Nature is more than just a backdrop to our daily lives. It is the foundation of our health, our economy, and our future. Yet, for too long, natural systems have been undervalued — treated as infinite and free. Today, the concept of natural capital is changing how we see, measure, and invest in the environment.

What is Natural Capital?

Natural capital refers to the world’s stock of natural resources — from forests and rivers to soils and pollinators — that provide vital benefits, often called ecosystem services. These include:

• Clean air and fresh water

• Pollination for food crops

• Flood and climate regulation

• Recreation, health, and cultural value
  
  

By recognising nature as capital, we begin to account for its true worth alongside financial and built assets.

Why It Matters for Communities

Healthy ecosystems directly support thriving communities. Green spaces improve mental and physical well-being, reduce healthcare costs, and create places where people want to live and work. In Surrey and beyond, restored habitats strengthen local identity and enhance quality of life.

Climate Resilience

As climate risks increase — from flooding to heatwaves — natural systems act as a first line of defence. Wetlands absorb excess water, woodlands store carbon, and grasslands buffer against erosion. Investing in natural capital means investing in resilience for both people and infrastructure.

Driving Economic Growth

Far from being a cost, biodiversity is a driver of sustainable growth. A single biodiversity unit in the South East now holds a clear market value, and companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate environmental accountability. From biodiversity net gain (BNG) to carbon credits, natural capital markets are creating new revenue streams for landowners and investors.

From Recognition to Action

Acknowledging the value of natural capital is only the first step. The real opportunity lies in integrating nature into decision-making, from planning policy to investment portfolios. By doing so, we ensure that ecological health and economic prosperity grow hand in hand.

At Khym Nature, we are committed to restoring habitats that deliver measurable biodiversity uplift while creating long-term financial returns. For us, natural capital isn’t just a concept — it’s a business model that works for people, planet, and all.

When the Environment Act 2021 introduced the requirement for developers to deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity, many initially saw it as just another layer of compliance. Yet, in practice, the policy has sparked a quiet transformation across Surrey’s landscapes.

New projects often find it impossible to achieve the uplift they need within their own site boundaries. That’s where off-site biodiversity comes in. By investing in habitat banks across Surrey, they not only meet obligations but also fund the restoration of woodlands, grasslands, and hedgerows that would otherwise remain undervalued.

For landowners, this shift has created a new and sustainable stream. Fields, pastures, and parcels are now being restored into ecologically rich habitats under 30-year legal agreements. Each biodiversity unit represents a tangible ecological uplift.

For communities, the impact is equally powerful. Off-site habitat creation improves biodiversity corridors, supports pollinators, increases flood resilience, and enhances access to greener, healthier spaces. What began as compliance is becoming a driver of genuine conservation and long-term stewardship.

Surrey is already at the forefront of this shift — showing how policy, markets, and nature can align to deliver measurable benefits for people, wildlife, and the economy.

Since early 2024, planning law in England has changed dramatically. Under the Environment Act 2021, most new developments must deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity. This means that every housing estate, business park, or infrastructure project is no longer judged only on its economic or social value, but also on the measurable improvement it makes to nature.

But here’s the challenge: many developments cannot achieve that 10% uplift within their own site boundaries.

What is a Habitat Bank?

A habitat bank is land that has been restored or enhanced to deliver biodiversity and help developers to meet their obligations.

• Landowners register their land on the Natural England Register.

• An approved baseline ecological survey is carried out.

• Habitat creation is secured under a 30-year legal agreement (a conservation covenant or Section 106).

In short, a habitat bank turns ecological restoration into a solution to the development problems.

Why the Need for a Trusted Partner

Since projects are no longer measured only by their economic or social contribution, but also by how much they restore and improve nature. 

The challenge is clear: most developments cannot deliver that 10% uplift within their site boundaries. That’s where KHYM Nature steps in.

The KHYM Nature Approach 

We specialise in creating and managing registered habitats that provide the verified biodiversity to achieve your goals. Every project is registered with Natural England, legally binding, and monitored for at least 30 years to guarantee real environmental outcomes.

Working with us means:

• Certainty for our customers and partners – our units are legally recognised and fully auditable.

• Credibility with regulators – our habitats are designed in line with Natural England’s strict framework.

• Simplicity in compliance – we handle the complexity, so clients and partners can focus on delivering their jobs.

Why Partnering With Us

Reliability: We deliver your needs when you need, with no unnecessary delays.

Accountability: Every promise is traceable and backed by a 30-year management plan.

Reputation: Partnering with KHYM Natural Capital demonstrates environmental responsibility to local authorities, investors, and communities.

For Investors

We are not just a consultancy; we are safeguarding long-term environmental value. Our structured management plans ensure habitats are cared for and monitored over decades. For financial institutions and lenders, this means confidence in compliance and assurance that projects are supported by a responsible biodiversity partner.

Why Now?

Demand for biodiversity is already accelerating as local authorities enforce compliance. Customers who partner with trusted providers early avoid the risks of shortages, inflated prices, and compliance delays.

At KHYM Nature, we are already delivering high-quality habitats in line with government policy. By working with us, you secure not only your project needs but also the reassurance of partnering with a responsible biodiversity champion.

📩 Contact KHYM Nature today at contact@khymnature.co.uk to discuss how we can support your project and ensure smooth, compliant delivery under the latest regulations.