Biodiversity Net Gain Consultants | BNG Consultants
Deliver 10% biodiversity net gain with fewer planning delays by working with specialist biodiversity net gain consultants. At ACP, our experienced Biodiversity Net Gain Consultants / BNG consultants help developers, planners and architects across England meet the mandatory 10% uplift and secure long-term ecological management. From biodiversity net gain surveys and statutory metric modelling to the preparation of a biodiversity gain plan and detailed habitat management and monitoring plans (HMMPs), our ecologist BNG team provides clear, practical solutions that reduce risk and save time. Whether you are searching for biodiversity net gain consultants in London, BNG consultants near me, or simply want clarity on BNG assessment cost, we deliver fixed-fee, planning-ready services designed to keep your project on track.
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!
We follow a simple, transparent process to ensure your project runs smoothly from the very first contact to the final report. Our approach is designed to provide you with clarity at every step, so you’re fully informed and confident in moving forward.
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Step 1: Request a Quote
Fill out our quick quote form or call us, and our team will provide a free, no-obligation quote, outlining the services tailored to your needs.
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Step 2: Confirm Your Booking
Once you approve the quote, simply return the booking form. We’ll schedule your survey and ensure all the details are taken care of.
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Step 3: Receive Your Report
After your survey is completed and payment is received, we’ll promptly issue your survey report, ensuring you get the results as quickly as possible.
What to Expect from Your Biodiversity Net Gain Consultants: A Comprehensive Guide
Delivering planning-compliant biodiversity net gain requires expertise, accuracy and careful coordination. The role of biodiversity net gain consultants is to bridge the gap between ecological science and the planning process, ensuring that projects achieve measurable improvements to habitats while also meeting tight development timescales. At ACP, our team of BNG consultants provides a full range of services, from initial site surveys and metric modelling through to preparing biodiversity gain plans and long-term management documents.
BNG is no longer optional. Since 2024, most developments in England have been legally required to demonstrate at least a 10% uplift in biodiversity value, measured in habitat units. Local planning authorities will not approve a scheme without a compliant plan, and developers who delay risk spiralling costs, redesigns, or refusals. This is why early engagement with professional ecologists is essential. We help identify risks at feasibility stage, collect reliable baseline data, and test uplift scenarios so design teams know what is deliverable before they commit to costly layouts.
Our services are designed for both large and small projects. Whether you need a biodiversity net gain survey for a small residential plot, complex statutory metric modelling for a logistics hub, or a 30-year habitat management and monitoring plan for off-site land, ACP provides a structured, evidence-led service. For clients searching online for “BNG consultants near me” or “biodiversity net gain consultants London”, we combine national expertise with local knowledge of planning policy. If you are comparing BNG assessment cost or exploring whether off-site units or statutory credits are the right option, our consultants will guide you through the choices with clarity and transparency.
Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain
Definition and the 10% requirement
iodiversity net gain is a planning approach that ensures new development contributes positively to nature. Instead of simply mitigating ecological harm, developers must now achieve a measurable improvement in biodiversity value. In practice, this means delivering at least a 10% net increase in habitat units, as calculated using the statutory biodiversity metric. Importantly, these improvements must be secured and maintained for a minimum of 30 years, often through legal agreements such as Section 106 obligations or conservation covenants.
Legal framework and key dates
The legal duty for BNG is set out under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. For major planning applications, BNG became mandatory in February 2024; for small sites, it followed in April 2024. Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are scheduled to join the regime in May 2026. Local planning authorities are now required to request a Biodiversity Gain Plan after granting planning permission. They then have eight weeks to determine whether the plan is compliant. This timeline makes it vital that your submission is correct and complete the first time.
BNG also interacts with wider sustainability legislation and policy. Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) influence the “strategic significance” of habitats in the metric, while irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland are treated differently and cannot be offset using standard unit calculations. For developers, this makes the role of professional BNG consultants critical in navigating both national regulations and local planning requirements
Key Services Offered by Biodiversity Net Gain Consultants
Biodiversity Net Gain Survey
The cornerstone of any BNG project is a thorough biodiversity net gain survey. This involves a site walkover and habitat classification using the UKHab standard, alongside detailed habitat condition assessments. Data are then mapped digitally and used as inputs for the statutory biodiversity metric. Without an accurate baseline, the rest of the BNG process cannot function properly.
Our ecologists specialise in identifying habitat types, condition and distinctiveness. The survey also highlights risks, such as the presence of irreplaceable habitats or protected species, which may influence planning decisions. For example, a site containing veteran trees or priority grassland will require a different strategy to one dominated by amenity grass. Early surveys therefore provide clarity for architects and planners, reducing the risk of late-stage redesigns. Clients often find us by searching for biodiversity net gain consultants near me, and our reputation is built on the quality and reliability of these initial surveys.
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
Many developments that require BNG also need an ecological impact assessment (EcIA). This is a structured analysis of how a proposal will affect habitats, species and ecological processes. At ACP, we integrate EcIA with BNG requirements, ensuring that mitigation measures and biodiversity uplift work together rather than in isolation. By combining the two, we create a coherent planning narrative that satisfies both statutory duties and local authority expectations.
Our consultants follow established guidance, applying the mitigation hierarchy avoid, minimise, mitigate, compensate and then layering in net gain enhancements. This approach helps ensure that development not only avoids harm but also delivers measurable benefits. Working with experienced BNG consultants means your EcIA is not just a compliance document but a strategic tool that supports planning success.
Biodiversity Metric Modelling
The statutory biodiversity metric translates survey data into habitat units, allowing gains and losses to be quantified. For smaller projects, the Small Sites Metric (SSM) may be appropriate. Both tools require detailed, accurate inputs and an understanding of the rules governing trading, distinctiveness, and strategic significance.
Our consultants model multiple scenarios to test the most efficient way to achieve 10% net gain. We assess on-site options first, then explore whether off-site delivery or unit purchases may be needed. By presenting developers with different scenarios, complete with costs and risks, we ensure that design choices are made with full knowledge of their ecological implications. This proactive approach reduces surprises later in the planning process and helps keep projects on time and on budget.
Biodiversity Gain Plan
Once surveys and metric modelling are complete, the findings are compiled into a Biodiversity Gain Plan. This plan sets out the baseline, the proposed improvements, and evidence of compliance with trading rules and statutory requirements. It includes the completed metric spreadsheet, maps, and supporting documentation.
Local planning authorities are legally obliged to approve or refuse the plan within eight weeks. For developers, this makes accuracy and clarity essential. Our consultants prepare plans that are structured, evidence-based, and aligned with the authority’s expectations, reducing the risk of rejection or requests for further information.
Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP)
Where significant on-site or off-site gains are delivered, a long-term management strategy is required. A Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) sets out how habitats will be created, enhanced and monitored over the 30-year period. It details practical actions, monitoring schedules, success criteria and responsibilities.
ACP prepares HMMPs that are proportionate to the project, enforceable through legal agreements, and realistic in terms of cost and management effort. Our goal is to give developers, landowners and local authorities confidence that gains will not only be delivered but also maintained over the long term.
The Role of Defra and Government Consultations
The framework for biodiversity net gain has been shaped through a series of Defra consultations. The 2022 consultation on regulations and implementation established the principles for how BNG would apply to town and country planning. In 2023, the government issued its formal response, confirming the 10% requirement, the use of the statutory metric, and the processes for plan approval.
Since then, further consultations have refined small site rules and considered how BNG will apply to infrastructure projects. As experienced biodiversity net gain consultants, we help clients understand the implications of these government responses and position their projects accordingly. Where necessary, we also assist in drafting a clear biodiversity net gain consultation response, ensuring that developers and landowners have a voice in shaping future regulations.
Selecting the Right Consultant
Choosing the right BNG consultants can make the difference between a smooth planning process and costly delays. When searching for biodiversity net gain consultants near me, consider whether the consultancy has a track record of securing plan approvals, whether they are members of professional bodies such as CIEEM, and whether they understand both ecological science and the realities of the planning system.
At ACP, we provide senior ecologist oversight for every project, transparent pricing, and responsive communication with planning officers. Our consultants are trained in UKHab survey methods, statutory metric use, and legal agreement preparation. For local projects in London, Cheltenham, Gloucester and the wider Gloucestershire region, we bring additional knowledge of local planning policy and Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
For those considering careers in the field, ACP is also recruiting. If you are searching for BNG consultants jobs or Biodiversity Net Gain Consultants jobs, our Careers page provides details of current opportunities.
Process and Timelines
A typical BNG project follows six stages:
- Feasibility – Initial biodiversity net gain consultation and desk study, highlighting risks and opportunities.
- Baseline Survey – UKHab classification, habitat condition assessments and digital mapping.
- Metric Modelling – Scenario testing using the statutory metric or SSM, with options for design input.
- Off-site Strategy – If needed, exploring the availability of off-site units or statutory biodiversity credits.
- Biodiversity Gain Plan – Preparation, submission and liaison with the local authority during the 8-week determination.
- HMMP and Legal Agreements – Drafting management and monitoring plans, and supporting Section 106 or covenant processes.
Our consultants guide clients through each stage, providing clarity on responsibilities, costs and timescales.
Costs and BNG Assessment Options
One of the most common questions we receive is about BNG assessment cost. The cost varies depending on site size, habitat complexity, the need for protected species surveys, and whether off-site units or credits are required.
Broadly, costs cover the baseline survey, statutory metric modelling, preparation of the biodiversity gain plan, and drafting of habitat management and monitoring plans. Where off-site delivery is needed, additional costs include register fees and legal agreements. Statutory biodiversity credits are deliberately priced to be higher than market rates, encouraging on-site or off-site solutions first.
ACP provides fixed-fee quotes tailored to each project. This gives clients certainty on budget and avoids hidden costs later.
Case Studies
In London, a small residential development used the Small Sites Metric, green roofs and tree planting to deliver over 10% net gain. Early engagement with ACP allowed design adjustments to be made before submission, avoiding the need for costly off-site purchases.
In Gloucestershire, a logistics refurbishment scheme between Cheltenham and Gloucester achieved compliance by enhancing grassland strips, restoring hedgerows and installing bird nesting features. Aligning with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy increased the strategic significance of these habitats, boosting unit values and reducing the need for external credits.
These examples show how biodiversity net gain consultants can use local knowledge, metric expertise and practical design advice to deliver cost-effective outcomes.
Future Trends in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
BNG is evolving rapidly. Increasingly, it is being integrated with wider environmental sustainability practices, including carbon reduction, sustainable drainage, and health and wellbeing outcomes. Developers are recognising that nature-positive design delivers not only compliance but also marketing value and community acceptance.
At the same time, the role of ecological restoration consultants is growing. Larger habitat banks are being created by landowners to supply biodiversity units, often supported by long-term management agreements. This market will expand further as demand for off-site solutions increases.
Finally, conservation planning consultants are playing a bigger role in aligning BNG with landscape-scale strategies, ensuring that net gain contributes to meaningful nature recovery rather than isolated pockets of habitat.
Why Choose ACP?
ACP offers a complete biodiversity net gain consultancy service, covering everything from baseline surveys to long-term management. Our strengths include:
- Planning-ready deliverables that meet statutory and local authority requirements
- Up-to-date knowledge of Defra consultations and government responses
- Market-aware advice that prioritises on-site delivery, with off-site and credits as last-resort options
- National coverage with strong local expertise in London, Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Gloucester
- A growing team of experienced ecologist BNG specialists, supported by ongoing recruitment of new BNG consultants
Above all, our service is practical, responsive and transparent. We focus on giving clients clarity, reducing planning risk, and delivering measurable ecological benefits.
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.
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!
FAQs: Biodiversity Net Gain Consultants
Do small sites need BNG?
Yes. Since April 2024, small sites have also been required to deliver biodiversity net gain. A “small site” is generally defined as residential schemes of 1–9 units on sites less than one hectare, or non-residential schemes on sites smaller than 1,000 m². Many of these projects can use the Small Sites Metric (SSM), a simplified version of the statutory biodiversity metric. However, an ecologist still needs to carry out a biodiversity net gain survey and confirm eligibility. Even for small schemes, a biodiversity gain plan must be submitted and approved by the local planning authority before construction can begin.
What is included in a biodiversity net gain survey?
A biodiversity net gain survey involves a detailed walkover of the site to classify habitats using the UKHab system. Each habitat is assessed for size, distinctiveness, condition, and strategic significance. Ecologists then map the habitats digitally and provide target notes that highlight risks and opportunities. The survey outputs feed directly into the statutory biodiversity metric, forming the baseline against which net gain is measured. A high-quality survey doesn’t just collect data; it also flags potential issues such as irreplaceable habitats, invasive species, or conflicts with drainage and landscape design. This ensures that project teams can plan realistically from the outset.
How long does it take to approve a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
Once submitted, local planning authorities have eight weeks to approve or refuse a Biodiversity Gain Plan. In practice, the timeframe depends on the quality and clarity of the submission. A well-prepared plan that includes complete metric calculations, baseline surveys, maps, and a clear demonstration of compliance with trading rules is far more likely to be approved on time. Poorly evidenced plans often result in requests for clarification or resubmission, which can delay projects. Working with experienced biodiversity net gain consultants reduces the risk of delays and helps keep the planning process on track.
What if my site contains irreplaceable habitat?
If irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland, veteran trees or certain priority wetlands are present, the 10% uplift requirement does not apply in the usual way. Instead, developers must consider bespoke compensation and meet strict planning tests. Irreplaceable habitats cannot be offset by standard biodiversity units, so early identification is critical. Our BNG consultants assess habitat status during the baseline survey and advise on whether these rules apply. Where irreplaceable habitats are confirmed, we help design avoidance and compensation strategies that satisfy both national policy and local planning requirements, preventing costly refusals later.
What does a BNG assessment cost?
The BNG assessment cost varies depending on the scale and complexity of the project. Smaller sites that qualify for the Small Sites Metric may have relatively straightforward requirements, while larger or ecologically diverse sites often need more extensive surveys, multiple iterations of metric modelling, and a detailed Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan. Additional costs may arise if off-site units are needed or if statutory biodiversity credits must be purchased. At ACP, we provide fixed-fee quotes tailored to each scheme, giving clients financial certainty. Our approach ensures you know the likely costs before committing resources to design and planning.
Who sells biodiversity credits?
There are two main routes for purchasing biodiversity credits. The first is through private landowners who create and register off-site biodiversity units. These units are sold on the open market and can often be strategically aligned with Local Nature Recovery Strategies. The second option is statutory biodiversity credits, which are supplied directly by government as a last resort. These statutory credits are deliberately priced higher to encourage on-site or off-site solutions first. Our consultants advise whether credits are necessary, test availability of local units, and benchmark options against the statutory price list to ensure cost-effective compliance.
What makes a good biodiversity net gain consultant?
A strong biodiversity net gain consultant should combine ecological expertise with a clear understanding of the planning process. Look for consultants who are members of professional bodies such as CIEEM, are trained in UKHab survey techniques, and have proven experience using the statutory biodiversity metric. They should also have a track record of preparing biodiversity gain plans that local planning authorities have approved, and of delivering enforceable biodiversity management plans. Just as important is their ability to communicate clearly with developers, architects, and planners turning complex ecological requirements into practical, actionable steps that fit the project timeline and budget.
Are you hiring Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) consultants?
Yes. ACP is expanding to meet growing demand and is recruiting both junior and senior ecologists with biodiversity net gain expertise. If you are searching for BNG consultants jobs or biodiversity net gain consultants jobs, we encourage you to visit our Careers page. We offer opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects, from small residential developments to large-scale infrastructure. Our consultants receive structured training in UKHab surveying, metric modelling, and biodiversity gain plan preparation. For ambitious ecologists, joining ACP provides a chance to contribute to the future of sustainable development while building a long-term career in environmental consultancy.
Government Guidance and Statutory References
- Guidance: Make off-site biodiversity gains as a developer. Defra.
- Securing off-site Biodiversity Net Gain: Expert legal perspectives. Natural England.
- Understanding biodiversity net gain. Guidance on what BNG is and how it affects land managers, developers and local planning authorities. Defra.
- Statutory framework & planning condition – Biodiversity Net Gain under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; statutory regime explained in Planning Practice Guidance (GOV.UK).
- Biodiversity Gain Plan – Must be approved before commencement; Local Planning Authority decision normally within 8 weeks. See Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance (GOV.UK).
- Statutory biodiversity metric – How units are calculated, modules, factors, and guidance on early use. Statutory Metric and User Guide (GOV.UK).
- Condition Sheets & Small Sites Metric (SSM) – Official metric tools and guidance sheets. BNG Metric Tools (GOV.UK).
- 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.
- Off-site register & fee – Natural England guidance on registering biodiversity gain sites, with the current £639 registration fee. Register a Biodiversity Gain Site (GOV.UK).
- NSIPs timing – Government proposals indicate that BNG will apply to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) from May 2026, pending final regulations. Defra Consultation (GOV.UK).
- Creating a Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP) – GOV.UK guidance on how to prepare HMMPs, including monitoring and reporting requirements. HMMP Guidance (GOV.UK).
- Natural England HMMP Template (JP058) – Official template, checklist, and monitoring report tools for Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans. Natural England Publications.
- Metric Supporting Documents (JP039) – Includes GIS templates, data standards, and case studies for applying the statutory metric. Natural England Publications.
- Statutory Biodiversity metric user guide.
- Small Site Matric Guidance.
Other Supporting References (Quick Links)
- BNG in Practice Report (2025) – Case studies showing how BNG is being delivered in real projects. Institute of Environmental Sciences.
- Biodiversity Net Gain – Principles and Guidance for UK Construction and Developments. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
- BNG Research Briefing – This post note outlines the mandatory biodiversity net gain policy introduced in England in 2024 and the risks and challenges for delivering its objectives. UK Parliament.
- Biodiversity net gain: where to start. Natural England.
- Biodiversity Net Gain Report and Audit Templates- CIEEM.
- Implementing statutory biodiversity net gain. NAO.
- Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain in England. A Guide by CIEEM.
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Next Steps: How to Get Started with BNG
If your project requires biodiversity net gain, the sooner you involve specialists the better. The process always begins with a biodiversity net gain survey to establish a reliable baseline. From there, our BNG consultants model scenarios in the statutory metric, advise on on-site or off-site solutions, and prepare a biodiversity gain plan ready for submission to your local planning authority.
To move forward, simply share your site boundary plan and any early layouts with us. We will provide a fixed-fee quote and clear timeline for surveys, modelling and reporting. This ensures you know exactly what is required, how long it will take, and what it will cost before committing further.
Our team of biodiversity net gain consultants works nationwide, with particular expertise in London, Cheltenham, Gloucester and the wider Gloucestershire area. Whether you need rapid support for a small site using the Small Sites Metric or full delivery including an HMMP, ACP will guide you through the process and keep your project on track.
Explore Related Biodiversity Net Gain Resources
As Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) consultants, ACP provides expert advice across every stage of the process — from metric calculations to post-development monitoring. To better understand our consultancy approach, start with the Biodiversity Net Gain Overview and the step-by-step BNG Assessment Guide explaining how we assess habitats, calculate units, and identify opportunities for ecological enhancement.
Learn how our consultants apply the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 or Small Sites Metric (SSM) to deliver robust baseline assessments. For reporting and submission, we prepare all key deliverables including the Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP).
Clients can also access our BNG Templates & Downloads, calculate delivery costs using the BNG Monitoring Fee Calculator, and explore off-site solutions such as Off-Site Biodiversity Units. For compliance confidence, review our BNG Legislation & Guidance and see examples of our project success in BNG Case Studies & Portfolio.
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:
- October 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.