Network Rail has bolstered its environmental strategy with the acquisition of 65 biodiversity units from Cambridgeshire County Council. The move is part of the company’s efforts to offset the environmental impact of the new Cambridge South railway station and is in line with upcoming regulations mandating biodiversity net gains for new developments.

The new railway station, set to be constructed in South Cambridge at Lower Valley Farm, is at the heart of Network Rail’s Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancement scheme. The 354-acre farm is being converted into a range of biodiverse habitats to support species such as the Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting, which are of conservation concern.

In collaboration with property consultancy Bidwells, which will oversee the project for five years, the initiative will not only meet but exceed the January 2024 regulation that requires a 10% biodiversity net gain for planning permission on new projects.

The biodiversity units purchased by Network Rail will compensate for any ecological disturbances caused by the station’s construction. The proposed enhancements include creating species-rich hedgerows, diverse grasslands, and native Broadleaved Woodland. Furthermore, the plan includes opening up the established habitats to the public, improving both ecological and social value for the local community.

This approach to delivering biodiversity units off-site is being highlighted as a model for future development across England, offering a solution for developers who cannot fully mitigate biodiversity loss on their building sites. It aims to minimize risks and planning delays, allowing for smoother project progression.

Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, commented on the scheme, emphasizing the county’s commitment to sustainable development. The Lower Valley Farm project is designed to simplify the process for developers to contribute to local ecological improvements, particularly when they cannot meet biodiversity net gain requirements on-site. Nethsingha also noted the anticipated ecological benefits and the future provision of new public pathways to enhance community access.