As we progress towards a greener future, the real estate industry faces many changes and new challenges. Today, we dive into the first of a two-part special that looks closely at wildlife and its new place in the planning system.

Hosted by Senior Knowledge Development Lawyer, Louise Irvine, we take a look at Biodiversity Net Gain with Charlie Croft, Senior Associate in Forsters’ Commercial Real Estate team, and Sophie Smith, Associate in our Planning team. Together, we look at the Biodiversity Net Gain requirements outlined in the planning process, and how these obligations will impact developers.

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain: part one – developers

In part two, we focus on landowners. Alongside Polly Montoneri, Partner in our Landed Estates team, and Planning Associate, Sophie Smith, we talk about the impacts of Biodiversity Net Gain obligations and the challenges landowners are faced with.

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain: Part Two – Landowners

Budget 2024 - Forsters' Tax Partner Elizabeth Small on CGT changes

Budget 2024 - Forsters' Tax Partner Elizabeth Small on close company loans

Budget 2024 - Forsters' Tax Partner Elizabeth Small on CGT and Employee Ownership Trusts

Budget 2024 - Forsters' Tax Partner Elizabeth Small on SDLT

Budget 2024 - Forsters' Tax Partner Elizabeth Small on carried interest

Our latest podcast, Wills potentially rewritten: protecting the elderly and vulnerable, explores the Law Commission’s potentially far-reaching proposals for modernising laws governing wills in England and Wales.

The Law Commission recommendations for reform are aimed primarily at protecting testators (including from undue influence and fraud), and increasing clarity and certainty in the law where possible.

Could an iPhone video or handwritten note constitute a valid will? Would the recommendations help to stamp out predatory marriage? 

Co-hosts Raphaella Lafrance and Robert Linden Laird Craig are joined by Hannah Mantle (Partner, Trust and Estate Disputes) and Michael Armstrong (Counsel, Private Client) to discuss the proposals, what they might mean in practice, and the safety nets needed to protect society’s most vulnerable. 


Wills potentially rewritten: protecting the elderly and vulnerable

Following our two-part series in 2024 that dived into biodiversity net gain from the lens of both developers and landowners, our team of experts are back to reflect on the year just gone.

From open mosaic habitats, to onsite vs offsite development, to the relationship between BNG and the incoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, our team share their views on the latest developments and speculate about what they expect to see moving forward. 

How has biodiversity net gain progressed in the last year?

In the latest More than Law podcast, Louise Irvine (Senior Knowledge Development Lawyer) is joined by Polly Montoneri (Partner, Rural Land and Business) and Sophie Smith (Senior Associate, Planning) to examine what Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) means from a landowner’s perspective, where the major opportunities lie, and the need for bespoke deal structures.

The team discusses the rise in landowners entering Section 106 agreements to create and sell biodiversity credits, the evolution of conservation covenants and how mandatory BNG requirements are reinforcing the need for a trusted, multidisciplinary team – particularly amid a shortage of ecologists. 


Biodiversity Net Gain - A Landowner’s Perspective

Forsters is a leading London law firm based in Mayfair which delivers exceptional legal advice to clients principally drawn from the real estate and private wealth sectors.

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain: Part Two – Landowners

More Than Law - The Forsters Podcast