Expression of Interest
Supply of Nature-based Projects
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROCESS TO SUPPLY PROJECTS TO THE MARKET NOW OPEN
We want to hear from landholders who are interested in being paid for delivering environmental projects on their land. The Expression of Interest process is quick, simple and non-binding.
About this Expression of Interest
We are inviting landholders and their agents to Express their Interest in supplying Nature-based Projects to the Solent Catchment Market. Specifically, we are looking for new woodland, wetland and grassland projects in the Test & Itchen Catchment.
The EOI process is straightforward. To complete the EOI landholders will need to submit details of:
- Contact details
- Project size and location
- The type of project they are interested in delivering
- Declaration of no other legal commitments on land that would prevent participation in market
More information about the process for landholders to participate in the market is available here
Eligible projects
We are looking for farmers and landholders to develop and maintain long-term woodlands and wetlands, and short-term grassland projects.
The following types of Nature-based Projects are eligible to participate in the Solent Nutrient Market Pilot:
- Wetlands (more than 80 years): Constructing a Wetland to deliver the water treatment properties of natural wetlands
- Woodlands (more than 80 years): Reverting whole or part fields from agricultural production to create new woodland including wider catchment woodland; riparian woodland or cross-slope woodland.
- Grassland (less than 5 years): Reverting whole or part fields from arable use to 'no input’ grassland.
Find out more about the eligible project types here.
Eligible areas
The Solent Catchment Market has been designed to reduce the amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorus flowing to protected areas in the Solent.
An Eligible Area is an area of the Test and Itchen catchment where Nature-based Projects will reduce the nutrients flowing into the protected sites before a new development is occupied (adding to the nutrient load).
More information about Eligible Areas is available
here.
Project Development Support
The information in the Expressions of Interest will be reviewed, and projects that are eligible to participate in the Market will have the opportunity to move to the detailed project design phase.
Through the pilot, funded project development support is available, including access to independent woodland, wetland and grassland expertise to help landholders develop projects that meet the requirements of the market. Once a project has been confirmed as suitable, an expert will be on hand to help with key stages such as gathering the information needed to inform habitat creation plans, producing woodland or wetland design plans, and advising on management and monitoring requirements of the projects.
Experts within the Solent Catchment Market team will be available to answer your questions, and provide you with information and tailored advice.
What consents may be needed?
Nature-based Projects eligible to participate in this market may require consents or permissions.
These don't need to be in place to participate in the market, but would need to be in place before project establishment can occur. It is your responsibility, as the landholder, to get any necessary consents in place for your project.
Important organisations and consents to consider, may include;
- Planning permission from your local planning authority
- Environmental Impact Assessments: Natural England, Forestry Commission
- Environment Agency: discharge, spoil, ground water permits, Abstraction or Impoundment Licence, Waste Permit, Flood Risk Activity Permit
Note - this is not a complete list.
The Solent Catchment Market team is available to provide guidance.
Additionality
It is critical for the integrity of the market that the Nature-based Projects deliver real environmental improvements.
That is why the market includes 'additionality tests' to make sure that:
- a Nature-based Project results in positive physical change in one or more environmental services;
- and that the landholder didn't already have a legal obligation to deliver a project in that location.
Expression of Interest Form
The Expression of Interest process is now open.
If you have any questions then please have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us directly.