As one of the UK’s leading authorities on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), we at Civity are excited to share our comprehensive guide on this crucial environmental initiative. With the Environment Act becoming law on February 12, 2024, understanding biodiversity net gain, the concept, and key requirements is more important than ever for developers, landowners, local planning authorities, and anyone interested in preserving our natural environment.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain Company is a transformative approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. At its core, BNG requires developers to ensure their projects deliver an increase in biodiversity value compared to the pre-development biodiversity value.
The concept is simple yet powerful: any new development must not only mitigate its impact on nature but actively improve the biodiversity of the area. This shift from a “do no harm” approach to a “leave it better” philosophy represents a significant evolution in how we balance progress with environmental stewardship and nature conservation.
The Legal Framework: Environment Act 2021 and Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain
The Environment Act 2021, which came into force in February 2024, has made BNG a legal requirement for most new developments in England. This groundbreaking legislation mandates that all qualifying developments must deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity.
Key points of the legislation include:
- Mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain for most developments
- Requirement for pre and post-development biodiversity assessments
- Creation of a biodiversity gain sites register
- Habitat secured for at least 30 years via planning obligations or conservation covenants
As experts in BNG, we at Civity have been at the forefront of implementing biodiversity net gain, working closely with developers, landowners, and local authorities to ensure compliance and maximise biodiversity benefits.
Understanding the Biodiversity Metric
Central to the implementation of BNG is the biodiversity metric, a standardised tool for measuring biodiversity value. Developed by DEFRA with input from Natural England, this metric allows for consistent quantification of biodiversity losses and gains resulting from development or land management changes.
The biodiversity metric takes into account various factors:
- Habitat type
- Size of habitat
- Condition of habitat
- Location (ecological connectivity)
- Strategic significance
- Ecological importance locally
At Civity, our team of qualified ecologists is well-versed in applying this metric to assess biodiversity value accurately. We’ve found that early application of the metric in the planning process can significantly streamline development projects and lead to better outcomes for both developers and the natural environment.
The Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy: On-site, Off-site, and Statutory Biodiversity Credits
When implementing biodiversity net gain, developers should follow a hierarchical approach:
- On-site Measures: The primary focus should be on enhancing biodiversity within the development site itself. This could involve creating new habitats, improving existing ones, or incorporating green infrastructure like living roofs or wildlife-friendly landscaping.
- Off-site Measures: If on-site measures are insufficient to achieve the required 10% gain, developers can look to off-site biodiversity gains. This is where Civity’s extensive landbank comes into play, offering developers the opportunity to purchase biodiversity units to offset their impact.
- Statutory Biodiversity Credits: As a last resort, developers can buy statutory biodiversity credits from the UK government. However, this option is generally more expensive and doesn’t offer the same local benefits as on-site or off-site measures.
Our experience at Civity has shown that a combination of on-site biodiversity net gain and off-site biodiversity gains often provide the most cost-effective and ecologically beneficial solution for developers.
Key Requirements for Developers
For developers navigating the new BNG landscape, there are several key requirements to keep in mind:
- Biodiversity Net Gain Plan: All developments must submit a biodiversity gain plan alongside planning applications. This plan should detail:
- Pre-development biodiversity value
- Post-development biodiversity value
- On-site and off-site measures to achieve biodiversity net gain
- How biodiversity gains will be maintained for at least 30 years
- Use of the Biodiversity Metric: Developers must use the latest version of the biodiversity metric to calculate biodiversity units lost and gained.
- Securing Long-term Management: Arrangements must be made to secure the long-term management (minimum 30 years) of any habitats created or enhanced as part of BNG.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Regular monitoring and reporting will be required to ensure that biodiversity gains are being achieved and maintained over time.
At Civity, we guide developers through each of these requirements, ensuring compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework and helping to streamline the planning permission process.
Opportunities for Landowners and Land Managers
Biodiversity Net Gain presents exciting opportunities for landowners and land managers to generate income from their land while contributing to nature conservation. Landowners with suitable areas can register their land to provide biodiversity units, which can then be sold to developers needing to offset their impacts.
Key considerations for landowners include:
- Habitat Suitability: Not all land will be suitable for BNG. Factors like size, current biodiversity value, and potential for enhancement are crucial.
- Long-term Commitment: Habitats created or enhanced for BNG must be managed for at least 30 years.
- Management Plans: Detailed management plans will be required, outlining how biodiversity will be enhanced and maintained over time.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Regular ecological surveys and reports will be necessary to demonstrate that biodiversity gains are being achieved.
Our team at Civity works closely with landowners and land managers to assess the potential of their land for BNG, develop management plans, and connect them with developers seeking off-site solutions.
The Role of Local Planning Authorities
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) play a crucial role in implementing biodiversity net gain. Their responsibilities include:
- Assessing Biodiversity Gain Plans: LPAs will need to review and approve biodiversity gain plans submitted with planning applications.
- Monitoring Compliance: Ensuring that developers deliver on their BNG commitments over time.
- Managing Local Nature Recovery Strategies: LPAs will be responsible for creating and implementing these strategies, which will inform where off-site BNG should be delivered.
At Civity, we work closely with many local planning authorities, offering our expertise to help them navigate these new responsibilities and develop effective strategies for implementing biodiversity net gain in their areas.
Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Biodiversity Net Gain
While BNG offers significant environmental benefits, its implementation is not without challenges. Some common issues we’ve encountered at Civity include:
- Long-term Management: When purchasing biodiversity units, the responsibility for long-term habitat management shifts to Civity. Solution: Civity manages off-site Habitat Bank land for 30+ years, relieving developers of this burden while ensuring biodiversity gains are maintained.
- Complexity of the Biodiversity Metric: The metric can be complex and time-consuming to apply correctly. Solution: Our team of expert ecologists is well-versed in applying the metric efficiently and accurately, saving time and reducing errors.
- Balancing BNG with Other Development Needs: Achieving a 10% gain while meeting other planning requirements (e.g., housing density targets) can be challenging. Solution: We work closely with developers and planners to find creative solutions that meet both biodiversity and development needs.
The Broader Impact of BNG
Beyond its immediate environmental benefits, BNG has the potential to transform how we approach development and land management in the UK. Some of the broader impacts we’re already seeing include:
- Increased Awareness: BNG is raising awareness about biodiversity among developers, planners, and the general public.
- Habitat Connectivity: By encouraging strategic placement of off-site gains, BNG can help create wildlife corridors and improve habitat connectivity across landscapes.
- Economic Opportunities: BNG is creating new economic opportunities, particularly for landowners and ecological consultancies.
- Innovation in Green Design: The need to incorporate biodiversity is driving innovation in building and landscape design.
- Data Collection: The requirement for long-term monitoring will significantly improve our understanding of habitat creation and management techniques.
At Civity, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this transformation, helping to shape a future where development and nature conservation go hand in hand.
The Future of BNG
As we look to the future, we at Civity see BNG as just the beginning of a broader shift towards nature-positive development. Some trends we’re anticipating include:
- Integration with Natural Capital: We expect to see increasing integration between BNG and natural capital assessments, recognising the broader ecosystem services provided by biodiverse habitats.
- Expanding Biodiversity Net Gain: While currently focused on terrestrial and freshwater habitats in the construction sector, BNG principles are expected to expand. By November 2025, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects will be required to implement BNG. We also anticipate future application to marine environments and potentially other sectors beyond construction.
- Technological Advancements: We’re already seeing the development of new technologies to aid in biodiversity assessment and monitoring, a trend we expect to accelerate.
- International Adoption: As the UK leads the way with mandatory biodiversity net gain, we expect other countries to follow suit, potentially leading to international standards for biodiversity in development.
- Enhanced Public Engagement: As BNG becomes more widespread, we anticipate greater public interest and involvement in local biodiversity projects, particularly in rural communities.
How Civity Can Help
As one of the leaders in the field of Biodiversity Net Gain, we at Civity are uniquely positioned to support all stakeholders in navigating this new landscape:
- For Developers: We specialise in sourcing off-site biodiversity units when on-site measures are insufficient to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). While we don’t conduct initial site assessments or metric calculations, we complement the work of consultant ecologists by providing access to our Habitat Bank. This allows developers to efficiently meet their BNG requirements when additional off-site units are needed to complete their planning obligations.
- For Landowners and Land Managers: We can assess your land’s potential for BNG, develop management plans, and connect you with developers seeking off-site solutions. Our long-term management services ensure your land delivers biodiversity gains for years to come.
- For Local Planning Authorities: We provide expert consultation on implementing BNG policies reviewing biodiversity gain plans, and are eager to help develop Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
- Future Educational Outreach: We aspire to develop educational programs and resources for schools and educational institutions. Our goal is to help the next generation understand the importance of biodiversity and the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). By fostering awareness and knowledge in young minds, we aim to contribute to long-term environmental stewardship.
Our team of experienced ecologists and BNG specialists is committed to delivering positive outcomes for both development and nature conservation.
Speak With Our Biodiversity Net Gain Experts at Civity Today!
Biodiversity Net Gain represents a shift in how we approach development and our relationship with the natural world. By requiring a measurable improvement in biodiversity, BNG ensures that progress and nature conservation can go hand in hand.
At Civity, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this exciting field. We believe that by working together – developers, landowners, local authorities, and conservation experts – we can create a future where every development leaves nature in a better state than before.
Whether you’re a developer looking to navigate BNG requirements, a landowner interested in the opportunities BNG presents, or a local authority seeking expert guidance on biodiversity net gain, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to build a more biodiverse, sustainable future for all.For more information on how Civity can support your BNG needs, or if you need further clarification on biodiversity net gain, understanding the concept and key requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can turn the vision of nature-positive development into a reality.
