2021

founded by Jon Garner and Andy Rowe

1st

habitat bank on the national register

Origin

Enterprises PLC investment, 2024

2025

We became a responsible body

Aerial view of the Exeter Habitat Bank in autumn
Our story

From two founders to a national operator

BioGains was set up by Jon Garner and Andy Rowe in 2021, to help their contacts across the development industry meet the new demands arising from Biodiversity Net Gain. We were the first habitat bank provider to have a site placed on the national register, with our Exeter bank in early 2024. Further habitat banks have since been added to the portfolio, which continues to expand.

Our habitat banks
Our story

Formed in 2021, national in ambition

2021

BioGains is founded

Jon Garner and Andy Rowe set up BioGains to help their contacts across the development industry meet the new demands arising from Biodiversity Net Gain.

About timeline 2021

2024

First on the national register

Our Exeter habitat bank became the first site in the country to be placed on the national Biodiversity Gain Site Register.

Ponies grazing under oak trees on heathland

2024

Origin Enterprises invests

Origin injected capital and, with it, a network of ecological consultancies and habitat creation suppliers to support BioGains becoming a significant national player in BNG offsetting.

About timeline 2024 origin

2025

Designated a responsible body

BioGains was designated a responsible body under the Environment Act 2021, so we can now hold conservation covenants that secure habitat on land for the long term, alongside the banks we manage.

Today

Expanding our offering & geography

With an ever expanding national portfolio of habitat banks and the knowledge and ability to create bespoke nature solutions, BioGains can be seen as a trusted and highly competent partner.

About hero
Meet the team

The people behind BioGains

Ecologists, planners and land managers, supported by specialist advisors across law, strategy, finance and governance.

Our team

  • Headshot of Jon Garner

    Jon Garner

    Co-founder & Director BSc (Jt. Hons) MCIEEM
  • Headshot of Andy Rowe

    Andy Rowe

    Co-founder & Director BA (Hons) Dip TP MRTPI
  • Headshot of Dr Carly Benefer

    Dr Carly Benefer

    Lead Ecologist BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM
  • Headshot of Henry Chamberlain

    Henry Chamberlain

    Commercial Manager BSc (Hons)

Special advisors

  • Headshot of Aaron Vickery

    Aaron Vickery

    Legal Special advisor to BioGains.
  • Headshot of TJ Kelly

    TJ Kelly

    Strategic leadership Special advisor to BioGains.
  • Headshot of Anne O’Dwyer

    Anne O’Dwyer

    Finance Special advisor to BioGains.
  • Headshot of Jorge Bulleraich

    Jorge Bulleraich

    Governance & audit Special advisor to BioGains.
Origin Enterprises

Part of the Living Landscapes division of Origin Enterprises

Origin Enterprises

In 2024 Origin Enterprises PLC invested in BioGains, bringing capital and a network of inter-related businesses to support our growth into a national player in the BNG and nature solutions market.

Origin brands supporting our projects

Talk to us

Want to work with us?

Whether you have land, a development to offset or an ESG commitment to meet, we are happy to talk it through.

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Headshot of Jon Garner

Jon Garner

Co-founder & Director BSc (Jt. Hons) MCIEEM

Jon is an ecologist and full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management. He brings to BioGains a deep understanding of biodiversity net gain principles, policies and the emerging legislation. As the former Managing Director of GE Consulting, a well respected ecological consultancy operating across the south of England and Wales, Jon has overseen development schemes applying various iterations of the BNG principle reaching as far back as 2014, using pilot metrics in Devon as well as working with Natural England and Dorset County Council on their original approach to BNG.

Headshot of Andy Rowe

Andy Rowe

Co-founder & Director BA (Hons) Dip TP MRTPI

Andy is a highly effective Land & Planning expert and chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, with over 25 years experience in the development industry and a proven record of delivery, having worked for local authorities, private companies, and been a board director for a national plc housebuilder. He is responsible for the land and planning strategy, ensuring the land requirements of the company are met, while closely managing and mitigating risk. He has a strong, wide network of professional relationships with key individuals and groups in the South West. His expertise in this area means he is ideally placed to lead in land and contract negotiations.

Headshot of Dr Carly Benefer

Dr Carly Benefer

Lead Ecologist BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM

Carly is an ecologist and full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. Her background includes a PhD in insect ecology and postdoctoral research and lecturing experience in conservation biology and ecology, as well as over nine years working in environmental consultancy. As the BNG lead for GE Consulting, she had extensive knowledge of BNG legislation, local and national policy, application of the metric and implementation at the project level. She has a wide range of experience in developing BNG strategies with clients across England to help them achieve their BNG goals.

Headshot of Henry Chamberlain

Henry Chamberlain

Commercial Manager BSc (Hons)

Henry has a background in Rural Land Management and experience in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Natural Capital. He studied Rural Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University before joining a land agency firm in Exeter, where he specialised in BNG and Natural Capital projects. During this time, he developed internal systems to improve data management and support the trading of BNG units. At BioGains, he applies this experience to understanding purchaser requirements, supporting Habitat Bank development and identifying new commercial opportunities.