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:

Assess the baseline biodiversity value of a site before development.
Prepare a BNG plan showing how a minimum of 10% net gain will be achieved.
Deliver habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement on-site, off-site, or through statutory biodiversity credits.
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, we ensure Biodiversity Net Gain is accurately assessed, strategically designed, and fully embedded within the landscape proposals. Working closely with ecologists and project teams, we provide a landscape-led approach that supports ecological integrity, planning compliance, and long-term management.

Our BNG services include:

Baseline Site Appraisal
Assessing existing habitats, landscape character, and site conditions to inform the ecological baseline and guide early design decisions.
Coordination with Ecologists
Working collaboratively to ensure accurate baseline surveys and Defra Biodiversity Metric 4.0 calculations. We validate that the baseline habitat data and metric inputs are suitable, robust, and reflective of the site’s conditions.
BNG Strategy Development
Integrating habitat creation, enhancement, and compensation measures into the site layout. We ensure that suitable and appropriate habitats are selected and that BNG areas are positioned where they function ecologically and support wider design objectives.
Design Solutions
Weaving biodiversity enhancements into high-quality, deliverable landscape designs—ensuring the BNG metric aligns with the intended landscape scheme and avoids discrepancies during planning.
BNG Plans & Reports
Preparing the plans, schedules, and written reports required for planning submissions, including the BNG plan, habitat plans, landscape proposals, and supporting justification.
Coordination of Long-Term Management Requirements
Ensuring the Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP) and Landscape Management Plan (LMP) are aligned, coherent, and deliverable. We ensure that long-term stewardship requirements meet County Council standards and liaise with county ecologists and officers throughout the process.