Environmental Solutions
We're the stewards of your future
We understand that when you unlock your natural capital you unlock environmental income. One of our biggest strengths is the direct connection we have to our own farmers on the ground.
The day-to-day feedback we get is first-hand data, meaning we are always at the forefront of what is happening on the land. This directly informs decision making to meet the pressures rural businesses are faced with, especially when it comes to enhancing conservation and developing biodiversity.
As part of our stewardship, we are the guardians of your land, and as such we ensure your environment is productive and protected. Our extensive package of environmental services can help sustain the health and productivity of your land. They keep you in step with modern integrated farm practices, introduce you to the latest technology enhancements and keep you up to date with regulatory requirements.
Our environmental expertise can enrich your business for generations to come.
Countryside Stewardship Applications and Management
There are different options and tiers within the Countryside Stewardship scheme, each with its own eligibility criteria and requirements. We can support with advice on suitability relevant to your objectives and business model.
This could be help with creating a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for your land. It could include adopting integrated farming practices to promote biodiversity, soil health, and water quality. Or you may need help understanding the correct protocols when applying for funding.
Our team understands the complexities of Countryside Stewardship and will be able to keep you in touch and up to date with any developments and changes required to your participation.
Sustainable Farming Incentive
We have considerable expertise in understanding SFI programme requirements. We provide an end-to-end service from application through to scheme management.
Ours is comprehensive guidance for farmers. We help you optimise sustainable farming practices and assist the successful implementation of environmentally friendly and economically viable agricultural initiatives.
As a Sentry SFI member, a dedicated key contact will manage the SFI commitments you sign up for and advise throughout the three-year cycle on the changes, improvements and adaptions your farm needs to remain compliant. Find out about being a Sentry member here.
Landscape Recovery
Landscape Recovery supports large-scale land-use change for the long-term with funding from public and private sources, producing environmental and climate outcomes through habitat and ecosystem restoration.
A DEFRA initiative launched in 2023, it funds landscape scale projects through bespoke, long-term agreements that extend beyond 20+ years. The scheme is currently starting its second round of application funding in 2024.
We can advise landowners, land managers and farmers on how to apply.
Carbon Audits
All greenhouse gas emissions are set to be brought to net zero by 2050 in the UK. It will be increasingly important for landowners and farms to demonstrate they are taking action to reduce emissions in their business practice and strategies.
Moving forward a carbon audit is essential but can also have positive additional income stream benefit. Captured carbon in soils and plants can be sold to companies which have reduced their greenhouse emissions as far as they can, but still need credits to become net zero.
Our advisory team have a range of strategies and tools to help clients meet these legal obligations, which once in place will also aid business efficiency.
Carbon Offsetting
Opportunities exists to receive payments for reducing emissions and sequestering carbon. Our experience in this area covers a tailored farm carbon audit, creating a carbon reduction strategy and advice on monetisation.
The market currently shows a large range in offered carbon sale values, opportunity for sequestration and length of agreement.
Combined with know-how we have gained through research and farm trials; we can bring clarity to decision making when exploring carbon offsetting.
Biodiversity Offsetting
Landowners can receive payments for habitat creation for a species that is being disrupted by development elsewhere on an estate or land holding.
Payment amount will depend on factors such as the distance the newly created habitat is from the development location and the time it takes for the habitat to mature. For a full offset the habitats created will have to provide 10% more value than the habitats being disrupted.
Conducting an environmental appraisal will identify ways of unlocking this income potential.
Environmental Appraisal
Our Environmental Appraisals can be used to help set the long-term direction of a business. They can paint a picture of environmental opportunities available to you now and in the future.
They can identify potential new income streams and can be used to tap into extra private and government funded schemes. These also serve as good baselines to support future ELMP.
Environmental Land Management Plans (ELMP)
We provide a range of environmental appraisals to evaluate prevailing factors and conditions in an environment that may impact an organisation. These include Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Biodiversity Assessments and Carbon Footprint Assessments.
We also offer Sustainability Appraisals which ensures the social, economic, and environmental effects of policies and plans contribute to sustainable development.
These assessments are crucial for making informed decisions, managing risks, and often required by regulatory authorities before approving major projects.