Avon Fire & Rescue Service: BNG that works alongside operational sites
Public services exist to protect people. Every decision, every building, every square metre is shaped around that purpose
Fire and rescue services, in particular, operate from sites that must remain fully functional and ready to respond, while continuing to adapt over time.
Our work with Avon Fire & Rescue Service shows how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) can support that mission. By combining on site delivery with off-site units, the scheme met policy requirements without limiting how the station can operate and evolve in the future.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service discovered off-site delivery protects operational space and future flexibility
The challenge: redeveloping a critical emergency service
Avon Fire & Rescue Service needed to redevelop their Bath fire station to better serve a growing community.
Like many operational sites, space was limited and needed to remain flexible. Allocating too much land to on site habitat creation would have reduced operational capacity and constrained future adaptation.
At the same time, the scheme needed to deliver the required 10 percent Biodiversity Net Gain to comply with BNG regulation.
The solution: on site delivery, completed off site
A portion of the biodiversity uplift was delivered on site, where it could be achieved without affecting how the station operates.
To reach the full requirement, the remaining units were secured off site through Biofarm’s habitat bank at Sleight Farm in Bath and North East Somerset (BGS-281124001).
This approach allowed the development to meet policy requirements while protecting the space needed for the station to operate and evolve.
We manage the delivery, monitoring and long-term stewardship of the off-site habitats, ensuring biodiversity gains are achieved and sustained.
The outcome: flexibility retained, requirements met
Avon Fire & Rescue Service maintained focus on what matters, protecting their firefighters, communities and delivering essential services.
The development progressed without disruption, with Biodiversity Net Gain delivered through a combination of on-site and off-site solutions.
Nature is enhanced in the right place, while the station retains the flexibility it needs for the future.
Key takeaways
Biodiversity Net Gain can be delivered through a combination of on site and off-site solutions
Off-site delivery protects operational space and future flexibility
Development and biodiversity do not need to compete for space
Policy requirements can be met without disrupting essential services
Supporting development and nature, side by side
At Biofarm, we work with public services and infrastructure providers to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain in a way that fits the realities of operational sites.
Working with what is possible on site, and providing what is needed off site, we help projects move forward while creating lasting outcomes for nature.
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