Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has quickly become one of the most discussed topics in planning and development across England. With new BNG legislation, updated guidance, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ranging from small sites to credits and exemptions, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s required. This page brings together the most common BNG FAQs in one place, explained in clear and practical terms. Whether you are a developer, landowner, consultant, or simply interested in how BNG supports sustainable development and environmental sustainability, you’ll find straightforward answers and useful examples here.
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What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a requirement in England’s land use planning system that new developments leave flora and fauna in a measurably better state than before. In practical terms, a project must enhance biodiversity by at least 10% compared to the pre-development baseline. This concept builds on earlier biodiversity offsetting approaches but goes further by mandating a net positive outcome for nature. BNG is about creating or restoring habitats so that environmental sustainability is integrated into sustainable development developments must not only compensate for their impacts on wildlife habitat but actually improve ecosystem services and overall biodiversity value.
Importance of BNG for Sustainable Development
BNG has become a cornerstone of environmentally responsible development in the UK. It aligns projects with conservation goals, ensuring that economic growth is achieved without permanently harming wildlife. By delivering net gains for nature, developers can reduce the ecological footprint of construction and contribute to ecosystem resilience. For example, planting new woodlands or restoring wetlands as part of BNG can provide benefits like carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and improved air and water quality. Ultimately, BNG supports both wildlife protection and community well-being, making our towns and cities greener and more livable.
Understanding the Legal Framework
BNG is now embedded in law through recent legislation and policy. The Environment Act 2021 introduced a statutory requirement for biodiversity net gain in England. This amended the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to include the “biodiversity gain condition” on most new planning permissions. In effect, any development approved after the mandated start dates must meet the 10% net gain objective (subject to certain biodiversity net gain exemptions discussed later). The legal framework is supported by detailed BNG regulations and guidance published by the government in 2023–2024, which clarify how the rules work in practice.
Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Biodiversity net gain is now a key consideration in the planning process. For larger projects requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment, the BNG requirement must be addressed in planning documents alongside other environmental matters. Every planning application in England must include information about how it will achieve net gain, usually through a submitted Biodiversity Gain Plan. This plan details the pre-development habitats, proposed enhancements, and calculations showing the net biodiversity increase. Planning authorities assess this plan when determining the application. Importantly, BNG does not replace existing wildlife protections developers still need to follow laws on protected species and habitats, in addition to delivering net gain as an extra requirement.
Measuring Biodiversity Net Gain
Accurately measuring biodiversity is central to demonstrating compliance with biodiversity net gain regulations. Developers must provide robust evidence that their proposals will deliver at least a 10% uplift in biodiversity value. This is done using standardised tools that convert habitat data into measurable outcomes. The process ensures transparency, consistency across projects, and confidence for both planning authorities and communities that genuine environmental improvements will be achieved.
Biodiversity Metric and BNG Calculator
To measure baseline biodiversity and proposed gains, developers use a standard tool known as the Biodiversity Metric. Natural England provides this official BNG calculator (currently Biodiversity Metric 4.0) along with a comprehensive BNG user guide. The metric translates habitat features into numeric “biodiversity units” based on factors like habitat type, size, condition, and location. By inputting data on existing and proposed habitats, the calculator determines whether a project will achieve a net gain (at least +10% units) or if additional measures are needed. For small projects, a simplified Small Sites Metric is available (since April 2024) to make calculations easier it uses reasonable assumptions so that even without an ecologist, a small developer can estimate net gain. These tools ensure a consistent, evidence-based approach to evaluating changes in natural capital resulting from development.
Calculating Offsets and Credits
If a development cannot achieve the required net gain entirely on-site, the framework allows off-site compensation and biodiversity credits. Developers should follow the mitigation hierarchy: avoid or minimize damage to on-site habitats first, then compensate for any losses. Habitat creation and restoration off-site might involve partnering with landowners or conservation organisations to deliver enhancements on other land (often called biodiversity offsetting when done to counteract development impacts).
All off-site gains must be registered and secured for the long term (usually with legal agreements for at least 30 years). If on-site and off-site measures still fall short, developers can purchase biodiversity credits from the government as a last resort to meet the 10% requirement. These credits fund strategic habitat projects elsewhere. By law, credits should only be used after exploring on-site and off-site options. This system ensures that even when development impacts can’t be fully addressed on-site, developers contribute to habitat improvements elsewhere, helping maintain an overall ecological balance.
Strategies for Implementing BNG
Delivering biodiversity net gain in practice requires more than meeting a numerical target it calls for well-planned actions that genuinely improve habitats and support long-term ecosystem resilience. There are a variety of approaches available, from enhancing existing green spaces to creating entirely new habitats, and the right mix will depend on the site, its surroundings, and local conservation priorities. These strategies ensure that developments contribute positively to nature, while also providing wider benefits such as ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and community wellbeing.
Habitat Creation and Restoration
Implementing BNG means integrating habitat enhancements into project design. Common strategies include habitat restoration (improving the quality of existing habitats) and habitat creation (establishing new habitats where none existed). For instance, a housing development might restore a species-poor field into a wildflower meadow or create new ponds and wetlands to support amphibians and birds. Hedgerows and woodlands can be planted to provide food and shelter for wildlife. The aim is to replace what is lost with something equal or better for biodiversity. Importantly, the created or enhanced habitats should be ecologically appropriate ideally benefiting similar species conservation targets as those affected by the development. With good planning and ecological design, net gain measures can genuinely add value for nature rather than just ticking a box.
Green Infrastructure and Urban Biodiversity
BNG is not only for rural greenfield sites it can also be achieved in urban and brownfield developments by investing in green infrastructure. This includes features like green roofs and living walls, pocket parks, rain gardens, and other measures that enhance urban biodiversity. Such features provide habitat for birds, bats, and pollinators even in built-up areas, while also offering human benefits (e.g. urban cooling, drainage). Developers are encouraged to think creatively: for example, an office block might include a rooftop wildflower garden, or a new housing estate might incorporate wild plantings in open spaces and sustainable drainage ponds that double as wildlife ponds. These actions help meet BNG requirements and deliver broader community benefits. By treating nature as an asset in design, developers incorporate natural capital into development adding long-term value and resilience to their projects.
Roles of Stakeholders in BNG
Achieving biodiversity net gain involves multiple stakeholders working together:
Developers and Land Use Planning
Developers have the primary responsibility to deliver BNG as part of their projects. This requires early consideration during land use planning and design. Often, developers engage ecological consultants to survey the site and identify opportunities for net gain. By planning BNG measures from the start, developers can align with local conservation strategies and avoid costly changes later. Committing to net gain can also support a developer’s sustainability credentials. From a planning perspective, a robust BNG proposal can make a planning application more compelling, as it shows the development will have positive environmental impacts.
Local Authorities and Wildlife Protection
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) play a critical role in enforcing BNG. Planning officers review the Biodiversity Gain Plan submitted with an application and ensure the net gain target is being met. They attach conditions or legal agreements (like Section 106 agreements or conservation covenants) to planning permissions to secure the delivery and maintenance of the net gain habitats. LPAs are also responsible for biodiversity monitoring and enforcement checking that developers actually implement the promised measures and manage them for 30 years. Many councils are linking BNG with their wildlife protection duties and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, identifying where off-site contributions should go to best improve ecological networks. Resourcing and expertise at councils can be a challenge, but provisions like monitoring fees and government support are helping local authorities gear up for BNG oversight.
Community Involvement and Conservation Groups
Communities and environmental groups have an interest in how BNG is delivered locally. Early engagement can identify local priorities, for example, residents might value a nearby woodland or wetland that could be expanded or improved. Sometimes, conservation charities or local groups act as partners, providing land for off-site habitat creation (forming “habitat banks”) or helping manage new community green spaces. BNG projects that involve the community can achieve greater buy-in and long-term care. On a wider scale, BNG contributes to regional and national conservation goals (like creating habitat corridors or supporting ecosystem services such as pollination and flood control), which benefits everyone. By ensuring net gains are not just done in isolation but contribute to bigger conservation initiatives, stakeholders can maximise the positive impact of the BNG policy.
Monitoring and Reporting Progress
Delivering biodiversity net gain isn’t a one-off task it requires long-term commitment to manage and monitor the new or enhanced habitats.
Long-Term Biodiversity Monitoring
Under BNG rules, created or improved habitats must be maintained for at least 30 years after development. A Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan is typically prepared, outlining how each habitat will be looked after (e.g. specific mowing or grazing regimes, invasive species control) and how progress will be tracked. Developers (or the land managers they appoint) need to conduct periodic surveys to ensure the habitat is on track to reach its target condition. For example, if a wildflower meadow was created, surveys might check species diversity each summer. The local authority may require periodic monitoring reports to be submitted. They can also charge a fee via a planning obligation to cover their own costs of monitoring compliance. By actively monitoring, any issues (like poor habitat establishment or damage) can be identified and remedied to keep the net gain on course.
Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital
While the formal obligation is about biodiversity value, many stakeholders are also interested in the broader benefits these new habitats provide. Restored ecosystems can improve local ecosystem services for instance, new woodlands sequester carbon and provide recreation space, wetlands filter water and reduce flooding, etc. In effect, BNG investments boost our natural capital by increasing the quantity and quality of natural habitats. Some developers might voluntarily measure or showcase these benefits as part of corporate social responsibility reporting. However, the priority in BNG monitoring remains on ecological indicators (habitat condition, species presence), to ensure the core goal improving biodiversity is achieved. If those ecological goals are met, the associated benefits to people and climate will naturally follow.
Challenges and Considerations
Implementing biodiversity net gain comes with challenges and important considerations:
Addressing Limitations and Irreplaceable Habitats
Not all biodiversity impacts can be easily offset. If a project affects an irreplaceable habitat (such as ancient woodland or a rare ecosystem), it’s generally excluded from the net gain metrics developers are expected to avoid such impacts entirely or provide bespoke compensation. Even for replaceable habitats, there’s often a time lag before new habitats reach the quality of those lost. This means there’s a period where the ecological balance is actually negative before the gains mature. Developers and planners must consider these factors. BNG should encourage reducing damage in the first place (avoidance) because simply relying on new habitat creation has its limits. It’s also crucial to pick suitable receptor sites for off-site habitat ideally in the same local area and contributing to larger conservation goals rather than just any plot of land.
Ensuring Long-Term Success
Another consideration is ensuring the ecosystem resilience of net gain sites. Over a 30-year management period, circumstances can change climate change, funding availability, or land ownership could impact the habitat outcomes. To mitigate this, BNG plans often include risk buffers in the metric (extra habitat creation to account for uncertainties) and legally binding management agreements. Adaptive management is key: if monitoring finds that a habitat is not developing as expected (say, a tree planting area has low survival), there should be provisions to replant or adjust methods.
Clear BNG guidance (from government and professional bodies) is continuously being developed to share best practices on these issues. As BNG rolls out, the industry is learning and refining the approach for example, through updated metric tools and FAQ documents (the UK published BNG FAQs in 2020 and 2021 as the policy evolved, and continues to update guidance). Overall, while challenges exist, the commitment to net gain represents a significant positive shift in how we balance development and nature.
Our Biodiversity Net Gain Services & Process
Achieving a successful biodiversity net gain outcome can be complex. Our team of experienced ecologists and planners offers end-to-end support to guide you through the BNG process:
- Initial Site Assessment: We conduct thorough ecological surveys and baseline biodiversity unit calculations using the official metric. This identifies existing habitats, constraints, and opportunities early.
- BNG Planning & Design: Next, we develop a Biodiversity Gain Plan tailored to your project. This includes designing habitat creation or enhancement proposals (on-site and/or off-site) that will deliver the required net gain. We consider creative habitat creation solutions and green infrastructure features to maximise benefits for nature and for your development.
- Navigating Legislation: Our experts ensure your plan complies with all relevant BNG legislation, planning policies, and local conservation objectives. We handle the paperwork and evidence needed for your planning application including metric calculations, maps, and justifications so that regulators clearly see your net gain commitment.
- Implementation Support: Once your project is on site, we provide guidance to implement BNG measures correctly. This can involve briefing your contractors on protecting retained trees and habitats, supervising the installation of new planting or wildlife features, and troubleshooting any issues during construction that might affect biodiversity.
- Monitoring & Aftercare: BNG isn’t over when construction ends and neither is our support. We set up long-term biodiversity monitoring schedules and management plans for your new habitats. Our team can conduct monitoring visits, prepare reports for the council, and advise on any adaptive management needed to ensure the habitats thrive over the decades.
By following this comprehensive process, we make it easier for you to deliver biodiversity net gain confidently and efficiently, turning a regulatory requirement into an opportunity for added value.
Benefits of BNG – Why Choose Us?
Implementing biodiversity net gain (BNG) offers multiple advantages for both developers and the environment. Choosing the right partner ensures these benefits are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Smoother Planning Approval: A well-prepared BNG proposal reassures planning authorities and local communities. With our expertise, your application clearly demonstrates compliance with BNG legislation and tangible environmental benefits, helping secure approval more smoothly.
Up-to-Date Expertise: BNG policy and guidance are evolving rapidly. We stay fully updated on the latest DEFRA metric releases, changes in biodiversity net gain regulations, and professional best practice. Our team has studied all official resources, including past BNG FAQs PDFs, so you receive accurate, current advice at every stage.
Cost-Effective Compliance: Achieving BNG is about balancing ecological requirements with project budgets. We maximise on-site gains and design efficiency to reduce reliance on costly off-site units or credits. Early involvement of our consultants helps avoid delays and expensive redesigns, ensuring a smoother path to compliance.
Enhanced Project Value: BNG measures can significantly improve a development’s appeal. Attractive landscaping, thriving habitats, and accessible green spaces enhance property values, wellbeing, and community satisfaction. Features such as wildflower meadows, new woodlands, or green roofs also contribute to environmental sustainability, providing benefits like cooling, drainage, and carbon capture.
Reliable Long-Term Support: Our role extends beyond planning submission. We are committed to supporting the delivery, monitoring, and long-term management of BNG habitats. With decades-long obligations in place, clients rely on us for consistent advice and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.
In short, we combine technical expertise, practical solutions, and passion for nature to make your BNG journey smooth, cost-effective, and genuinely beneficial for people and wildlife.
Conclusion
Biodiversity Net Gain is reshaping how development is done in England ensuring that flora and fauna are better off after a project than before. This guide has covered the key points and common BNG FAQs, from legal requirements and tools to implementation strategies and long-term management. The future of BNG looks positive: as more projects adopt it, we’ll see cumulative improvements in our habitat restoration efforts nationwide. By embracing BNG, developers can turn environmental obligations into opportunities creating places that people and wildlife can thrive together.
For further details, be sure to review the latest biodiversity net gain guidance on GOV.UK and any updates to the regulations. Numerous resources are available to deepen your understanding including the Biodiversity Net Gain FAQs 2020, the Biodiversity Net Gain FAQs 2021 PDF, and the wider set of official BNG user guides. Together, these documents provide consistent, practical reference points for developers, planners, and consultants navigating the requirements of BNG legislation.
If you have additional questions, check out the FAQs below or contact our team for personalised advice on achieving net gain for your project.
In the past year, we’ve delivered over 750 audit-ready reports supporting 400+ projects for developers, planners, and architects nationwide. We put quality over quantity and build lasting relationships based on trust, ensuring your planning applications are backed by robust evidence and delivered on time.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment
What is biodiversity net gain in simple terms?
Biodiversity net gain means leaving the natural environment in a better state than it was before development. In practice, it requires a developer to assess the site’s flora and fauna before any work, then create or improve habitats so that the total biodiversity “units” after the project are at least 10% higher than the baseline. This net improvement can be delivered on the same site or via off-site habitat enhancements (or as a last resort by buying credits). The goal is that each development contributes positively to nature instead of only causing losses.
When did biodiversity net gain become mandatory?
In England, mandatory BNG started recently. For major developments (e.g. larger housing or commercial projects), it became a requirement for any planning applications submitted from 12 February 2024 onward. For small sites (projects below defined size thresholds, like 9 or fewer homes), it applied from 2 April 2024. These dates were set by the government to phase in the policy. (Nationally significant infrastructure projects will follow later, expected by 2025.) Essentially, if you’re applying for permission now, you’ll likely need to include a net gain plan unless your project fits an exemption.
What developments are exempt from BNG requirements?
The law provides several biodiversity net gain exemptions for specific scenarios. The main ones are:
- Existing/older applications: Developments with planning applications submitted before BNG became mandatory (before the 2024 start dates) don’t have to retroactively comply.
- Householder projects: Home extensions and similar small-scale householder works are exempt.
- Very small impacts (de minimis): If a project affects only a tiny area of habitat (under 25 m² or 5 m of hedgerow) and no priority habitats, it’s exempt.
- Self-build houses: Small self-build or custom-build developments (up to 9 homes on under 0.5 ha) can claim an exemption.
- Biodiversity gain sites: Projects done mainly to create habitat (for banking or offsetting purposes) are exempt by definition.
- Certain infrastructure: Works related to the high-speed rail network, and any development granted by specific development orders (including some permitted development rights), are exempt.
- Urgent Crown development: Urgent works by the Crown that are fast-tracked under special rules don’t require net gain.
- Retrospective permissions: If you are seeking permission after the fact for something already built, those applications are generally exempt from BNG.
These biodiversity net gain exemptions ensure that minor or unique cases aren’t unduly burdened by the rules. Always check current guidance to confirm if an exemption applies.
Are retrospective planning applications exempt from biodiversity net gain?
Yes. Retrospective applications (where development has been carried out and permission is sought afterwards) are typically exempt from BNG requirements. The logic is that once a site is already developed, it’s not practical to enforce the net gain condition in the usual way. Instead, planners will focus on other mitigation or any remaining opportunities for enhancement. It’s worth noting that this exemption doesn’t give a green light to damage biodiversity and ask later any significant impacts done without prior permission could still face other consequences. But strictly in terms of the net gain mandate, retrospectives are not required to achieve 10% net gain.
How do you calculate biodiversity net gain for a project?
Calculating BNG involves using the biodiversity metric tool. First, an ecologist surveys the site to establish the baseline: documenting habitat types, areas, and condition. Each habitat is scored into “biodiversity units” using the metric. Then, the proposed development layout is mapped out, including any new green spaces or habitat improvements planned. The metric is used again to calculate the post-development units (taking into account new habitats, habitat losses, and enhancements). The formula will show the percentage change. A project achieves net gain if the post-development units are at least 10% higher than the baseline units. If not, the plans may need more habitat creation either on-site or off-site. Essentially, it’s a before-and-after biodiversity accounting, quantified by the metric calculator. For small projects, one can use the Small Sites Metric, which simplifies this process. It’s important to follow the official BNG user guide so that calculations meet the required standards.
What is the “biodiversity metric” or BNG calculator tool?
It’s a standardised calculation tool (often a spreadsheet provided by DEFRA/Natural England) used to measure biodiversity in units. The biodiversity metric takes into account habitat type, size, condition, and other factors to assign value. For example, a hectare of meadow in good condition is worth more units than a hectare of improved grassland in poor condition. The tool has separate modules for area habitats, linear features like hedges, and watercourses. Planners and ecologists input the data, and the metric outputs the number of biodiversity units before and after development.
The difference (with the +10% rule applied) tells you if you’ve met the net gain target. The metric and its guidance (like the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 User Guide released in 2021 and updated in 2024) ensure everyone is using the same yardstick to evaluate biodiversity changes. The BNG calculator is essentially the practical way to demonstrate compliance to a planning authority.
What are biodiversity credits and when would I need them?
Biodiversity credits are a scheme to help developers meet net gain when on-site or local off-site measures can’t fully deliver the 10% improvement. They are basically units of biodiversity value that you can buy from the government. The idea is that if you cannot create enough habitat yourself, you pay into a pot and that money funds habitat creation elsewhere (the government guarantees those gains will happen, effectively “offsetting” your shortfall). You would consider credits if, after exhausting on-site options and searching for off-site habitat providers, you still fall short of the net gain target.
Credits are intended as a last resort and are priced to be relatively costly, to encourage using real habitat projects first. By purchasing, say, 5 biodiversity units worth of credits, you fulfil your obligation without directly doing the work yourself the responsibility shifts to the government’s conservation programs. Not all projects will need this; many can achieve net gain through a combination of on-site and off-site habitat. But it’s a useful fallback, especially in highly urban projects where finding space for nature is tough.
Does biodiversity net gain apply to small sites and minor projects?
Yes, as of 2 April 2024, small sites are included, though with some simplifications. A “small site” (as defined for BNG purposes) is generally a residential development of 1–9 homes on less than 1 hectare, or other development under 0.5 hectares. These smaller projects must achieve the 10% net gain, but they can use the Small Sites Metric which is more straightforward and doesn’t always require specialist input. Also, small sites had a later start date specifically to give builders and planning authorities extra time to adjust.
Very minor works might fall under the de minimis exemption (for example, building a garden shed that only removes a few square metres of lawn wouldn’t trigger net gain). But in general, if you need full planning permission for your small development, you should assume BNG applies. The process is meant to be proportionate – the net gain activities for a two-house project will be much simpler than for a 200-house project, but the principle remains that some positive habitat step should be taken.
Can you give examples of biodiversity net gain enhancements?
Certainly. Some examples:
- Wildflower meadow creation: If a development takes away an area of species-poor grass, creating a new wildflower meadow (either on-site in open space or off-site on a nearby plot) increases plant and insect diversity.
- Tree planting and woodland: Converting part of a site into native woodland or even just planting new groups of trees can provide habitat for birds and capture carbon.
- Hedgerows: Adding native hedgerows along field edges or development boundaries boosts connectivity for wildlife (and counts as linear habitat in the metric, which can help if hedges were removed).
- Ponds and wetlands: Digging new ponds, marshy areas, or attenuation basins that double as wildlife ponds is great for amphibians, dragonflies, and wetland plants.
- Enhancing existing habitat: Sometimes you can improve what’s left on site – e.g. diversify a monoculture grass area by sowing wildflower seed, or manage a scrub area to encourage a mix of habitats. This lifts the condition score in the metric.
- Urban features: Even in a city setting, things like green roofs, living walls, planter boxes with native flowers, bat boxes, bird nesting bricks, etc., count as enhancements. They may be small individually, but collectively they contribute to urban ecology and can be part of a net gain plan.
Each site will have different opportunities, but these examples show that net gain can be achieved through various creative measures, from traditional conservation work to modern urban design tweaks.
Where can I find official guidance or resources on BNG and FAQs?
The best source is the GOV.UK website, specifically the planning practice guidance on biodiversity net gain, which explains the requirements in detail. It also links to the BNG regulations, the Environment Act 2021 text, and technical guidance like how to calculate biodiversity value with the metric. Natural England’s website (or gov.uk pages) provides downloads for the biodiversity metric tool and the accompanying user guides.
For practical insights, the government and professional bodies have published FAQs and reports; for example, in 2021 Defra released a BNG FAQs document (PDF) addressing common questions, and CIEEM did the same for ecologists, these biodiversity net gain FAQs 2021 PDF resources are still informative. There are also webinars, case studies, and guidance notes available through planning and ecology organisations (RTPI, CIEEM, CIRIA, etc.). Keeping an eye on updates via the Planning Portal or gov.uk news will ensure you catch any new guidance as BNG policy matures.
References
- Biodiversity Net Gain FAQs. BNG FAQs.
- FAQs and key considerations | Biodiversity net gain (BNG). Reigate and Bansted Council.
- Biodiversity Net Gain – FAQ – East Devon.
- Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Ditches. JNCC.
- BNG Condition Assessment Report. Defra.
- Guidance: Statutory biodiversity credit prices.
- Guidance: Estimate the cost of statutory biodiversity credits.
- Biodiversity Net Gain Monitoring Fees. Torridge District Council.
- Biodiversity net gain legislation 2024. UK Statutory Instruments.
- Guidance: Understanding biodiversity net gain.
- Creating a habitat management and monitoring plan for BNG. Defra.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – Habitat banks, monitoring, and fees. East Devon District Council.
- Register your interest in a legal agreement to regulate an off-site biodiversity net gain site. Buckinghamshire Council.
- The Biodiversity Net Gain Statutory Instruments – explained. Defra.
- Statutory Biodiversity Metric User Guide. Defra.
- CIEEM Case Studies. CIEEM.
- Good Practice Principles for Development Case Studies. CIEEM.
- River Condition Assessment for Baseline Appraisals. Modular River Survey.
- Condition Sheet: DITCH Habitat Type. Somerset Council.
- The Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024. UK Statutory Instruments.
- Get ready for new Biodiversity Net Gain legislation. Natural England.
- Exemptions & de minimis thresholds – Householder, small self-build, and very small impacts where no priority habitat is affected. Exemptions Guidance (GOV.UK) and Defra Environment Blog.
- Statutory biodiversity metric – How units are calculated, modules, factors, and guidance on early use. Statutory Metric and User Guide (GOV.UK).
- The Biodiversity Gain Site Register Regulations 2024. UK Statutory Instruments.
- Securing off-site Biodiversity Net Gain: Expert legal perspectives. Natural England.
- Biodiversity net gain: where to start. Natural England.
- Biodiversity Net Gain Report and Audit Templates- CIEEM.
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Next Steps
Understanding biodiversity net gain (BNG) is the first stage the next is applying it to your project. Every site is different, and the right approach depends on its habitats, planning context, and long-term management opportunities. Whether you need help with BNG calculations, confirming exemptions, or designing cost-effective habitat creation and monitoring plans, getting expert advice early will save time and reduce risks.
Explore More Biodiversity Net Gain Resources
Have more questions after reading our BNG FAQs? Explore ACP’s wider Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) library for detailed guidance, templates, and examples. Begin with the Biodiversity Net Gain Overview and BNG Assessment Guide to understand how developments are measured against statutory requirements.
Learn to calculate biodiversity units using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 or Small Sites Metric (SSM), and prepare the right submission forms through our BNG Templates & Downloads, including the Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP).
For implementation and budgeting, visit our BNG Costs & Pricing and BNG Monitoring Fee Calculator. You can also see how these principles are applied in our BNG Case Studies & Portfolio and stay compliant with the BNG Legislation & Guidance introduced under the Environment Act 2021.
You can also drop us an email at hello@acp-consultants.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to help with your inquiry!
- Last Updated:
- November 2025
Disclaimer: Our content is prepared by ACP Consultants’ in-house specialists and is based on current guidance, standards, and best practice in environmental consultancy. While we make every effort to keep information accurate and up to date, it is provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice on specific projects. Planning authorities retain final decision-making powers, and requirements may vary between local authorities and over time. ACP Consultants accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this content without obtaining tailored advice for your project.