Green Acres BNG, based in the West End of Newcastle, is led by Matt Haycock and his business partner Michael Dungait, a Northumberland farmer from Stannington. Together, they are helping developers meet the UK’s new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements through a practical, land-led approach rooted in generations of farming experience.
Introduced into law in England last year, Biodiversity Net Gain requires developers to demonstrate a minimum 10% improvement in habitat value as part of new developments. This uplift must be secured and maintained for 30 years, representing a fundamental shift in how land is managed alongside construction.
“BNG isn’t a tick-box exercise,” explains Matt. “It’s a legal, long-term commitment. Developers must prove an uplift in habitat type, not just set land aside. That takes experience, planning and proper land management.”
While BNG can be delivered within a development footprint, recent changes allow this requirement to be met off-site — a move that has reshaped the market.
Green Acres BNG owns, farms and manages its own land, enabling developers to meet their BNG obligations without losing valuable development space. “For many developers, delivering BNG off-site is more efficient and commercially viable,” says Matt. “But it also places a huge responsibility on the land manager.”
BNG agreements require habitats to be created, monitored and maintained for three decades — something that not every provider is equipped to do.
“There will inevitably be companies that see BNG as a short-term opportunity,” Matt says. “But without long-term land management experience, it’s incredibly difficult to deliver what’s promised.”
This is where Michael Dungait’s farming background plays a vital role. Based in Stannington, Michael brings deep practical knowledge of soils, livestock, arable systems and habitat management — skills that are essential when establishing and sustaining biodiversity improvements over the long term.
“This isn’t a ‘plant some grass and walk away’ situation,” Mike adds. “You need soil sampling, habitat suitability assessments, and realistic management plans. Some habitats are extremely difficult to establish and even harder to maintain.”
Green Acres BNG offers fractional biodiversity units, allowing developers to purchase exactly what they need rather than fixed packages — an approach that makes compliance more cost-effective, particularly for smaller schemes.
The company is already delivering BNG for projects ranging from student accommodation developments in Newcastle to larger commercial schemes, with a growing pipeline of enquiries across the region.
Green Acres BNG operates alongside Green Acres Future, a sister initiative focused on environmental education, corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
From working with local schools and charities to supporting riding schools and biodiversity awareness projects, the group’s work goes beyond compliance. Visitors to the site can see working farmland, regenerative soil practices, wildlife habitats and active BNG land — all within one connected landscape.
“Our farm, Green Acres Future and Green Acres BNG have grown together,” says Mike “We didn’t design this backwards from units and numbers. We developed land that suited its natural conditions and built complementary habitats that genuinely work together.”
While large national providers operate in the BNG market, Green Acres BNG believes its farm-led, transparent and community-connected approach sets it apart.
“Developers need confidence,” Matt says. “They need to know their 30-year obligation will be met by people who understand land, care about outcomes, and will still be here in decades to come.”
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Photo: Matt and Michael (Steve Brock Photography)