The UK is pioneering the enforcement of biodiversity gain to make up for our global biodiversity crisis, jeopardising the wellbeing of our species and the quality of human life.
Since 12th February 2024, the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy is officialized and now mandatory for all major developments, with small sites closely following their inclusion under the policy from April 2024.
Developers must fulfil mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, making a condition measurement of their development site’s biodiversity pre-development. Then, using the statutory biodiversity metric 4.0 formulated by Natural England and Defra they must calculate the biodiversity value that will be lost during development.
The biodiversity net gain assessment concludes if they can do on-site BNG, or have to look off-site, and source qualified biodiversity units using sources like our leading BNG Unit Marketplace. Developers will not receive planning permission unless their planning application meticulously outlines how 10% will be met over a 30 year period.
Professionals across sectors must be well-informed, with the policy quickly reconfiguring entire industries to fit the new mandated environmental requirements.
Detailed guidance has been phased out to the public, involving iterations and expert or user feedback, since November 2023. BNG mandates that all biodiversity lost in developments now must be made up for and overcompensated across 30 years, producing a gain in Britain’s net biodiversity to the degree of 10%.
In this article, we link you to specific advice, and inform how one can train for BNG with events, resources and articles.
Educating Yourself on Biodiversity Net Gain
Whether land-owners interested in BNG, developers, planning authorities, or larger organisations investing in natural capital, staying updated on new environmental legislation is challenging. The policy has been cautiously carved and shaped over an extended period, with frequent updates and revisions to guidelines.
This dynamism requires adaptive learning from those affected by BNG, with no concrete steps provided as ways to plan for the new law.
Biodiversity encompasses every living entity from invisible microscopic algae to the 100-feet wide Antarctic blue whale, all vital roles to the health of our ecosystem. Relentless urbanisation will unequivocally lead to biodiversity loss, with post-development sites showcasing mass habitat loss and degradation.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) follows the mitigation hierarchy principle. This structure is followed to enhance biodiversity in the most optimal way.
- Firstly, developers must attempt to prevent biodiversity loss, looking into a variety of methods and changes to their builds, such as sizing, location, material or adding green infrastructure.
- If unavoidable, they must compensate by creating or enhancing habitats on-site. Restoring damaged local habitats is more valuable than restoring external habitats in different nature contexts.
- If on-site BNG cannot be achieved, such as due to space constraints, off-site BNG must then be explored. The spatial risk multiplier ensures that the land chosen for the biodiversity gain is as close to the original site as possible.
- In the rare case that off-site BNG is impossible, in areas where BNG sites are less probable like urban areas, developers must finally use biodiversity credits. These are purchased directly from the government and are overly expensive as to be avoided where possible.
Resources
It’s important to find reliable sources of information and these are the best resources for learning about Biodiversity Net Gain:
Gov.uk – Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain
Defra’s article on BNG offers guidance on what BNG is and how it affects land managers, developers, and LPAs in England.
It explains the mandatory nature of BNG, methods to measure biodiversity through standardised the measurement of biodiversity unit, and the requirements for developers, land managers, and local planning authorities to comply with BNG regulations.
It highlights developers have several options to achieve BNG: enhancing biodiversity on-site, achieving BNG off-site, or as a last resort, buying statutory biodiversity credits. Regardless of the method, a 30-year maintenance of this gain is required.
Local.gov.uk – Biodiversity Net Gain for Local Authorities
https://www.local.gov.uk/pas/environment/biodiversity-net-gain-local-authorities
The website provides resources and guidance to support local authorities in implementing mandatory biodiversity net gain. It covers the importance of BNG, includes tools and provides training to help LPAs prepare for and deliver on these requirements.
This includes practical advice, case studies, policy frameworks, and links to additional resources and training. The content is aimed at equipping local authorities with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage and improve biodiversity within their jurisdictions, in line with the requirements of the Environment Act 2021.
It explains that from April 2024, developers of small sites in England will be required to provide BNG, ensuring even minor developments contribute to biodiversity enhancement. The complexity of BNG planning for small sites varies based on the project’s size and scope, and may involve simpler assessment tools or methods.
Local.gov.uk – Biodiversity Net Gain FAQs
This page offers answers to frequently asked questions about biodiversity net gain (BNG), particularly for local authority officers and members.
Key topics covered include the fundamental aspects of BNG, its mandatory nature under the environment bill, and its application to different types of development projects. The FAQ also delves into the methods of achieving BNG, including on-site and off-site measures, and the use of statutory biodiversity credits. The significance of the Biodiversity Metric 4.0 in calculating BNG, the preparation of a biodiversity gain plan, and the national biodiversity credits scheme are also discussed.
Further, it addresses the treatment of irreplaceable habitats within the BNG framework and the application of BNG in different regions of Britain. It explores the nuances of applying BNG in marine areas, particularly in relation to offshore wind farm developments. Additionally, the resource allocation and skills/expertise needed for implementing BNG, particularly in local planning authorities, are discussed.
Local authorities are encouraged to start planning for BNG now, ahead of its mandatory implementation. The FAQs also emphasise the relevance of BNG in various local agendas such as climate emergency response, place-making, and public health.
Natural England
This page outlines the necessity of BNG in addressing climate and ecological crises, and how it ensures developments contribute positively to nature.
The text covers various aspects of BNG, including its measurement, delivery mechanisms, and benefits to nature, people, economy, and climate change mitigation. It also discusses the roles of different stakeholders in implementing BNG and the strategic importance of habitat value, creation and enhancement.
It highlights that BNG works alongside existing habitat and species richness, protected species, relative abundance and adhering to the mitigation hierarchy. It offers several benefits, including improved ecological connectivity for wildlife, enhanced green spaces for human well-being, contributions to climate change mitigation, and economic growth through green jobs and sustainable development.
The process of delivering BNG involves various mechanisms, including on-site and off-site habitat creation/enhancement and the use of statutory biodiversity credits.
BNG Training Courses
For professionals seeking comprehensive training on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), several courses offer valuable insights and practical skills.
- The UK Habitat Banking website provides detailed training options in habitat banking and BNG implementation – https://ukhab.org/training/
- The Field Studies Council offers courses tailored to enhancing biodiversity through informed net gain strategies. – https://www.field-studies-council.org/biodiversity-net-gain-training/
- Additionally, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (cieem.net) hosts a range of BNG training courses, catering to various aspects of ecological and environmental management – https://cieem.net/i-am/upcoming-training-and-events/bng-training-courses/
Events
The Local Government Association’s Planning Advisory Service (PAS) offers a range of events focused on how to deliver net gain, specifically for local authorities:
These events, detailed on their website, are designed to help local authorities understand and implement BNG effectively.
They are crucial for local government officers and members involved in planning and environmental management. The site serves as a comprehensive resource for staying updated on upcoming events and accessing past event materials.