Are You Ready for Biodiversity Net Gain? Check out our simple guide

The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been making waves in the UK since it was introduced in the government's 25-year Environment Plan in 2018. The BNG approach aims to enhance biodiversity by ensuring that new development projects must improve the natural environment and its ability to support life, rather than just avoiding harm. The policy will be mandatory in England from November 2023 for all new development projects of a certain size. As a consultant or client involved in such projects, it is essential to be aware of the impact of BNG on our work.

1. BNG: A Concept Explained

BNG's primary objective is to protect and enhance the natural environment while allowing the development to be implemented. It means that biodiversity should not only be safeguarded but also increased as a result of any development, with a 10% net gain in biodiversity required as a minimum. The policy applies to any development that needs planning permission and includes developments ranging from new built development to transport infrastructure. BNG consists of four key stages, which include: Identifying the biodiversity baseline, stating targets for biodiversity net gain, selecting appropriate ways of achieving those targets, and finally monitoring the results.

2. Benefits of BNG

The government expects numerous benefits to arise as a result of BNG policy. These benefits include the creation of wildlife habitats, combating climate change through carbon capture, reducing the risk of flooding, and improving air and water quality. Apart from environmental benefits, BNG also creates social and economic benefits. Implementing BNG could generate job opportunities for local communities during construction and maintenance stages. The policy can also build long-term public support for development, increase investment, and provide long term financial benefits.

3. How to Implement BNG

Implementing BNG requires a crucial appreciation of biodiversity conservation and an awareness of how development affects the wider natural landscape. The first step is to conduct a baseline biodiversity survey and identify the habitats and species you are likely to encounter. Once you've established your baseline, you can set your BNG targets, whether that’s the mandatory 10% percentage or higher or in terms of providing suitable habitat for a particular species or selection of species – or both. After this, select the most appropriate ways of achieving your targets from a wide range of activities, including planting new hedgerows, creating wildlife corridors, or improving the condition of degraded habitats. Finally, and a key component of the process, is to manage and monitor the site over a 30-year period to ensure the project objectives are being met.

4. Challenges of Implementing BNG

While the benefits of BNG are clear, the practical implementation of the policy is not without challenges. One of the most significant challenges is integrating biodiversity requirements within the planning process and achieving a balance between economic and environmental objectives. While it is true that BNG can create job opportunities and generate financial benefits, implementing the policy also comes at a cost to developers, especially given the 30-year timescales involved in the management agreement.

5. Conclusion

In light of the BNG policy, it is crucial that consultants and clients start giving serious consideration to the impact their projects will have on biodiversity. Addressing biodiversity issues at an early stage can crucially bring about cost savings and other benefits to the development. BNG not only benefits the environment but also increases long-term public support for developments and creates job opportunities. The challenges of implementing BNG cannot be understated, and integrating this policy can be costly and complex. However, with the right team and understanding, consultants and clients can successfully implement BNG into their projects and reap the benefits of a healthier natural environment.

If you would like to know more detail about Biodiversity Net Gain and understand how it can be implemented then please get in touch with Simon Richards or with our director of Ecology, Val Gateley.