As one of the leaders in the field of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), we at Civity have been at the forefront of this transformative approach to development and conservation. With our roots deeply embedded in ecology and our extensive experience in both built environments and rural wildlife ecology, we’ve been preparing for and shaping the implementation of mandatory biodiversity net gain. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore when biodiversity net gain became mandatory and delve into the intricacies of how it’s measured.
The Journey to Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain
Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain
Before we dive into the timeline of BNG becoming mandatory, it’s crucial to understand what Biodiversity Net Gain actually means. At its core, BNG is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before. This concept has been gaining traction for years, but its recent transition to a legal requirement marks a significant shift in how we approach development and conservation in the planning system.
The Road to Mandatory BNG
The path to mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain has been a long one, with several key milestones along the way:
- 2012: The concept of BNG was introduced in the UK planning system through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
- 2018: The revised NPPF strengthened the emphasis on BNG, encouraging its use in planning policies and decisions.
- 2019: The UK government announced plans to make BNG mandatory for most developments in England through the Environment Bill.
- 2021: The Environment Act 2021 received Royal Assent, setting the stage for mandatory BNG.
The Landmark Date: February 12, 2024
The pivotal moment in the BNG journey came on February 12, 2024, when the Environment Act officially became law. This date marks the beginning of a new era in development and conservation in England. From this point forward, developers are required to demonstrate a Biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10% for most new developments, including major development projects.
At Civity, we’ve been preparing for this moment for years. Our team of expert ecologists and consultants has been working tirelessly to ensure that we’re ready to support developers, land managers, and local planning authorities in navigating this new landscape.
What Does Mandatory BNG Mean in Practice?
With BNG now mandatory, developers need to show that their projects will result in an increase in biodiversity value of at least 10% compared to the pre-development biodiversity value. This requirement applies to most developments under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, including residential development and waste development.
Key points to remember about mandatory BNG:
- It applies to most new developments, with some exceptions for small sites and irreplaceable habitat areas.
- The 10% gain is a minimum requirement – some local authorities may set higher targets.
- Gains must be maintained for at least 30 years through appropriate habitat management.
- BNG can be achieved on-site, off-site, or through a combination of both.
- Developers must follow the mitigation hierarchy and biodiversity gain hierarchy when planning their approach.
As a company authorised to sell biodiversity units, we at Civity are uniquely positioned to help developers meet these requirements, especially when on-site options are limited.
Measuring Biodiversity Net Gain
Now that we’ve established when biodiversity net gain became mandatory let’s explore how it’s measured. This is where our expertise at Civity really shines – we’re qualified to survey and value land using biodiversity metrics, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.
The Biodiversity Metric: The Foundation of BNG Measurement
The primary tool for measuring Biodiversity Net Gain is the Biodiversity Metric, developed by DEFRA with input from Natural England. This standardised tool, known as the statutory biodiversity metric, allows for consistent quantification of biodiversity losses and gains resulting from development or changes in land management.
Key Components of the Biodiversity Metric
The biodiversity metric takes into account several factors:
- Habitat type: Different habitats have different biodiversity values, with high-value habitats receiving greater weight.
- Size of habitat: Larger areas of habitat generally have higher value.
- Condition of habitat: The quality of the existing habitat affects its biodiversity value.
- Strategic significance: The location of the habitat in relation to other wildlife sites or local nature recovery strategies.
- Connectivity: How well the habitat is connected to other natural habitats.
At Civity, our team is well-versed in applying this metric to accurately assess biodiversity value. We understand the nuances of each component and how they interact to produce the final biodiversity unit score.
The Measurement Process
Measuring Biodiversity Net Gain involves several steps:
- Baseline Assessment: This involves surveying the development site before development to establish its current biodiversity value. Our ecologists at Civity are experts in conducting these baseline assessments, ensuring a thorough and accurate starting point.
- Development Impact Assessment: We then calculate the expected biodiversity value after development, taking into account any habitat lost or created on-site.
- Net Gain Calculation: The post-development biodiversity value is compared to the pre-development biodiversity value to determine if the 10% net gain has been achieved.
- Off-site Considerations: If on-site measures aren’t sufficient to achieve the required gain, off-site biodiversity units can be included in the calculation. This is where our growing landbank at Civity comes into play, offering developers a reliable source of off-site biodiversity units.
Biodiversity Units: The Currency of BNG
The biodiversity metric converts habitat data into ‘biodiversity units’. These units are the currency of Biodiversity Net Gain, allowing for standardised comparison and trading.
Types of Biodiversity Units
There are three types of biodiversity units:
- Area Habitat Units: These relate to the majority of habitats like grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.
- Linear Units: Specifically for hedgerows and lines of trees.
- Watercourse Units: For rivers and streams.
As experts in BNG, we at Civity can help you understand and navigate these different unit types, ensuring your development achieves the required gains across all relevant categories.
Challenges in Measuring BNG
While the statutory biodiversity metric provides a standardised approach to measuring biodiversity gains and losses, there are challenges in its application:
- Complexity: The metric can be complex to use, especially for those not familiar with ecological principles.
- Data Requirements: Accurate measurements require detailed ecological surveys and habitat mapping.
- Temporal Factors: The metric must account for the time it takes for newly created or enhanced habitats to reach their target condition.
- Spatial Factors: The location of biodiversity gains relative to losses can affect their value.
At Civity, we have the expertise to navigate these challenges. Our team of experienced ecologists and BNG specialists can ensure accurate measurements and help you find the most efficient path to achieving your required biodiversity gains.
The Role of Civity in Mandatory BNG
As a leading company in Biodiversity Net Gain, Civity is uniquely positioned to support all stakeholders in navigating this new mandatory requirement.
For Developers
We understand the challenges developers face in meeting BNG requirements while maintaining project viability. Our specialised service focuses on providing off-site solutions when on-site measures are insufficient. Here’s how we support developers:
- Off-site Solutions: When your on-site options are limited or insufficient to meet BNG requirements, we provide access to our growing landbank of BNG units.
- Habitat Bank Management: We write up and deliver management plans for our off-site Habitat Banks, ensuring long-term biodiversity gains.
- Complementary Expertise: While we don’t conduct baseline assessments, BNG calculations, or on-site enhancement planning, our services complement the work done by your consultant ecologists during the planning application process.
- Streamlined Compliance: By offering ready-to-use off-site biodiversity units, we help streamline your path to meeting BNG requirements and securing planning approval.
- Long-term Responsibility: When you purchase biodiversity units from us, we take on the long-term management responsibility, allowing you to focus on your development project.
This approach allows developers to efficiently meet their BNG obligations while we handle the complexities of off-site habitat creation and management.
For Landowners and Land Managers
Mandatory BNG presents exciting opportunities for landowners and land managers. At Civity, we help capitalise on these opportunities:
- Land Assessment: We evaluate your land’s potential for biodiversity enhancement.
- Habitat Creation and Enhancement: Our ecological expertise allows us to design and implement effective habitat enhancements.
- Long-term Management: We offer long-term leases and management services, ensuring your land continues to deliver biodiversity gains.
- Unit Sales: As an authorised seller of BNG units, we can help you monetise your land’s biodiversity potential.
- Biodiversity Gain Site Register: We assist in registering your land on the biodiversity gain site register.
For Local Planning Authorities
We recognise the additional responsibilities that mandatory BNG places on local planning authorities. Civity supports LPAs by:
- Policy Development: We can assist in developing local BNG policies that align with national requirements and local priorities.
- Application Assessment: Our expertise can support you in evaluating the biodiversity gain plans of planning applications.
- Strategic Planning: We help integrate BNG into broader local nature recovery strategies.
- Guidance on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: We provide support for BNG requirements in larger-scale developments.
The Future of Biodiversity Net Gain
As we move forward in this new era of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain, several trends and developments are worth noting:
Integration with Other Environmental Policies
We anticipate increasing integration between BNG and other environmental policies, such as those related to air quality, protected species, and sites of special scientific interest. At Civity, we’re staying ahead of these trends to provide comprehensive environmental solutions.
Technological Advancements
The use of technology in measuring and monitoring BNG is likely to increase. We’re investing in cutting-edge tools and techniques to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of our BNG assessments.
Market Development
As the BNG market matures, we expect to see more sophisticated trading platforms and financial products related to biodiversity units. Civity is at the forefront of these market developments, ensuring we can offer our clients the most innovative and effective BNG solutions.
Policy Evolution
As we gain more experience with mandatory BNG, policies and government guidance are likely to evolve. Our team at Civity stays up-to-date with all regulatory changes, ensuring our clients always receive the most current advice.
Embracing the BNG Revolution
The introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain on February 12, 2024, marks a significant milestone in our journey towards more sustainable development. At Civity, we see this not just as a regulatory requirement but as an opportunity to create a better, more biodiverse world.
By understanding when biodiversity net gain became mandatory and how it’s measured, developers, landowners, and local authorities can better navigate this new landscape. With our deep roots in ecology, our growing landbank of BNG units, and our expertise in biodiversity metrics, Civity is your ideal partner in this journey.
Whether you’re a developer seeking to meet BNG requirements, a landowner looking to capitalise on your own land’s biodiversity potential, or a local authority striving to implement effective BNG policies, we’re here to help. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step of the BNG process, from initial assessments to long-term management.
As we look to the future, we at Civity are excited about the positive impact mandatory BNG will have on our natural world. We’re committed to continuing our role as leaders in this field, driving innovation, and helping to create a more biodiverse, sustainable future for all.If you’re ready to embrace the opportunities presented by mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain, or if you have any questions about how BNG applies to your specific situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Civity, we’re not just measuring biodiversity – we’re helping to create a measurably better world, one development at a time.
