BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN
From February 2024, most new developments in England are legally required to deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) under the Environment Act 2021. This means that, after development, sites must leave biodiversity in a better state than before.
BNG is now a core part of the planning system, and developers must:
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Assess the baseline biodiversity value of a site before development.
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Prepare a BNG plan showing how a minimum of 10% net gain will be achieved.
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Deliver habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement on-site, off-site, or through statutory biodiversity credits.
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Secure biodiversity improvements for a minimum of 30 years.
Local Planning Authorities will not validate planning applications without a compliant BNG plan where the legislation applies.
THE SUPPORT WE OFFER
As Chartered Landscape Architects (CMLI), we provide specialist support to help clients meet these requirements in a practical and cost-effective way. Our services include:
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Baseline Site Appraisal – assessing existing habitats and landscape character.
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BNG Strategy Development – integrating habitat creation and enhancement within the site design.
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Coordination with Ecologists – ensuring accurate baseline surveys and metric calculations (using the Defra Biodiversity Metric 4.0).
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BNG Plans & Reports – preparing the documents required to support planning applications.
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Design Solutions – weaving biodiversity enhancements into high-quality, deliverable landscape designs.
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Long-Term Management Plans – ensuring created habitats are maintained and monitored to achieve targets.
We take a collaborative approach, working with clients, ecologists, and planning authorities to ensure developments achieve compliance while also creating places that are attractive, resilient, and rich in wildlife.