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Since mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) became a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021, ecology has become an essential part of the planning process rather than an afterthought. For most developments in England, developers must now demonstrate a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value before work can begin, making ecological expertise fundamental to securing planning permission. An experienced ecology consultancy does far more than carry out ecological surveys. From conducting baseline habitat surveys and biodiversity net gain assessments to preparing a compliant biodiversity gain plan, ecology consultants help developers understand environmental constraints early, reduce planning risk and deliver biodiversity net gain in a way that satisfies local planning authorities. Whether you are promoting a small residential scheme, a commercial development or preparing for nationally significant infrastructure projects, involving an ecology consultancy at the earliest opportunity can save both time and money while improving environmental outcomes. Why Ecology Consultancies Have Become Essential Planning permission granted after February 2024 generally requires compliance with biodiversity net gain legislation. Developers must achieve at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value, supported by a Biodiversity Gain Plan that demonstrates how biodiversity improvements will be delivered and maintained. This has significantly expanded the role of ecology consultancies. Rather than simply identifying ecological constraints, consultants now help developers implement biodiversity net gain principles throughout the lifecycle of a project. An ecology consultancy provides the ecological expertise required to assess existing habitats, calculate biodiversity value using the statutory biodiversity metric and develop practical habitat creation strategies that align with biodiversity net gain requirements. By identifying ecological issues before development proposals are finalised, ecology consultants help prevent costly redesigns, planning delays and compliance issues later in the planning process. The First Step: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Habitat Surveys Every successful biodiversity net gain assessment starts with understanding the existing ecological value of a development site. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is often the first ecological survey undertaken. This identifies ecological features, existing habitats, protected species constraints and any potential environmental issues that may influence development plans. Alongside the preliminary ecological appraisal, consultants undertake habitat surveys using the UK Habitat Classification System, enabling accurate biodiversity metric calculations to be completed. This baseline data establishes the pre-development biodiversity value, which becomes the benchmark against which all future biodiversity gains are measured. Early ecological surveys can identify issues such as protected species, irreplaceable habitat sites or habitats of high ecological importance before detailed site plans are prepared. Addressing these matters early provides greater flexibility during design and helps developers avoid unnecessary planning delays. Calculating Biodiversity Net Gain One of the most important roles of an ecology consultancy is to calculate biodiversity net gain accurately. The statutory biodiversity metric, published by Natural England, measures biodiversity value using habitat information, including habitat type, habitat condition and habitat size. The biodiversity metric uses this information to generate biodiversity units that quantify the ecological value of both existing habitats and proposed habitats after development. Consultants use the DEFRA biodiversity metric for biodiversity net gain assessments, ensuring that biodiversity metric calculations reflect current legislation and guidance. The current statutory biodiversity metric provides a standardised approach for calculating biodiversity value across development proposals. By comparing the pre-development biodiversity value with the projected post-development biodiversity value, ecology consultants can determine whether a scheme will achieve biodiversity net gain or whether further biodiversity enhancements are required. These calculations form the foundation of every biodiversity gain plan submitted alongside planning applications. Integrating Biodiversity Into Site Design One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding biodiversity net gain is that it is simply about purchasing biodiversity credits or off-site biodiversity units. In reality, biodiversity net gain principles encourage developers to integrate biodiversity into site design from the very beginning. Ecology consultancies advise project teams on how to enhance biodiversity through practical design solutions. On-site habitat creation may include wildlife ponds, species-rich grassland, green roofs, native tree planting, hedgerows or sustainable drainage features that provide positive outcomes for both biodiversity and future residents. Consultants also advise on habitat enhancement measures that improve existing habitats while maintaining development viability. This approach aligns with the biodiversity gain hierarchy, which requires developers to avoid biodiversity loss wherever possible, minimise unavoidable impacts, restore habitats where appropriate and only rely on offsite compensation as a final step. Following this hierarchy helps deliver measurable net gains while reducing reliance on biodiversity offsetting or statutory biodiversity credits. Preparing a Biodiversity Gain Plan A biodiversity gain plan has become one of the most important planning documents for many developments. Before development begins, the Biodiversity Gain Plan must be approved by the relevant local planning authority. Without approval, developers cannot lawfully commence development. Ecology consultancies prepare biodiversity gain plans that clearly explain how biodiversity net gain will be achieved and maintained; they comprise the standard Biodiversity Gain Plan pro-forma, with any relevant documents (see below) included as appendices, alongside a finalised Statutory Metric demonstrating a positive result and all trading rules satisfied. A comprehensive biodiversity gain plan typically includes the baseline biodiversity value, biodiversity metric calculations, proposed habitat creation, habitat enhancement measures, biodiversity units delivered, monitoring arrangements and long-term environmental management proposals. Where biodiversity gains cannot be fully achieved on site, the plan also identifies any required off-site biodiversity units, conservation covenants or other legal mechanisms that have been agreed to secure biodiversity gain for the required period. Because biodiversity gain must be maintained for at least 30 years, consultants also prepare monitoring plans and advise on long-term land management strategies to ensure biodiversity improvements remain effective. Working With Local Planning Authorities Every local authority has its own planning priorities, although all must operate within the statutory biodiversity net gain framework. Ecology consultancies regularly engage with local planning authorities throughout the planning process, helping developers respond to consultation comments and ensuring submissions comply with biodiversity net gain guidance. Consultants also consider local nature recovery strategies, local biodiversity priorities and the National Planning Policy Framework when preparing development proposals. Early dialogue with planning officers often helps identify potential concerns before formal planning applications are submitted, reducing delays and increasing confidence that biodiversity gain requirements will be met. This collaborative approach supports smoother planning approval while delivering positive impacts for the natural environment. When are off-site biodiversity units required? Not every development can achieve the required biodiversity gain through onsite habitat creation alone. Where biodiversity metric calculations show that a scheme cannot deliver the minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value, ecology consultancies help developers identify suitable off-site biodiversity units. These units are secured through habitat banks or other registered biodiversity gain sites and allow developers to remain compliant with biodiversity net gain requirements where onsite and offsite compensation is necessary. An ecology consultancy will advise whether off-site biodiversity units represent the most appropriate solution after the biodiversity gain hierarchy has been followed. This ensures developers maximise biodiversity improvements on the development site before relying on offsite compensation or biodiversity offsetting. Where appropriate, consultants also advise on statutory biodiversity credits. However, these are intended as a last resort and should only be used where suitable off-site biodiversity units cannot be secured through the private market. 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. Protected Species Surveys and Further Ecological Assessments A preliminary ecological appraisal often identifies the need for additional ecological surveys before planning permission can be granted. Depending on the site, further assessments may include protected species surveys for bats, great crested newts, reptiles, breeding birds or badgers. Additional habitat surveys may also be required where irreplaceable habitat sites or particularly sensitive ecological features are present. Completing these ecology surveys early helps developers understand potential constraints before detailed development plans are finalised. It also reduces the likelihood of unexpected planning conditions delaying construction. An experienced ecological consultant can coordinate these surveys efficiently, ensuring they are completed during the appropriate survey seasons and incorporated into planning submissions. Supporting Planning Permission From Start to Finish Ecology consultancies play an important role throughout the planning process rather than simply producing reports. They prepare ecological reports required for planning applications, complete biodiversity net gain assessments, undertake biodiversity metric calculations and advise on habitat creation, habitat enhancement and environmental management strategies. Consultants also work alongside architects, planning consultants and engineers to ensure biodiversity is integrated into site plans from the earliest design stages. This collaborative approach helps developers secure planning permission while delivering measurable net gains that satisfy local planning authorities and comply with biodiversity net gain guidance. For future developments, establishing biodiversity considerations early also provides greater certainty around costs, programme timescales and planning approval. Long-Term Habitat Management Delivering biodiversity net gain does not end once planning permission has been granted. Mandatory biodiversity net gain requires habitats to be maintained for a minimum of 30 years. Ecology consultancies therefore prepare detailed monitoring plans and advise on long-term land management arrangements that protect biodiversity improvements over time. Monitoring plans explain how habitats will be managed, who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and how biodiversity units will continue to deliver the anticipated biodiversity value. Where off-site biodiversity units are used, these long-term commitments are typically secured through conservation covenants or other legal agreements that ensure habitats continue to provide positive outcomes for wildlife and the natural environment. This long-term approach helps local planning authorities monitor compliance while ensuring biodiversity net gain delivers genuine environmental benefits rather than short-term improvements. Supporting National Biodiversity Objectives Beyond individual planning applications, ecology consultancies contribute towards wider environmental objectives. By helping developers enhance biodiversity, protect existing habitats and deliver habitat creation, consultants support local nature recovery strategies, the National Planning Policy Framework and broader government ambitions for nature recovery. Well-designed biodiversity enhancements also improve green infrastructure, strengthen ecological networks and increase resilience within the natural environment. Rather than viewing biodiversity net gain as a planning obstacle, many developers are now recognising that good ecological design creates positive impacts for communities, wildlife and future developments alike. How Civity Helps Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain At Civity, we help developers understand the likely cost of meeting their off-site biodiversity net gain obligations once biodiversity metric calculations have been completed by their ecologist. Our team reviews completed biodiversity metric outputs and provides fast, accurate quotations for off-site biodiversity units from registered gain sites. Because development layouts and biodiversity metric calculations often evolve throughout the design process, we can quickly update quotations as unit requirements change, helping developers understand the financial implications of different design options before planning progresses. We also advise on unit availability, habitat types and suitable off-site options, enabling developers and their project teams to make informed decisions while preparing for planning. Where appropriate, we can help reserve units early, providing greater certainty where availability is limited or pricing is favourable. By providing responsive pricing and expert guidance on off-site biodiversity units, Civity helps developers budget accurately, reduce uncertainty and secure compliant off-site solutions when they are needed. Conclusion Biodiversity net gain has fundamentally changed how planning applications are prepared in England. Rather than being treated as a final planning condition, biodiversity should now be considered from the earliest stages of site design. An experienced ecology consultancy provides the ecological expertise needed to calculate biodiversity net gain accurately, prepare robust biodiversity gain plans and identify practical habitat creation opportunities that satisfy both developers and local planning authorities. By engaging ecological consultants early, developers can identify constraints before they become problems, integrate biodiversity into development proposals, reduce planning delays and achieve the measurable net gains required under the Environment Act 2021. At Civity, we help clients secure planning permission while delivering practical, compliant and environmentally meaningful biodiversity net gain solutions that create lasting value for both development and nature.

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.