Biodiversity Net Gain: Understanding the Concept and Key Requirements

Tim Hobern August 7, 2024

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

When did Biodiversity Net Gain become mandatory and how is it measured

Tim Hobern August 1, 2024

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: 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: 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 Understanding how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is measured is crucial for developers and landowners. The process involves careful assessment and quantification of biodiversity value, typically carried out by consultant ecologists. 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: Consultant ecologists apply this metric to assess biodiversity value accurately. They understand the nuances of each component and how they interact to produce the final biodiversity unit score. This expertise is essential for developers and landowners looking to meet BNG requirements and contribute to environmental conservation efforts. The Measurement Process Measuring Biodiversity Net Gain involves several steps: 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: 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: 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: 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: For Local Planning Authorities We recognise the additional responsibilities that mandatory BNG places on local planning authorities. Civity supports LPAs by: 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.

Monetising Biodiversity – How Civity can help find opportunities for landowners and developers.

Tim Hobern October 25, 2023

(Last Updated 25th October 2023) The enactment of the Environment Act 2021 has been delayed until January 2024 nevertheless, there will be a legal obligation to ensure the destruction of biodiversity caused by development is minimised, and through construction, the site is left in a better state than before. The law demands a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of 10%. If this cannot be found on site, it must be found offsite, preferably as near as possible. Meanwhile, many landowners will have suitable land that developers will be looking for and, possibly, not aware how the new law values it. So, this is an opportunity to make an income from land that may previously have been thought to have little financial value. The situation prompts questions from both developers and landowners: How is a site’s biodiversity measured? How is a site’s biodiversity value monetised? How do you value habitats? It starts with a valuation of the land in biodiversity terms, using a metric known as Defra Metric 4.0 and expressed as Biodiversity Net Gain Units. The valuation can only be made by experienced, qualified ecologists. The metric was created by the government for the benefit of developers, landowners, local planning authorities, professional advisors, contractors and others. The valuation depends on: The distinctiveness of the habitat: The location: Its quality: The richness and/or variety of the wildlife: The extent of the area. The developer. The valuation of the development site will take into account the loss of habitats as well as mitigating factors that could reduce the biodiversity deficit, such as improvements to habitats remaining in the site before and after construction. The gross loss or gain of the value in biodiversity units, plus the net 10% gain, is the figure necessary for approval by the Local Planning Authority (or Responsible Body) before seeking planning permission. In order to meet BNG’s mandatory demands, developers will have to search for the necessary ‘biodiversity units’ and subsequently buy them. It is at this stage that the monetisation takes place. However, before the developer translates the deal in financial terms, he faces some more hurdles: The type of habitat affected by his development must be replaced like-for-like or better. This means the search for qualifying land has to be more focused and, therefore, possibly harder and longer to find depending on the type and quality of the habitats degraded by the development. Within the BNG law, the further the compensating land is from the development site, the greater the cost in biodiversity units. Put another way, the cost is proportional to the distance. It is called the “Spatial Risk Multiplier” (link to Glossary). The value of biodiversity units is subject to market forces so it might be hard to budget for. For hard and fast financial values of biodiversity units, the government offers ‘Biodiversity credits’ (Link to Glossary). Their financial value is fixed, expensive and only to be used as a last resort. When the developer finds the right type of land, he also needs to meet the cost of its maintenance to BNG standards for 30 years. Unless there is a shortcut … The shortcut. Fortunately, there is a faster, easier way: land brokers, like Civity, have biodiversity units to sell; Civity also has the connections to find specific types of land if required. It’s more economic than ‘do-it-yourself’. The company is privately owned and headed up by an ecologist. Biodiversity units sold by Civity absolve the buyer/developer of any responsibility for the habitat’s future preservation, improvement and maintenance. The landowner. The landowner, or long lease holder, looking over his estate may recognise woodlands or riverbanks as habitats to all kind of species that have prospered for centuries, nevertheless unaware of the financial benefit that lies therein. To be helpful, The Department of the Environment for Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Natural England have defined 35 habitat types across the coasts and landscapes of England. The habitats are divided into five grades of distinctiveness: Low, Medium, High, Linear and Watercourses. An overview of these divisions is shown below. Within each distinctiveness there are subdivisions: Broad and Specific. For example, within the Medium sector there is ‘sparsely vegetated land’ is said to be broad whilst ‘inland rock and scree’ is specific. 35 habitat types The ‘Tiers’ are indicators of value. So, A1 has the lowest value and A5 the highest. ‘Linear’ refers to hedgerows that can be rich in wildlife, likewise ‘Watercourses’. However, hedgerows usually have A1 values whilst rivers and streams are typically A2 to A5. Below, we list Defra’s types of habitats and their places in the hierarchy. LOW –Scrub land of common biodiversity. MEDIUM – Heath & scrub, grassland, individual trees, urban land, cropland, wood and forest, intertidal and sediment, lakes and ponds. HIGH – Wetland, grassland, heath & scrub, urban, woodland/forest, intertidal, wetland mosaic sediment, ponds, coastal lagoons, rocky shore, littoral rock, saltmarsh/saline reedbed, littoral seagrass, coastal saltmarsh, coastal sand dunes, coastal vegetated shingle, maritime cliffs & slopes, inland rock outcrops, scree habitats, upland mixed ashwoods, native pine woodlands, lowland pine woodlands, lowland mixed deciduous woodland, upland oakwood, high alkalinity lakes, marl lakes, moderate alkalinity lakes, peat lakes, reservoirs, inland rock & scree. LINEAR – Hedgerows. WATERCOURSES – Rivers, streams. Note: duplication is due the variations of quality, richness and location of the habitat, Statutory Credits The government deliberately wants the biodiversity unit marketplace to be privately led, however should a private agreement not be possible developers can, as a last resort apply to purchase Statutory Credits. These credits are deliberately expensive, but they give a good benchmark as a relative indicator of unit prices. As a guide to the relative value of sterling, go to the Government’s website here but remember the prices quoted only apply in extremis. Landowners may find the value of Statutory Credits quite interesting, not because of the quoted value but as confirmation that habitats are worth a lot more than previously thought. If you have land that might qualify, you have the option of selling it or leasing it for 30 years at a price related to market value. You will need a qualified ecologist to help you. Subject to an ecological survey, Civity will be happy to lease (or buy) the land from you and take over the stringent BNG obligations: protecting and enhancing the habitats contained within it paying you for its maintenance if you wish AND allowing you access for the whole period of the lease The minimum area for disposal must be 10 hectares but not necessarily in one plot. Help is on hand. It is a fact of life that the country needs more houses; there is also an imperative to preserve our shrinking environment for the future health and welfare of our people. Biodiversity Net gain is both a redemption and a guardian that sees fair play in this dichotomy. If you need help as a developer, or as a landowner, talk to Civity; we understand both sides of the equation and can be of great practical help. Civity Net Gain Exchange. Click here.

How to get your Biodiversity Net Gain plan approved

How to Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain and Get Your Plan Approved

Tim Hobern September 12, 2023

(Last Updated 12th September 2023) Developers have known about Biodiversity Net Gain Company (BNG) for some time. So, they will know that, from this coming November, with only a very few exceptions, planning applications will only be granted on proof that their development site can show a minimum biodiversity net gain of 10% over the biodiversity value of the land before work starts. Many developers have already prepared for this, but many more have not. The Environmental Act 2021 becomes law in November 2023, when Biodiversity Net Gain becomes mandatory. First, let’s start by answering a fundamental question: How do you measure biodiversity? The answer is Metric 4.0, a standard of measurement developed by Natural England and used by developers, local authorities, landowners, stakeholders, land banks and brokers, professional advisors, and government departments with responsibility for England’s environment. So, if you are not ready now, what can you do about it? When should you start to prepare? What is involved and from whom can you get help? How do you start? As a developer, you will know that between the purchase of a site and the completed development, there are many fences to leap, one of them being planning permission. From November 2023, there is another fence: Biodiversity Net Gain, a mandated pre-condition for the granting of planning permission. In other words, an approved BNG plan is an essential preliminary to getting planning permission. You cannot gain planning permission without a BNG plan; there is no shortcut. A BNG Plan A BNG plan involves a great amount of detail unique to a particular project so, only the broadest brush sketch is possible. It is important to understand an approved plan will take time, money and professional help to put together. Here are the basic ingredients required: A biodiversity survey of your site before work starts to value the habitat in terms of type (woodland, meadow, riverbank, heath etc), extent, location, environmental richness and condition. An experienced, qualified ecologist must complete surveys. Ecology by Design can help here. A projection of the biodiversity value of the development site after completion. The result of the survey(s) will determine what, in detail, is needed to meet the target biodiversity gain of 10%. Some of the biodiversity loss may be achieved on-site by mitigating some, or all, of the degradation caused by the development. This could help reduce the target net gain. Your BNG plan will further set out how you will achieve the target: Local planning authorities like to see a like-for-like biodiversity type being replaced either on-site or off-site. Where the replacement habitats will be, the distance from your development site, their type, richness, rarity, physical state etc. How will the habitats be maintained or improved over a period of 30 years? who will be responsible for their management Mitigation Hierarchy. Your BNG plan may show that there is scope to achieve some, if not all, of the loss of biodiversity. A mitigation hierarchy is a necessary discipline to minimise the offset value needed to achieve a 10% Gain. So, following the biodiversity survey, you need to look at how to avoid the damage; then find ways and means to minimise that damage; then restore as much of the damage as possible before establishing the value of the offset required to reach the 10% gain. Offsetting Biodiversity offsets are defined as the measurable conservation outcomes of a developer’s actions to compensate for their project’s biodiversity impacts. It is seen as the last step in the mitigation hierarchy and a useful discipline to establish the optimum value of their projects. Finding biodiversity units. Where do you look for compensatory biodiversity? Your professional advisers may have some ideas. The local authority in whose area your site is located will advise you or have units to sell. If you know of a landowner, land agent, ecologist (Ecology by Design) or a land broker (such as Civity), you will get help. They will tell you where and how you can buy the biodiversity credits you need. Biodiversity Credits. These credits are the units of value for a registered parcel of land containing various types and conditions of habitat. However, the price you pay for each credit will vary considerably, dependent on factors such as: The type of habitat required: ‘Broad’ (ie – grassland, wetland) and ‘Specific’ (ie -orchards, reedbeds). Every type of habitat has a notional value. The rarity or richness of the species living there. The physical condition of the habitat. The distance between the location of the habitat and your site; The value decreases with distance (Spatial Risk Multiplier). The seller: are you prepared to pay the offer price? The government has introduced its own price guide called Statutory Credits. These are very much a last resort and nearly always cost double the stated values because of the Spatial Risk Multiplier. However, straight financial compensation is sometimes acceptable to LPAs who use the money to fund ecology projects of their own. Biodiversity Credits can be bought from landowners, land agents, land banks (such as Civity) local authorities and, if all else fails, the government. Responsible bodies. You will know that the grant of planning permission is usually a matter for the LPA. However, a consultee may be a Responsible Bodies, which consists of an assembly of individuals and/or corporate establishments. When submitting to a Responsible Body, you should take into account that their views may be wider and more ecologically-based than the LPA by virtue of its constituent members. This may influence the focus and style of your BNG plan application. Start sooner than later. Assuming you have a site that you plan to develop at some stage, start the BNG process sooner rather than later. The LPA approval process is not quick, your application will go thorough several stages of diligent checks (ecological, legal, local, conservation covenants and national planning). Once the LPA approved your BNG plan in principle, you must secure the biodiversity credits, show how the habitat will be managed for 30 years (in some circumstances, Civity will assume the task). When you and your advisors are satisfied your plan is complete, submit it for final approval. Now you know what is involved, make sure you allow enough time for you to initiate the searches, assemble all the data, put forward the application and get it approved BEFORE you seek planning permission. Help is at hand As we said, the process involved in getting approval for a BNG plan is dependent on so many factors – geography, ecology, opportunity – the best way to understand what you need to do is talk to us. We will listen to you and tailor-make suggestions how you start your BNG plan. There is no obligation. In the first instance, email hello@civity.com for an appointment. We will respond immediately.

hello@civitynge.com

0208 050 6076

CIVITY NGE Blog

Biodiversity Net Gain: Understanding the Concept and Key Requirements

When did Biodiversity Net Gain become mandatory and how is it measured

Monetising Biodiversity – How Civity can help find opportunities for landowners and developers.

How to Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain and Get Your Plan Approved

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