CIVITY NGE Blog

Biodiversity is essential to healthy ecosystems, climate regulation and long-term environmental sustainability. Yet biodiversity loss continues to accelerate due to climate change, habitat fragmentation, intensive land use and pressure on natural resources. As governments, developers and land managers face growing environmental obligations, understanding how to increase biodiversity through habitat creation and strategic land management has become increasingly important. From biodiversity net gain requirements to wider biodiversity conservation strategies, there is now a stronger focus on protecting natural habitats while supporting sustainable development. What Does Biodiversity Mean? Biodiversity refers to the variety of life within natural ecosystems, including plant species, wildlife habitats, freshwater ecosystems and genetic diversity within species populations. Healthy ecosystems rely on diverse habitats and functioning ecological networks to remain resilient. These systems provide essential ecosystem services such as climate regulation, flood management, fertile soils, clean water and pollination. Maintaining biodiversity also supports human health, economic growth and food security, while helping local communities adapt to future challenges linked to climate change and ecosystem degradation. Why Biodiversity Loss Matters Biodiversity loss has direct consequences for both the environment and society. Habitat fragmentation, invasive species, non-native species and unsustainable land management continue to reduce biodiversity value across urban areas, rural landscapes and marine environments. Natural habitats are increasingly under pressure from development projects, agricultural expansion and carbon emissions. This reduces ecosystem resilience and weakens the ability of natural processes to regulate water, support wildlife and store carbon. The loss of biodiversity also threatens protected species, freshwater ecosystems and high value habitats, making biodiversity conservation a critical part of environmental sustainability. Habitat Creation and Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat creation plays a central role in increasing biodiversity and delivering biodiversity net gain. Under mandatory biodiversity net gain requirements, developers must demonstrate measurable biodiversity enhancements through habitat restoration, habitat enhancement and long-term management. This is measured using the statutory biodiversity metric, which assesses biodiversity value based on habitat type, condition, size and strategic significance. The UK government’s biodiversity net gain guidance explains how biodiversity gain must be delivered through development and planning policy. A biodiversity gain plan must demonstrate how biodiversity units will be retained, enhanced or created both on site and, where necessary, through off-site biodiversity units. The Importance of Existing Habitats One of the key considerations in biodiversity net gain is protecting existing habitats before creating new habitats elsewhere. The biodiversity gain hierarchy and mitigation hierarchy prioritise avoiding biodiversity loss wherever possible. Retaining mature woodland, freshwater ecosystems, hedgerows and other natural habitats often delivers greater ecological value than replacing them after development. Existing habitats frequently support complex ecological networks, nesting sites, dead wood habitats and protected species that cannot easily be recreated. This makes early ecological assessment and careful site design essential during the planning process. Effective Habitat Creation Strategies Successful habitat creation requires more than simply planting vegetation. Biodiversity strategies must consider local biodiversity priorities, ecosystem health and long-term management requirements. Wildflower meadows, tree planting, river restoration and green roofs can all help create habitats and support biodiversity enhancements. Nature-based solutions such as sustainable drainage systems and green infrastructure can also deliver multiple benefits, including flood management, carbon storage and improved ecosystem services. Using native plants and native flora is particularly important, as these species are better adapted to local ecosystems and provide stronger support for wildlife habitats and small mammals. At the same time, invasive plants and invasive species must be carefully managed to avoid damaging ecosystem resilience or reducing biodiversity value. Land Management and Long-Term Biodiversity Creating habitats is only one part of increasing biodiversity. Long-term land management is equally important to maintain habitats and ensure biodiversity gain is sustained over time. Land managers play a critical role in supporting biodiversity through habitat maintenance, ecological monitoring and adaptive management strategies. This may include managing grazing regimes, maintaining water levels, preserving dead wood habitats and protecting habitat corridors within wider nature networks. Well-managed land can support biodiversity conservation while also delivering economic and environmental value through ecosystem services and sustainable land use. Biodiversity in Urban Areas Biodiversity conservation is not limited to rural landscapes. Urban areas also have significant potential to enhance biodiversity and strengthen ecological networks. Green spaces, green roofs, urban tree planting and wildlife-friendly drainage systems can all support local biodiversity while improving human health and wellbeing. These measures also help local authorities address climate regulation challenges and improve environmental resilience within densely developed areas. Integrating biodiversity into urban development is increasingly important as planning policy evolves and biodiversity net gain becomes embedded within local planning requirements. The Role of Local Planning Authorities Local planning authorities are central to delivering biodiversity net gain and ensuring development contributes positively to the natural environment. Through planning policy and biodiversity gain plans, local authorities assess how development projects will impact biodiversity value and whether sufficient biodiversity enhancements are proposed. Many local authorities also use local nature recovery strategies and local habitat maps to guide habitat creation priorities and identify areas of strategic significance for nature recovery. This ensures biodiversity gain contributes to wider ecological networks and supports long-term environmental goals. Purchasing Biodiversity Units and Off-Site Solutions Where sufficient biodiversity gain cannot be achieved on site, developers may need to explore off-site biodiversity units or habitat banks. Purchasing biodiversity units allows development to proceed while ensuring biodiversity improvements are delivered elsewhere through carefully managed habitat creation schemes. These off-site solutions are often delivered by land managers through biodiversity gain sites secured under conservation covenants or long-term legal agreements. Climate Change and Ecosystem Resilience Climate change is increasing pressure on biodiversity and natural ecosystems across the UK. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and changing rainfall patterns are affecting species populations, freshwater ecosystems and habitat stability. Increasing biodiversity can help strengthen ecosystem resilience by creating more connected and adaptable ecological networks. Diverse habitats are generally better able to recover from environmental stress and maintain ecosystem services over time. This makes biodiversity conservation a key part of climate adaptation and long-term environmental planning. Key Considerations for Developers and Landowners For developers, biodiversity net gain is now a core part of securing planning permission. Early ecological advice and strategic site design are essential to reduce biodiversity loss and identify opportunities to enhance habitats. For landowners, habitat creation presents opportunities to support nature recovery while generating biodiversity units through habitat banks and biodiversity gain sites. In both cases, understanding biodiversity metric calculations, local planning requirements, and habitat management obligations is critical. Expert Support for Biodiversity Net Gain Delivering biodiversity net gain requires ecological expertise, habitat planning and long-term management strategies aligned with planning policy. As a specialist provider of biodiversity net gain services, Civity supports developers, land managers and local authorities with biodiversity gain plans, habitat creation strategies, biodiversity metric assessments and off-site biodiversity solutions. Their team helps ensure projects achieve compliant biodiversity gain outcomes while supporting meaningful biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Conclusion Increasing biodiversity through habitat creation and land management is now central to sustainable development, environmental sustainability and climate resilience. From restoring natural habitats and supporting ecosystem services to delivering biodiversity net gain, effective biodiversity strategies can deliver multiple benefits for both nature and society. As planning policy and environmental expectations continue to evolve, integrating biodiversity into development and land management will play a critical role in protecting ecosystems, supporting local communities and creating a more resilient natural environment for the future.

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is now a mandatory requirement for most development projects in England. Under the Environment Act 2021, developers must demonstrate at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value compared to the baseline biodiversity value of the development site. Understanding how to calculate net gain and meet BNG requirements is now a critical part of the planning process. From biodiversity metric calculations to biodiversity gain plans and off-site units, developers must navigate a detailed and highly structured framework before planning permission can be secured. This guide explains how biodiversity net gain is measured, how biodiversity units are calculated, and the practical steps required to achieve BNG compliance. What Is Biodiversity Net Gain? Biodiversity net gain BNG is a planning requirement designed to ensure development leaves the natural environment in a measurably better state than before development took place. The process uses a standardised approach to measure biodiversity loss and enhancement using standardised biodiversity units. These calculations are carried out using the statutory biodiversity metric developed by Natural England. Official policy guidance is set out within the UK Government’s biodiversity net gain guidance, which explains how developers must calculate biodiversity net gain and demonstrate compliance with BNG requirements. Understanding the Biodiversity Metric The biodiversity metric measures biodiversity value based on habitat type, habitat condition, habitat size and strategic significance. The statutory biodiversity metric tool applies these factors to calculate the number of biodiversity units present before and after development. The metric tool assesses existing habitats within the red line boundary of the development site, including area habitats and linear habitats such as hedgerows, woodland, watercourses and rivers. The statutory biodiversity metric is available through Natural England’s biodiversity metric framework, which includes the metric tool, calculation guidance and technical methodology. For small developments and qualifying small sites, a simplified version known as the small sites metric may be used. This simplified approach is intended to reduce complexity for lower-risk schemes while still supporting biodiversity gain objectives. Step 1: Establish the Baseline Biodiversity Value The first stage in any biodiversity net gain assessment is establishing the baseline biodiversity value of the development site. A competent person, typically a professional ecologist, will assess the site and identify all habitat parcels within the red line boundary. This includes evaluating habitat type, ecological condition and habitat size in metres squared or hectares. The biodiversity metric then converts this information into biodiversity units, representing the ecological value of the site before development begins. This baseline biodiversity is critical because all future calculations are measured against it. Step 2: Assess Post-Development Biodiversity Value Once the baseline biodiversity value has been established, the proposed development is assessed to calculate the post-development biodiversity value. This includes evaluating proposed actions such as habitat enhancement, habitat creation and onsite delivery of new habitats. Developers must demonstrate how the scheme will support biodiversity and deliver measurable biodiversity gain. The metric tool applies risk multipliers based on habitat difficulty, delivery timeframe and location. This means habitats created in the future are typically worth less than existing habitats lost during development. These calculations determine how many biodiversity units are retained, enhanced or lost as part of the development. Step 3: Apply the Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy The biodiversity gain hierarchy sits alongside the mitigation hierarchy within planning policy. Developers are expected to first avoid biodiversity loss wherever possible before considering compensation measures. This means site design should prioritise retaining existing habitats and achieving on-site biodiversity enhancements before relying on off-site units. Where onsite delivery cannot fully achieve BNG, developers may need to explore alternative strategies such as habitat banks or off site BNG arrangements. Step 4: Secure Off-Site Biodiversity Units if Required If biodiversity units lost through development cannot be replaced on site, developers must secure off-site biodiversity units from a registered biodiversity gain site. For simple development projects, this is undertaken after planning consent is achieved. For large or complex developments, or developments affecting sensitive habitats, approximate off-site provision of biodiversity units may need to be demonstrated as part of the pre-planning submission details, with the finer details firmed up during the condition discharge stage. These sites are managed by land managers and are legally secured for at least 30 years through conservation covenants or planning obligations with a responsible body or local authorities. All off-site biodiversity gains must be registered with Natural England on the biodiversity gain site register before units can be allocated to a development project. Strategic alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies and local habitat map priorities can also influence biodiversity metric calculations and unit value. Step 5: Prepare the Biodiversity Gain Plan The biodiversity gain plan is a formal document submitted to the local planning authority as part of the planning process. It must demonstrate: The baseline biodiversity value of the site The post-development biodiversity value How will biodiversity gain be achieved Whether off-site units or statutory biodiversity credits are required How will habitat management and monitoring be secured Without an approved biodiversity gain plan, development cannot lawfully commence. What happens if BNG cannot Be Achieved? If developers cannot achieve sufficient biodiversity gain through on-site or off-site measures, statutory biodiversity credits may be purchased from the UK Government as a last resort. These statutory credits are intentionally priced above private market rates to encourage habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement through the private BNG market. However, local planning authorities will expect developers to demonstrate that all other alternative strategies have been fully explored before relying on statutory biodiversity credits. Special Considerations for Irreplaceable Habitat Irreplaceable habitat is treated differently under the statutory metric framework. Habitats such as ancient woodland cannot simply be replaced through biodiversity units or habitat creation elsewhere. In these cases, planning policy places greater emphasis on avoidance through careful site design and early ecological advice. Why Early Ecological Advice Matters Developers are strongly encouraged to seek ecological advice as early as possible in the planning process. Early biodiversity net gain assessment can identify potential constraints, reduce delays and improve site design. It also helps developers understand how many units may be required and whether off-site solutions will be necessary. This is particularly important for development projects involving complex habitats, significant biodiversity value or constrained development sites. The Importance of Accurate Calculations Accurate biodiversity metric calculations are essential to ensure planning compliance and avoid delays to planning permission. Errors in habitat classification, condition assessment or unit calculations can result in incorrect biodiversity gain assessments and potential challenges from local planning authorities. Using a competent person with experience in the statutory biodiversity metric and BNG policy framework is therefore critical. Expert Support for Biodiversity Net Gain Calculating biodiversity net gain and meeting BNG requirements involves ecological assessment, metric calculations, planning strategy and long-term habitat management. As a specialist provider of biodiversity net gain services, Civity supports developers, land managers and local authorities through every stage of the BNG process. From biodiversity gain assessments and habitat creation strategies to off-site BNG solutions and biodiversity gain plans, their team helps ensure projects remain compliant, efficient and aligned with planning policy. Conclusion Understanding how to calculate net gain and meet BNG requirements is now essential for securing planning permission in England. By accurately measuring biodiversity value, applying the biodiversity gain hierarchy and integrating biodiversity into site design from the outset, developers can achieve compliant and sustainable outcomes that support both development and nature recovery.

Biodiversity loss and sustainable development are increasingly interconnected challenges. As global development accelerates, pressure on natural habitats, agricultural land and marine ecosystems continues to intensify. At the same time, the need for economic growth, food security and resilient infrastructure remains essential for supporting a growing global population. Finding the balance between biodiversity conservation and sustainable development is now one of the defining environmental and economic issues of our time. Governments, businesses, developers, and local communities must rethink their management of land, natural resources, and ecosystems. Why Biodiversity Matters Biological diversity underpins the health of the planet. Healthy ecosystems provide vital ecosystem services that support human health, sustainable food systems and economic stability. These services include pollination, soil fertility, carbon sequestration, water purification and flood regulation. Biodiversity also plays a direct role in maintaining food security and supporting nutritious food production. Diverse agricultural landscapes are typically more resilient to climate change, extreme weather events and disease outbreaks than heavily simplified systems. The United Nations has repeatedly highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity within the wider framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, recognising that environmental sustainability is inseparable from long-term economic and social stability. The Drivers of Biodiversity Loss Biodiversity loss is occurring at an unprecedented global scale. The scientific community identifies several key causes, including habitat destruction, agricultural expansion, unsustainable consumption, pollution and climate change. Intensive farming and poorly managed agricultural land have contributed significantly to ecosystem degradation, soil erosion and declining genetic diversity. Invasive species and invasive alien species continue to disrupt balanced ecosystems, while marine biodiversity is increasingly threatened by pollution, warming oceans and damage to coral reefs. Global warming and rising carbon dioxide concentrations are also accelerating biodiversity decline by altering habitats faster than many plant species and wildlife populations can adapt. The World Economic Forum has identified biodiversity loss as one of the most severe long-term risks facing the global economy, recognising the direct consequences for food systems, supply chains and human wellbeing. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Conservation Sustainable development is often misunderstood as a trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection. In reality, long-term sustainable development depends on maintaining biodiversity and protecting ecosystem health. Modern planning policy and environmental regulation increasingly focus on integrating biodiversity into development rather than treating nature conservation as an afterthought. This includes biodiversity conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, habitat creation and biodiversity-friendly practices within both urban and rural environments. In the UK, the planning process integrates sustainable development and biodiversity protection through the example of biodiversity net gain (BNG). Under mandatory BNG requirements, developers must deliver measurable biodiversity improvements alongside new development. This approach encourages sustainable management of land and supports wider conservation objectives while still allowing economic growth and infrastructure delivery. The Role of Biodiversity Net Gain Biodiversity net gain aims to address biodiversity loss by ensuring development leaves the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. This is achieved through habitat enhancement, creation of new habitats and long-term ecological management. The framework supports nature recovery while helping developers meet planning requirements in a structured and measurable way. It also creates opportunities for landowners and local communities to participate in emerging nature markets linked to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. Specialist providers such as Civity support developers and landowners in delivering biodiversity net gain through habitat creation, ecological assessment and long-term habitat management strategies aligned with planning policy and conservation measures. Sustainable Food Systems and Biodiversity Food systems are deeply dependent on biodiversity. Pollinators, healthy soils, freshwater ecosystems and genetic resources all contribute to stable agricultural production. However, many current food systems continue to rely heavily on intensive farming methods that reduce biodiversity and damage ecosystem health. Reversing biodiversity loss will require diversified farming systems, more sustainable practices and better integration of biodiversity values into agricultural decision-making. Approaches such as cover crops, agroforestry and restoring habitat corridors within agricultural landscapes can help promote biodiversity while maintaining productive farmland. This is particularly important in developing countries and low-income countries, where communities are often more directly dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services for livelihoods and food security. Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Marine ecosystems face growing pressures from pollution, overfishing and climate change. Coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal habitats support marine biodiversity while also providing vital services such as coastal protection and carbon storage. Protecting marine biodiversity requires coordinated action at both local and global levels, including reducing environmentally harmful subsidies, improving resource management and expanding protected areas. Without intervention, continued ecosystem degradation could have serious consequences for global food systems and economic resilience. The Importance of Local Communities and Nature Recovery Local communities play an essential role in biodiversity conservation. Many successful conservation measures depend on local knowledge, long-term stewardship and community engagement. Nature recovery strategies increasingly recognise the importance of integrating biodiversity into local planning and land management decisions. This includes protecting existing habitats, restoring degraded ecosystems and creating wildlife habitats that support balanced ecosystems. In the UK, local authorities and developers are increasingly expected to contribute to nature recovery through planning policy and biodiversity net gain requirements. Challenges Moving Forward Despite growing awareness, significant knowledge gaps remain around biodiversity loss and sustainable development. Many ecosystems are already under severe pressure, and the pace of environmental change continues to accelerate. Balancing development with biodiversity conservation will require stronger collaboration between governments, businesses, conservation organisations and the private sector. It will also require investment in well-functioning ecosystems, stronger environmental governance and a greater recognition of nature’s contributions to economic and social resilience. The challenge is not simply to slow biodiversity loss but to reverse it while continuing to support sustainable economic growth. Integrating Biodiversity Into Future Development Moving forward, integrating biodiversity into development and land management will become increasingly important across every sector. From infrastructure and housing to agriculture and energy, biodiversity considerations are now central to environmental sustainability and long-term resilience. This includes recognising the economic values associated with healthy ecosystems and understanding that protecting biodiversity is not separate from development, but fundamental to it. The future of sustainable development depends on maintaining biodiversity, restoring ecosystems and ensuring that development contributes positively to the natural environment rather than accelerating ecological decline. Finding The Balance… Biodiversity loss and sustainable development are not opposing goals. In practice, they are deeply interconnected. Healthy ecosystems support food security, economic resilience, climate stability and human health, while sustainable development depends on protecting the natural systems that underpin society. Achieving this balance will require stronger biodiversity conservation efforts, better integration of nature into planning and development, and long-term investment in ecosystem health and restoration. As environmental regulation and planning policy continue to evolve, organisations such as Civity are helping developers and landowners navigate this transition through biodiversity net gain strategies that support both development and meaningful nature recovery.

The introduction of mandatory BNG has fundamentally changed how landowners can generate income from land. As biodiversity net gain (BNG) becomes a legal requirement for most new development, developers must now deliver a required uplift in biodiversity value. This has created an exciting opportunity for landowners to enter the growing BNG market and establish long-term, sustainable income streams. For those asking ‘how landowners can leverage BNG credits to generate new income streams’, the answer lies in aligning land management, ecological expertise and compliance with planning requirements to create and sell biodiversity units within the emerging nature markets. In short: landowners can be paid to create the biodiversity that developers need. Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain and the Market Opportunity Biodiversity net gain BNG is a statutory framework introduced under the Environment Act 2021. It requires developers to deliver at least a 10% measurable improvement in biodiversity using the biodiversity metric, ensuring developments contribute positively to the natural environment. Natural England provides the methodology through its Biodiversity Metric framework, which is used to calculate biodiversity units, determine baseline ecological value, and assess how many net gain units can be created. Where developers cannot achieve sufficient onsite biodiversity gain, they must secure offsite biodiversity units. This is where landowners can step in to generate biodiversity credits and supply units in the private market. Turning Land Into a Biodiversity Asset Landowners can transform a piece of land into a revenue-generating asset by creating a gain site or participating in habitat banks. This involves assessing existing habitats, understanding the ecological value of the site, and designing a plan for habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement. Sites with lower baseline biodiversity (such as intensive farmland) or existing habitats (such as floodplains and unproductive marginal areas) often present the greatest potential to increase biodiversity and generate a higher number of BNG units. Through creating habitats, landowners can significantly enhance land value while contributing to wider environmental goals. This shift reflects a broader move towards valuing natural capital, where land is recognised not just for production but for its contribution to ecosystem services. The UK government’s approach is outlined in its natural capital guidance, which supports investment in environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability. Habitat Creation, Enhancement and Long-Term Management Generating biodiversity credits requires a commitment to enhancing habitats and delivering long-term habitat management. This may include woodland planting, wetland restoration, the creation of water bodies, or establishing habitat corridors to support wildlife and biodiversity. These interventions not only generate biodiversity units but also contribute to carbon sequestration, improved ecosystem services and nature recovery. Natural England highlights these outcomes within its work on environmental improvement and nature recovery. The number of units generated depends on habitat type, scale, and how long it takes for habitats to mature. Landowners often ask how many biodiversity units can be created, but the answer depends on site-specific conditions and the biodiversity metric calculations. Legal Agreements and Compliance Requirements To enter the BNG market and sell biodiversity units, land must be secured through legally binding agreements for a minimum of 30 years. This ensures that biodiversity gains are maintained and that the scheme remains legally compliant. These agreements are typically structured through conservation covenants with a responsible body or planning obligations with a local planning authority. The legal framework is set out in the Environment Act 2021. A monitoring plan must also be established, ensuring ongoing management, regular monitoring, and reporting to demonstrate that biodiversity improvements are being delivered. Landowners must consider legal requirements carefully, including tax implications, land tenure arrangements such as tenant farmer agreements, and the long-term impact of BNG arrangements on land use. Accessing the BNG Market and Selling Units Once a site is established and secured through a BNG agreement, landowners can begin to generate income by selling units to developers. The BNG market operates through a private framework where developers seek off-site units to meet planning requirements. Demand is often driven by proximity to development sites, meaning units within the same local planning authority area are typically more valuable. In addition to private market transactions, statutory biodiversity credits are available through the government as a last resort. However, these are priced to encourage participation in the private market, reinforcing opportunities for landowners. Many landowners also explore integrating nutrient credits and carbon credits into their strategy, creating diversified new income streams aligned with broader environmental markets. Strategic Considerations for Landowners While the opportunity to generate income is significant, it requires a strategic approach. Landowners must assess site suitability, understand planning policy, and consider how their land fits within local development pipelines. Early engagement with ecologists and specialists is essential to understand the potential of the site and design a viable scheme. This includes assessing existing habitats, planning habitat enhancement, and ensuring alignment with local authorities and planning frameworks. The BNG system is still in its early days, and while it offers strong potential, the availability of projects and demand for units can vary geographically. This makes early positioning and informed decision-making critical. The Role of Expert Guidance Successfully delivering BNG schemes involves ecological assessments, biodiversity metric calculations, legal structuring and long-term management. Without the right support, there is a risk of underperforming assets or non-compliance. As a specialist provider in biodiversity net gain, Civity NGE offers expert guidance to landowners and land managers looking to enter the BNG market. Their team supports everything from initial agreement and site assessment through to creating habitats, securing legal agreements and bringing biodiversity credits to market. Conclusion For landowners exploring how to leverage BNG credits to generate new income streams, the opportunity is clear. By aligning land management with environmental stewardship and participating in nature markets, it is possible to unlock sustainable and long-term income. As biodiversity net gain continues to shape development across England, those who take a proactive and strategic approach will be best positioned to benefit while supporting the recovery of the natural environment.