Biodiversity Benchmark

Our clients are achieving remarkable results, contributing positively to nature’s recovery and mitigating climate change impacts through effective land management. The benefits of achieving Biodiversity Benchmark extend beyond environmental gains; economically, it streamlines land management, supports successful project tendering, and reduces costs by eliminating expensive maintenance practices like mowing. Socially, it fosters stronger relationships with local communities and key stakeholders, such as Natural England and the Environment Agency, while improving residents' quality of life and enhancing employee engagement. 

Biodiversity Benchmark certification elevates your company’s image through site-based recognition from a respected national environmental charity, provides evidence of effective biodiversity management to key stakeholders and supports your CSR and sustainability commitments. 

The first step to achieving Biodiversity Benchmark certification is sending an enquiry by  clicking here . Simply fill out and submit your details and we will reply via email. 

Each Biodiversity Benchmark site is managed based on a tailored plan developed by its management team or ecological consultants, designed to reflect the specific habitats and surrounding landscape. However, all plans incorporate key practices aimed at ensuring organisations actively enhance biodiversity, support local ecological networks, and promote sustainable management of their land or sites. In order to achieve Biodiversity Benchmark, you can expect to incorporate the following key practices into your plan.

Demonstrating effective management of different habitats, such as grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and coastal areas, to enhance biodiversity.  

Implementing measures to protect and conserve species of conservation concern, including monitoring populations and implementing appropriate management actions.  

Conducting regular ecological surveys to assess the biodiversity value of the site and track changes over time.   

Involving local communities and stakeholders in biodiversity conservation initiatives and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity.  

Promoting sustainable land management practices, including responsible use of pesticides, water conservation, and minimising habitat fragmentation. 

Providing educational opportunities and resources to enhance understanding and appreciation of biodiversity.  

Keeping records of biodiversity-related activities and outcomes, and reporting on progress towards biodiversity conservation targets.  

 Make an enquiry about Biodiversity Benchmark now 

The first step to achieving Biodiversity Benchmark certification  is sending an enquiry.   Simply click here to fill out and submit your details  and we will reply via email. 

Biodiversity Benchmark sites can be found across the country, integrating into a bigger picture of nature recovery networks. This map shows the locations of many of these sites. 

These case studies showcase how land-owning businesses across various sectors are using Biodiversity Benchmark to advance their sustainability efforts and enhance land management practices.  

Whether transforming operational landscapes into thriving habitats or aligning with broader conservation goals, each story highlights the unique challenges and successes encountered along the way. 

Through strategic planning, ecological monitoring, and community involvement, these organisations have turned their sites into vibrant ecosystems, demonstrating the crucial role of the Biodiversity Benchmark in fostering long-term environmental stewardship and biodiversity resilience.  

Center Parcs is dedicated to biodiversity at their holiday villages, with five sites achieving Biodiversity Benchmark certification since 2006, and a sixth, Longford Forest in Ireland, currently under assessment. Center Parcs’ Sherwood Forest holiday village is located on part of the old Royal Hunting Forest of Sherwood, the famous forest of Robin Hood and his merry men, later planted with conifers to support the local mining industry.  Today the site encompasses diverse habitats such as grasslands, waterbodies, lowland heath, heathland scrub, and woodland. This rich variety of habitats is home to bats, badgers, foxes, and is an important site for breeding birds. Notably, rare moth species, such as the scarlet tiger and clifden nonpareil have been recently recorded. 

Achieving the Biodiversity Benchmark has put biodiversity at the heart of how Center Parcs’ manages its forests, allowing for tailored management plans that emphasise conservation, species monitoring, and habitat improvement. The organisation’s annual survey program, led by conservation rangers and ecologists, has documented increased species populations and the discovery of new wildlife, showcasing the positive impact of their conservation efforts. The Biodiversity Benchmark reflects Center Parcs' alignment with sustainable values and dedication to enhancing biodiversity across its managed landscapes. 

"Biodiversity Benchmark is an award that Center Parcs values highly, it aligns with our commitment to managing our forests for biodiversity and wanting to enhance the habitats wherever possible. It challenges us to constantly review our approach and our management plans to try and be better. But best of all it gives recognition to the investment we make and the hard work of the teams who manage the site for biodiversity." 

Richard Watson, Ecology & Biodiversity Manager 

Frasers Property UK’s Chineham Park achieved Biodiversity Benchmark in February 2024, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to ecological enhancement. Spanning 7.57 hectares, this modern business park integrates biodiversity into its operations, contributing positively to local wildlife and green spaces. The site features a variety of habitats, including 1.63 hectares of enhanced grassland, 2.48 hectares of woodland, a pond covering 484 square meters, and a wildflower meadow, all interspersed with several mature trees. These habitats have become a haven for a wide range of species, demonstrating the park's transformation into a biodiversity-rich environment. 

Several notable species call Chineham Park home, including the rare lizard orchid and 116 grassland plant species, many of which are indicators of acid and neutral grassland habitats. The park also hosts 88 woodland plant species, including five ancient woodland vascular plants, 12 wetland plant species, nine species of butterflies, five species of dragonflies and damselflies and 11 species of bats, confirmed on-site in 2023. Slowworms are present across the grassland, while dormice inhabit the surrounding woodlands. 

“Receiving The Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity Benchmark for Chineham Park is a real achievement. Sustainable development is no longer merely about building green. The fact that we’re one of just three business parks to achieve this Benchmark is testament to Frasers Property’s ongoing commitment to transforming environments in a sustainable way. We’re focused on futureproofing our business parks and to developing and enhancing biodiverse green spaces, which reflect people’s needs for social interaction and greater well-being.” 

Jeremy Parsons, Sustainability Director at Frasers Property UK

In 2025, the Met Office achieved certification for their 9.1-hectare headquarters in Exeter once more – now holding the award since 2011. Seeking to align with national and local biodiversity priorities, such as the Exeter Wild City Living Landscape, the Met Office chose the Biodiversity Benchmark to formalise and enhance its commitment to biodiversity.  

The Met Office’s efforts have led to remarkable successes, such as the dramatic increase in bee orchids—from just one flowering plant in 2008 to 367 in 2024. The site’s biodiversity database now records 600+ species, including the first recording of a hazel dormouse at the site. 

These achievements have been driven by the Met Office’s dedicated Biodiversity Working Group, whose expertise and efforts have led to tangible benefits for nature. Retaining Biodiversity Benchmark for land management also reflects the strength of the Met Office’s partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, its corporate charity since 2022.  

Through this collaboration, the Met Office has raised £20,000+ to support conservation efforts, advanced scientific research on the connections between climate and nature planted fruit trees at its HQ— a lasting symbol of its sustainability commitment. 

"I share with many Met Office staff a passion for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. I am delighted that the Met Office is the first government organisation to hold the Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark. We will look to build on this on our own site and alongside partner organisations to make our work environment better for wildlife and staff." 

Penny Endersby, Chief Executive, the Met Office

SES Water manages a diverse mix of significant habitats across its sites, including species-rich grassland, semi-natural woodland, hedgerows, dense scrub and a spring-fed lake, all within an urban setting. These areas support a variety of wildlife, including notable butterflies, dormice, badgers, lizards and slowworms. 

In 2020, SES Water achieved the Biodiversity Benchmark at Elmer Water Treatment Works and Young Street Boreholes, followed by Fetcham Springs in 2022. Together, these 16 hectares are carefully managed to support biodiversity while supplying drinking water. 

SES Water has now achieved  the Benchmark at Bough Beech Reservoir in Kent, further demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting wildlife. 

Stockley Park, an 88-acre business estate in Uxbridge, prioritizes biodiversity improvement through its dedicated Biodiversity Action Plan. The park has become a thriving habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including stag beetles, five bat species, 23 breeding bird species like reed warblers, honey bees, water voles, newts and hedgehogs.

To further support biodiversity, Stockley Park has planted pollinator-friendly species and established wildflower meadows to attract insects and birds. The protected bee orchid is also carefully nurtured across the park. 

By achieving the Biodiversity Benchmark in 2021, Stockley Park has demonstrated its commitment to preserving and enhancing its landscape for both wildlife and the community. 

Toyota GB’s Eco-HQ in Burgh Heath, Surrey, achieved the Biodiversity Benchmark in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the site’s transformation. Spanning 5 hectares, the grounds include two ponds, orchards, ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and semi-natural grassland. These habitats support diverse wildlife, such as bee orchids, newts, silver-washed fritillary butterflies and several bat species, including common pipistrelle and noctule. 

Since 2001, Toyota has prioritised enhancing local biodiversity, working with Kew Gardens, Surrey Wildlife Trust, and local contractors. The site now features a rich variety of plants and animals, with notable increases in bat activity, butterfly diversity and pollinator species. 

The Biodiversity Benchmark has been instrumental in Toyota’s commitment to environmental stewardship, inspiring staff participation and community engagement. Toyota continues to improve the site, aiming to create a thriving environment for both wildlife and people. 

“This award is a huge credit to everyone who has helped us create a beautiful environment that benefits both our staff and the wildlife that share the green space with us. I’d like to thank Surrey Wildlife Trust for their advice and support in helping us continuously improve and enhance the biodiversity at our Eco-HQ.”  

Scott Thompson, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director 

The first step to achieving Biodiversity Benchmark certification is sending an enquiry. Simply fill out and   submit your details by clicking here   and we will reply via email. 

Biodiversity Benchmark sites have become a thriving habitat for a diverse range of species, including an abundance of rare orchids, indigenous bees and butterflies and even species new to science. These habitats not only enhance local biodiversity but also provide a safe haven for many unique plants and animals, showcasing the success of the businesses sustainable management efforts. 

The bee orchid gets its name from its main pollinator - a species of bee - which is thought to have driven the evolution of the flowers. To attract the bees that will pollinate the plant, it has flowers that mimic their appearance. Drawing them in with the promise of love, the bees attempt a mating. As they land on the velvet-textured lip of the flower, the pollen is transferred and the poor bee is left frustrated. Sadly, the right species of bee doesn't occur in the UK, so bee orchids are self-pollinated here. Look out for their diminutive flower spikes on dry, chalk and limestone grasslands from June to July. 

Cortinarius heatherae is a mushroom species described in 2020 by Andy Overall, from a specimen found at Heathrow Airport. Named in honour of his wife, Heather, it features a reddish-brown cap and club-shaped stem. Its gills change from light to dark brown as the mushroom matures. The spores are almond-shaped and strongly warty. The species is ecologically significant, supporting woodland ecosystems, especially oak, beech and birch trees. It is part of a group of newly described British Cortinarius species. 

The large and impressive lizard orchid lives up to its name - the flowers have petals and sepals that form the 'head' of a lizard, while the divided lips look like its legs and long, twisting tail! Rare and localised in its distribution, it can be seen on sunny chalk grasslands, sand dunes and in old quarries. It flowers between June and July and smells distinctively of goats. 

The noctule is our largest bat. All UK bats are nocturnal, feeding on midges, moths and other flying insects that they find in the dark by using echolocation. Noctules roost in holes in trees and bat boxes, but rarely in buildings. During the summer, females form maternity colonies and have just a single pup. Noctules can be seen feeding on insects over the tree canopy; they particularly enjoy eating flying beetles, such as the large cockchafer. They hibernate over the winter, between November and April. 

The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have webbed feet, dense fur to keep them warm and can close their ears and nose when underwater. They require clean rivers, with an abundant source of food and plenty of vegetation to hide their secluded holts. 

The reed warbler is a medium-sized warbler of reedbeds. A summer visitor to the UK, it weaves its nest as a sling between two or three reed stems and lays three to five eggs in it. Forming monogamous pairs, both parents raise the chicks, bringing them insects to eat. Reed warblers are common victims of brood-parasitism by cuckoos. Having laid an egg in the nest while the parents are unaware, the female cuckoo leaves the intruding chick to hatch. The cuckoo chick pushes all the other eggs and chicks out of the nest so its foster parents can concentrate solely on bringing it food. 

The water vole lives along rivers, streams and ditches, around ponds and lakes, and in marshes, reedbeds and areas of wet moorland. Look out for the signs of water voles, such as burrows in the riverbank, often with a nibbled 'lawn' of grass around the entrance.    Water voles like to sit and eat in the same place, so piles of nibbled grass and stems may be found by the water's edge, showing a distinctive 45 degree, angled-cut at the ends. 'Latrines' of rounded, cigar-shaped droppings may also be spotted. Water voles start to breed in spring, having three to four litters a year of up to five young. 

Every year, companies that hold Biodiversity Benchmark come together to exchange insights, share experiences, and explore the evolving opportunities and challenges in land management. This gathering attracts ecologists from a diverse array of sectors, all united by a commitment to advancing sustainable practices. Last year’s event took place at Center Parcs, where professionals from across the industry convened to collaborate and innovate, ensuring the continued stewardship of our natural environment. 

The Biodiversity Benchmark assessments are conducted by expert assessors from The Wildlife Trust Consultancies—a trusted network of local specialists in ecology, landscape architecture and habitat management. These consultancies also provide practical, responsive solutions tailored to local conditions, with a focus on risk management and planning. Owned by local Wildlife Trusts, they reinvest their profits into regional conservation efforts. While operating independently from their parent Trusts, they benefit from extensive local expertise, ensuring informed, effective and highly relevant advice and support. 

Our Biodiversity Benchmark Assessors are well-versed in the standards and practices required to achieve this certification. Each assessor is available for private consultancy to support organizations in enhancing their biodiversity management strategies. However, please note that if they provide consultancy services to an organisation, they will be precluded from conducting the official Biodiversity Benchmark assessment for that organization. 

Claire has had a lifelong interest and appreciation of the natural world. She is an experienced ecologist having worked for over 20 years in the conservation sector, mainly based in Surrey. She has a first-class degree in Ecology and Conservation, a Masters in Environmental Management and is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. She has been a certified auditor for the Biodiversity Benchmark scheme since 2007. Amongst other things Claire is experienced in undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and in the production of conservation management plans. 

Colin has been a  Biodiversity Benchmark certified auditor since 2007. He is an independent ecologist who was previously the Principal Consultant for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s consultancy and has been retained by The Wildlife Trusts as an Assessor.  Colin's background is in wetlands but with almost four decades of experience as a professional ecologist his knowledge and abilities are wide-ranging. 

John has been an auditor for Biodiversity Benchmark since 2007 and holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Biology from Liverpool University and a MSc in Landscape Ecology, Design and Maintenance from Wye College in Kent, awarded by the University of London. John has worked for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust since 1998, while previous employers include Sefton Borough Council, the Nature Conservancy Council, Isle of Man Government and Manx Wildlife Trust.  

Nicky has a wide range of ecological experience through working in the public sector, conservation and ecological consultancy, with over 20 years’ professional experience in the UK and overseas. She has extensive knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and her varied background means she understands the complexities and demands on projects and organisations. As an ecological consultant, Nicky has designed, implemented and project managed complex mitigation and licensed schemes for reptiles and great crested newt. She currently holds Natural England survey class licence for great crested newt as well as being the named ecologist on mitigation licences for this species, she is working towards a hazel dormouse survey license to support the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme as a volunteer.   

All prices quoted below include the relevant on-site assessments, quality assurance, certification, and a framed certificate when the Biodiversity Benchmark is first achieved. Membership of 'Club BB' is also included.  

Prices exclude VAT, and do not include assessor's expenses, additional assessments if required, or the optional pre-assessment form completion.  

To prepare for a Biodiversity Benchmark application, businesses may wish to contract a Wildlife Trust Consultancy to undertake ecological work, for example, species and habitat  surveying, writing biodiversity management plans, or completing the pre-assessment form.  

Note: Prices will be reviewed annually and are subject to change.

• £500 new client registration fee 
• £7,200 + assessor expenses  
• Includes: initial assessment, main assessment, quality assurance and certification 

• £3,000 + assessor expenses 
• Includes: surveillance assessment, quality assurance and re-certification. 

• Site 1: £7,200, + assessor expenses  
• Sites 2-10: £5,760 per site, + assessor expenses  
• Sites 11-20: please contact  bb@wildlifetrusts.org  to discuss  

Includes: initial assessment, main assessment, quality assurance and certification 

• Site 1: £3,000 + assessor expenses 
• Sites 2-10: £2,400 + assessor expenses 
• Sites 11-20: please contact  bb@wildlifetrusts.org  to discuss  

Includes: surveillance assessment, quality assurance and re-certification. 

 Send an enquiry now 

The first step to achieving Biodiversity Benchmark certification is sending an enquiry. Simply fill out and  submit your details by clicking here  and we will reply via email.