Our services
Biodiversity Net Gain
Habitat surveys and support for landowners and developers.
What is BNG?
Leaving nature better off
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that leaves nature in a better state than before. Since 2024, most new developments in England have had to deliver at least a 10% gain in biodiversity under the Environment Act 2021.
Biodiversity is measured in “units” using the government’s statutory biodiversity metric, which takes account of the type of habitat, its size, its condition and where it is. Developers can create or improve habitat on their own site, or buy units from habitat created or enhanced elsewhere.
This creates an opportunity for landowners. By creating or improving habitats such as woodland, hedgerows, grassland or wetland, you may be able to sell biodiversity units to developers. Off-site gains must be registered with Natural England and secured for at least 30 years through a legal agreement.
How we can help
Our BNG services
Baseline surveys
Every BNG project starts by recording what is there now. Julia Quinonez, our qualified ecologist, will survey your land and map its existing habitats, using the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab).
This baseline is what any gain is measured against, so getting it right is essential.
Habitat condition assessments
Alongside the baseline survey, we assess the condition of each habitat against the criteria in the statutory biodiversity metric. Condition makes a big difference to how many biodiversity units a habitat is worth.
We will also point out where habitats could be enhanced, and what new habitats might suit your land.
Help with registration
If you plan to offer off-site biodiversity units, your land needs to be added to the biodiversity gain sites register, run by Natural England.
We may be able to help you pull together the survey information, maps and supporting evidence you need for your registration. Get in touch to talk through what’s involved.
Fees
Our BNG services are charged for. The cost depends on the size of your site and the work needed, so get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.