Bee on cow parsley, Sunnybank NR, Sheffield City Centre - Paul Hobson
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a planning approach to new development that aims to leave nature in a measurably better state than it was found, resulting in a net gain for biodiversity.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts’ approach to BNG is characterised by seeking the best, additional gains for nature, participation of local communities, and desirable developments to live and work.
Contact us now about BNG - info@ywt.org.uk
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that seeks to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before the development occurred. It aims to deliver improvements through habitat enhancement or creation after firstly avoiding and then mitigating harm. BNG therefore offers significant potential to create or enhance habitat, expand nature reserves, improve connectivity of existing habitats, restore ecosystems at scale, and contribute to the Nature Recovery Network.
The Environment Act 2021 sets out that the majority of developments will be legally required to demonstrate a minimum net gain of 10% and secure those gains for a minimum of 30 years, though there is no legal obligation beyond the 30 years. This mandatory BNG came into effect for all major planning applications under the Town and Country Planning Act on 12th February 2024, and for ‘Small Sites’ on 2nd April 2024. It is anticipated that mandatory BNG will also be applied to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in May 2026.
To provide a true gain for nature, BNG should be used to either enhance, restore or create new habitat on low value biodiversity sites identified for nature’s recovery. BNG should not be used to fund ongoing restoration or management for high nature value sites such as established and well managed nature reserves, Local Wildlife Sites and other land that supports existing good quality habitat, except in certain extenuating circumstances.
In practice, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will assess each BNG opportunity on its individual merits, only engaging where the following principles are adhered to, and only where appropriate regulations and best practice have been (or will be) followed.
BNG Principles
- The mitigation hierarchy and Biodiversity Gain hierarchy must be fully and sequentially followed before BNG can be applied.
- BNG must not be applied to mitigate for damage / loss of Irreplaceable Habitats (IHs).
- BNG must be additional.
- On YWT-owned land, BNG must be protected in perpetuity.
- BNG must ensure like-for-like or better habitat enhancement or creation in line with the metric trading rules.
- BNG must be properly monitored and informed.
- Local authorities and developers should be encouraged where possible to go beyond 10% BNG and strive for 20%.
- BNG should be strategically targeted to contribute to nature’s recovery, as close to the area of impact where possible ensuring the right habitat is delivered in the right place in line with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy or equivalent and relevant local expertise
- BNG should be objectively assessed using the most up to date Statutory Biodiversity Metric and associated guidance to determine the pre-development and post-development biodiversity losses and gains
BNG Services with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Knowledge & land management services
BNG provides landowners the opportunity to provide an income while also supporting nature. So, if you are looking to diversify your income, get a return on less productive areas or increase the wildlife on your land then Biodiversity Net Gain could be for you.
Our experts in ecology, land management, and landscape design, provide advice tailored to local conditions. Our Biodiversity Specialists can guide you through the full BNG process, and offer the following services:
- UKHab and BNG Condition Assessment Surveys
- River Condition Assessment Surveys
- Statutory Biodiversity Metrics
- BNG Assessment Reports
- Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP)
- Delivery of BNG habitat restoration
- Ongoing management of BNG habitat restoration
Contact us now about BNG - info@ywt.org.uk
People in an urban park © Shutterstock / Wei Huang
Respond to the BNG Consultation
New proposals from the UK Government would exempt the vast majority of new developments from Biodiversity Net Gain.
That’s bad for wildlife, and also bad for people. BNG has the capacity to create flourishing nature-rich places to live and work.
A public consultation has been launched to gather people’s views about these changes. We’ve made it as simple as possible for you to respond to the consultation and speak up for nature.