Introduction to Biodiversity Net Gain

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species, habitats and ecosystems in particular area or region.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a new approach to planning and land management that aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than before development occurred

Why is BNG Important?

The UK has witnessed significant declines in its biodiversity over the last century as a result of development deteriorating and fragmenting established ecosystems. 

In November 2021, the Environment Act laid out statutory targets for the recovery of the natural environment in four priority areas: air quality, biodiversity, water and waste, with an overarching target to halt species decline by the end of 2030.

Specifically, in response to ‘biodiversity’, the Act paved the way for a new legal requirement that all new development (unless exempt) must achieve a minimum 10% net increase in biodiversity, and where necessary be maintained for a minimum period of 30 years, so as to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before development occurred.

More information on the state of nature in the UK can be found in the annual State of Nature report.