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Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms and ecosystems that exist within a given area. It includes all living organisms, from plants and animals to microorganisms, as well as the habitats they depend on. When new developments are proposed, it is crucial to consider the potential impact on the existing biodiversity.

As environmental protection and habitat conservation gain increasing importance, biodiversity has become a primary concern in the planning and execution of new projects. Developers must carefully assess how their plans may affect the delicate balance of local ecosystems and take steps to minimize any negative consequences.

Protecting biodiversity involves preserving the natural habitats that support a wide range of species, as well as ensuring that development activities do not disrupt the ecological processes that maintain these ecosystems. By prioritizing biodiversity conservation, we can help safeguard the health and resilience of our natural world for future generations. offset

Biodiversity Net Gain is a measure of the variety of wildlife in a natural environment, essential for developers and effective land management. It's a measure of how rich in species an area is, or how much rare or innately valuable wildlife is present in the natural environment. A Biodiversity Net Gain is the difference between the ecological loss caused by a development's land take and the compensating ecological gain on the same or on other sites. It is a crucial aspect of the Environment Act 2021, emphasising the need for developers to consider sustainable land management practices that contribute to deliver biodiversity net gain, including efforts to create wildlife habitats. The principal aim of this act is to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was. Planning permission for qualifying building development can be granted without proof of a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, underscoring the significance of developers’ commitment to responsible land management that includes delivering biodiversity net gain.

When development projects takes place, there is always some damage to the ecology of the site. The Environment Act 2021 makes it mandatory to compensate for resulting biodiversity loss. The compensation can be done by creating new habitats or enhancing the value of existing habitats. When this compensation is done offsite, away from the development site, it is called a Biodiversity Offset.