farmers to make long-term biodiversity commitments practical and sustainable.
We recognise that successful environmental stewardship depends on collaboration. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, we work alongside landowners and farmers to develop solutions that respect the way land is managed while delivering the biodiversity improvements required under a BNG Conservation Covenant Agreement. By building trusted, long-term relationships, we help ensure that environmental commitments remain realistic, sustainable and beneficial for all parties involved.
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Long-Term Habitat Management

Supporting nature recovery through habitat management, monitoring and long-term environmental improvements.
Our work extends beyond meeting regulatory obligations. Through the implementation of Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) and wider long-term habitat management strategies, we support projects that contribute to nature recovery, strengthen ecological resilience and help reverse decades of biodiversity loss. These measures not only support individual Biodiversity Gain Plans, but also contribute to wider environmental ambitions by improving habitat connectivity, enhancing water quality and supporting natural flood management.
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Biodiversity & Commercial Value

Exploring commercial opportunities through BNG habitat banks and biodiversity units, alongside lasting environmental gains.
In partnership with developers, landowners, habitat banks and local authorities, we demonstrate how responsible land management and commercial success can go hand in hand. Through the creation of BNG habitat banks and the generation of biodiversity units, we help landowners unlock the financial potential of the land. By making biodiversity commercially viable, we aim to create a model where investing in nature delivers real financial returns, alongside clear environmental gains. We strive to demonstrate that environmental stewardship and responsible land use can coexist. By balancing ecological ambition with practical delivery, we aim to leave a lasting legacy: creating resilient landscapes, strengthening nature networks, and ensuring that the choices made today continue to benefit future generations.
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The Responsible Body Role

What We Do

A small green seedling growing in cracked, dry soil
A hand gently watering a young green seedling growing in dark soil

Assist Landowners in choosing the Right Ecology Firm to deliver maximum BNG units from the land.

Due Diligence – Required legally this includes:
- Liaise with ecologists to design the HMMP (Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan).
- Approve Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans
- Ensuring that the HMMP can be delivered

Enter and hold conservation covenants

Register Local Land Charges ensuring the Biodiversity Gain Site has been registered with Natural England.

Deliver habitats and biodiversity units; to achieve this we:
Monitor and assist with biodiversity outcomes over the long term

Why Choose ProHort EcoShield as your Responsible Body?

Phones answered within 2 rings and emails within 1 hour.
We approach everything we do with a “Solution based mindset”.
Conservation Covenants completed within 10 days and if fast tracked within 5 working days!
As one of only the first 8 Responsible Bodies appointed by the Secretary of State we are experts within our field.
Phone us now and we are happy to answer your questions; talk you through the process & even assist you on the financial viability of your land as a BNG farm.

Who We Work With

Ecologists & Project Teams

Supporting ecological teams with HMMP reviews and conservation covenant requirements.

Landowners & Farmers

Helping landowners balance biodiversity commitments with practical land management.

We work with developers, landowners and environmental professionals to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain through conservation covenants and long-term habitat stewardship.

Habitat Bank Operators

Securing long-term habitat stewardship through conservation covenants.

Developers

Helping developers meet BNG requirements through clear conservation covenant arrangements.

Compliance Through Partnership

ProHort EcoShield applies defined governance standards and long-term statutory responsibilities to every scheme. Decisions are made independently and consistently, in line with Biodiversity Net Gain legislation. 

Establishing the Conservation Covenant

ProHort EcoShield applies defined governance standards and long-term statutory responsibilities to every scheme. Decisions are made independently and consistently, in line with Biodiversity Net Gain legislation. 

Monitoring

When entering a Conservation Covenant this is a 30 year relationship with ProHort EcoShield in line with BNG guidelines. As a Responsible Body we have statutory responsibilities that we must fulfil to ensure compliance with the Conservation Covenant and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP).

Partnership

We believe ecological success and financial viability should go hand in and. When landowners see tangible financial benefits, it supports long-term engagement and measurable habitat enhancement. When all parties benefit, biodiversity has the best opportunity to thrive.

Responsible Body support for BNG schemes

If you require an independent Responsible Body secure and oversee Biodiversity Net Gain outcomes, ProHort EcoShield can advise on suitability and next steps. to implement a Conservation Covenant assist with compliance issues or advise on creation of a Habitat Bank – with a can do attitude ProHort EcoShield is the obvious choice for you.

Start a Conversation about Conservation Covenants

Start a Conversation about Conservation Covenants

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