Farmers and developers in Street, Glastonbury, and the surrounding areas are being urged to take advantage of the Somerset Catchment Market, which has opened its latest round. This innovative initiative, led by EnTrade, aims to balance housing development with environmental conservation by funding nature-based projects.

The market focuses on the Brue catchment, which includes Street and Glastonbury, and allows developers to purchase phosphorus credits. These credits are essential for meeting nutrient neutrality requirements, enabling housing projects to secure planning permission while funding the creation of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands in Somerset.

Last year, the Somerset Catchment Market provided over £1 million in funding for new nature recovery projects, with significant benefits for local communities. These projects help to reduce flood risks, improve biodiversity, and create long-term financial opportunities for farmers and landowners.

Market Development Director at EnTrade, Amy Coulthard, explained:

"This market provides a unique opportunity for developers and farmers to work together to support nature recovery. By investing in phosphorus credits, developers can meet their environmental obligations while enabling essential housing developments to proceed."

The scheme has already supported a variety of projects, from small housing developments to care homes, and is helping to unlock new opportunities for communities across Somerset.

For farmers and landowners, the initiative provides an opportunity to contribute to environmental recovery while generating a reliable income stream. Developers like Abbey Manor Group have also praised the market for its efficiency, with the company using the platform to secure planning permission for key projects.

The registration deadline for the current market round is 16 December, with bidding set to open in the new year. Developers and landowners can learn more at somersetcatchmentmarket.uk.