A Habitat Bank for Watercourse Biodiversity Net Gain Units
Thames21 and key stakeholders have been working on a groundbreaking Biodiversity Net Gain watercourse habitat bank in London, funded through the DEFRA Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF). London River Bank, convened by Thames21, is creating a one-stop shop for watercourse biodiversity units across London. Using a Community Interest Company, our social enterprise delivery model ensures all profits are reinvested in positive environmental projects to benefit local communities. This first-of-its-kind approach works collaboratively with landowners and local authorities to develop, deliver, and sell the units ready for this developing market. With Thames21’s expertise, we can provide a significant biodiversity uplift, which is highly valued by all, and through appropriate contracting arrangements, safeguarded for 30-plus years.
A Collaborative Approach to River and Stream Biodiversity Net Gain
We worked with the knowledgeable project team at Thames21 to review baseline river condition assessment and encroachment data at multiple sites across the London Boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, and Waltham Forest. We reviewed concept designs and produced a bespoke project costing template to give an indicative cost per biodiversity unit. We also reviewed the requirements for the thirty-year monitoring and maintenance period to allow for costing and risk reduction for the business. Our work fed into a wider business plan that will be used to progress future delivery of the London River Bank business model.
Outcomes
Initial sites were shortlisted, and a business plan produced to enable the creation of a special purpose vehicle to deliver high-integrity watercourse biodiversity net gain units within the Thames catchment. The business is due to launch in late 2025.
Testimonial
“Working with FLOW on London River Bank enabled us to create a structure for future development of the programme. FLOW’s commitment to innovative Nature-based Solutions have been invaluable in shaping the programme” John Bryden, Head of Restoring Rivers Thames21
Find out more
We offer a complete service for clients interested in Watercourse Biodiversity Net Gain, from scoping to initial surveys, through to full detailed design. For more details, see Watercourse Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and please get in touch to discuss your project Contact.
