Biodiversity Net Gain
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) ensures that a development has a measurably positive impact (e.g. net gain) on biodiversity compared to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ site’s existing ecological value. This involves measuring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ baseline value of habitats on a site as ‘biodiversity unitsâ€� and guaranteeing that through development Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ value of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se units will increase. Early inclusion of ecologists within a development’s design stages maximises chances of achieving BNG. However, BNG is not always possible, so in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se cases credits must be purchased from a landowner or broker that has achieved an uplift in biodiversity units to offset Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ impact of a development.
What happens during a BNG assessment?
In an effort to prioritise Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ preservation and enhancement of natural habitats, new environmental act legislation is being developed to ensure that developers demonstrate a measurable 10% increase in biodiversity, under Schedule 7A of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Environment Act 2021). The legislation surrounding BNG is currently evolving, so please get in touch to discuss your development project in detail.
For developers
Baseline Survey
The first stage of a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment usually accompanies a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. An ecologist will survey Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ site, identify all habitats, and assess each habitat’s condition, which will be given a grade of “Goodâ€�, “Moderateâ€� or “Poorâ€�. The findings are documented using UKHab Mapping and will be used to calculate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sites current biodiversity score using Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ - this metric utilises a formula comprised of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ size, location, quality and type of habitats on a site before and after development works have taken place.
Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP)
Our ecologists work closely with landowners and developers to establish habitat management and monitoring plans (HMMP) in line with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ site layout and landscaping plans and Biodiversity Metric. These plans may include enhancing existing habitats or creating new ones, e.g. planting wildflower meadows, hedges and trees.
Off-site offsetting
If it’s not possible to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain on-site through habitat creation or enhancement, off-site offsetting can be considered. Get in touch to find out more.
For landowners
Landowners can sell Biodiversity Credits through brokerages or local authorities, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ when increasing biodiversity on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir land.
Get in touch to arrange an initial baseline survey and Habitat Management and Monitoring (HMMP) plan with one of our experienced ecologists. Once Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ data from both Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ baseline survey and HMMP has been collated, our team will use Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ to calculate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ total number of credits Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ site could earn. These credits represent Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ net gain achieved on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ site's biodiversity and can be purchased by developers to offset Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir own impacts.
If preferred, The Ecology Co-op are able to assist with implementing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ HMMP on site - planting wildflower meadows, hedge laying, tree planting and more.
Get in touch
[email protected]
+44 (0) 1798 861800
Unit 4, Langham Stables
Langham Lane
Lodsworth
Petworth
GU28 9BU
Explore our oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r services
Explore our oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r services, including protected species surveys, biodiversity net gain assessments and more.