A new scheme aiming to reduce climate change and restore nature is taking root in the countryside.

It is known as ‘biodiversity net gain’ and requires developers to replace and increase the amount of plant species and habitats lost during a new development. If they cannot do this on site, they have to do it elsewhere.

It has led to farmers, investors and private companies sourcing land across the South West to sell as credits to developers.

But in a new report the National Audit Office has questioned whether this ‘novel policy’ is deliverable through the existing complex planning system.

The government insists they are working to bring buyers and sellers together to help meet demand. They add that this is about halting the decline in biodiversity and ensuring new developments works for both wildlife and people.