Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – What is It?
Pip Lorimer
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – What is It?
Biodiversity Net Gain is a way of tackling the ecological decline on large infrastructure projects by leaving biodiversity in a better state than before development. Developers will now have to focus on incorporating a higher number of ecological features and natural habitats within their plans. The government recently announced that developers will require to demonstrate a 10% increase of biodiversity either on the development site or offset to nearby land.
Why is this essential? In 2019 the UK released a ‘State of Nature' report. The outcome of this showed that, since the 1970's, most species had declined and around 15% were facing extinction. This indicated that the policy of no net loss had not worked, and an alternative solution would have to be introduced. Biodiversity Net Gain has been introduced so that new development leads to more nature. This will be measured by calculating the baseline biodiversity of a site and analysing ways to increase habitat size or improving habitat quality. Defra and Natural England have partnered up to develop this updated biodiversity metric which is expected to be released within the next couple of months.
How can BNG be offset? If it isn't possible for developers to increase the biodiversity on their site, they can choose to offset onto local land. The government suggested that this will lead to ‘opportunities for farmers and landowners to be paid to take on another party's obligation to create or improve habitat'. If offsite biodiversity gain hasn't been allocated, BNG credits can be purchased. This is a credit purchased from the Secretary of State in order to reach the BNG objective imposed on a planning permission. Only a person entitled to carry out development on land will be able to purchase BNG credits.
BNG is just one of the ways the government have responded to the Dasgupta Review along with a commitment to protect 30% of UK's land and ocean by 2030 and plans to spend at over £3 billion of the UK's International Climate Finance on nature and biodiversity over five years. The UK government have also said they will soon set standards and explain all details on BNG including exemptions and transition periods. They have, however, already decided to exclude HS2 from these commitments as ‘the ancient woodlands cannot be replaced'.
BNG is a great way for developers to focus and incorporate ecological restoration within their designs. It will be interesting to see how efficiently the government roll out this scheme and the extent of the impact it can create on the UK's biodiversity. A focus on increasing biodiversity is at the core of what we do at Tomson Consulting. Biodiversity creates ecosystems that naturally supply oxygen, clean air and water, pollinate plants, control pests and treat wastewater, which is why it is vital for us as humans to acknowledge it's importance. If you would like help improving your biodiversity or would like to speak to us further about Biodiversity Net Gain, send us an email!
