Conservation Covenants & Responsible Body Services

DEFRA approved Responsible Body supporting Biodiversity Net Gain through independent governance, monitoring and long-term stewardship.

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.

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 Conservation Covenant Services, we help establish the long-term stewardship arrangements needed to secure meaningful environmental outcomes and support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) compliance.

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 Conservation Covenant Agreement. By building trusted, long-term relationships, we help ensure that environmental commitments remain realistic, sustainable and beneficial for all parties involved.

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.

In partnership with developers, landowners, habitat banks and local authorities, 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.

The Responsible Body Role

What We Do

A Responsible Body for Biodiversity Net Gain
Enter and hold conservation covenants
Approve Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans
Monitor and enforce biodiversity outcomes over the long term
Liaise with ecologists to design BNG schemes
Deliver habitats and biodiversity units

Why Independance Matters

Governance-led Oversight

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

Carrying out Due Diligence, setting up the Conservation Covenant in agreement with the land owner, which specifies the conservation goals to be met, what work needs to be completed and by what date.

Monitoring

Monitoring the implementation of the maintenance and improvements detailed within the conservation covenant, to ensure that they are carried out as per the agreement.

Partnership

We recognise that successful stewardship relies on partnership. Landowners retain ownership and control of their land, and we work alongside them to support the implementation of Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) in a way that complements existing land use and management objectives.

Responsible Body support for BNG schemes

If you require an independent Responsible Body to secure and oversee Biodiversity Net Gain outcomes, ProHort EcoShield can advise on suitability and next steps.