Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Templates: BGP, HMMP & Checklists
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) templates are vital tools for developers and planners in England now that a 10% net gain for biodiversity is mandatory. These templates provide standard formats to document how a project will enhance habitats and leave nature in a better state. In this guide, we explain the key BNG templates including the Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) and the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) along with checklists and examples. Using official BNG templates (available as PDF or Microsoft Excel downloads) not only saves time but also ensures you meet all requirements. By following these templates, you can confidently demonstrate compliance with biodiversity gain rules and smoothly navigate the planning process.
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What Are Biodiversity Net Gain Templates?
Biodiversity net gain templates are predefined documents and tools that help you plan, evidence, and track the biodiversity improvements of a development project. With the Environment Act 2021 introducing mandatory net gain, the government and professional bodies have created templates to standardise how information is presented. These include the formal Biodiversity Gain Plan template, which developers must fill out to show how they will achieve the required uplift in biodiversity, and the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan template, which outlines the long-term care of new or enhanced habitats. There are also various checklists and supporting resources. The primary intent of all these templates is to ensure a clear, consistent approach so planning authorities can easily assess if a proposal meets the BNG objective. In short, BNG templates cover everything from initial plans to post-construction monitoring, making the net gain process easier for all parties.
By using the official templates, you’ll address every detail that policies and guidance expect. They prompt you to include evidence such as baseline habitat surveys, the results of the biodiversity metric calculation, and how you’ve applied the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimize, compensate). This people-first approach in template design means even complex ecological information is presented in a straightforward way. In practice, a good template acts as a checklist in itself helping you ensure nothing important is missed when aiming for net gain compliance.
Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) Template
The Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) is the cornerstone document for demonstrating net gain. It’s a standardized form (around 8–10 pages) that sets out how your development will achieve at least a 10% biodiversity net gain. Planning authorities will require a completed BGP after granting permission, as a condition of that permission often referred to as the “biodiversity gain plan condition.” In other words, before you can break ground, you must submit and get approval for this plan showing the biodiversity benefits.
what does the BGP template include?
So, what does the BGP template include? It typically opens with basic project details (site location, description of development) and then goes into the meat of your net gain proposal. You’ll need to summarize the existing biodiversity value of the site (the baseline, usually measured in habitat units from the BNG metric) and the post-development biodiversity value after your proposed habitat enhancements. The difference illustrates your net percentage gain. The template guides you to provide evidence for these numbers for example, referencing the completed biodiversity metric spreadsheet and any habitat maps. There’s usually a section to explain how you applied the mitigation hierarchy (i.e. how you first avoided and minimized harm to wildlife on-site). You’ll also outline any off-site contributions if you can’t achieve the full gain on your own land (such as the purchase of BNG units or use of a registered compensation site).
Have you met the 10% requirement?
The BGP template ensures you address key questions a planner will ask: Have you met the 10% requirement? Are the proposed habitats appropriate and secured? Does the plan align with any local policy or priorities (like enhancing nearby nature networks)? Because it’s a standard form, a BGP template acts as a biodiversity gain plan example for all developers you’re essentially filling in a known structure rather than guessing what to include.
The government’s official template (freely available in PDF and Word) comes with guidance notes, helping you understand each section. For instance, it suggests concise word limits for explanations to keep the plan focused. Using this template not only helps you as the applicant but also helps the planning officer, who can quickly verify your calculations and commitments. Remember, the BGP is a post-permission submission: it’s usually secured by a condition on your planning decision notice. Failing to get it approved means you legally cannot commence development, so using the proper template and getting it right is crucial.
Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP) Template
Achieving a net gain on paper is one thing delivering it over the coming decades is another. This is where the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) comes in. An HMMP (sometimes abbreviated as HMMPT for “template”) is a detailed plan for how you will create, manage, and monitor the habitats that are contributing to your BNG outcome. Typically, planning approvals will either require an HMMP as part of a condition or it will be written into a legal agreement (like a Section 106 obligation or a conservation covenant). To assist developers, Natural England has produced a comprehensive HMMP template, which is free to use and not mandatory but strongly recommended for consistency.
What does the HMMP Template provide?
The HMMP template provides a structured framework that can be adapted to any project from a small housing development creating a wildflower meadow on-site, to a large infrastructure project funding off-site woodland enhancement. It starts by listing all the habitat parcels that will be created or enhanced for net gain (with references matching those in the BGP and metric). For each habitat type, you’ll then detail the management objectives, the actions needed to reach the target condition, and a schedule of monitoring. The HMMP covers at least a 30-year period of aftercare, since BNG gains must be maintained long term. For example, if you’re planting a new hedgerow to deliver net gain, the HMMP would specify things like initial planting density, ongoing maintenance like hedgerow laying or trimming regimes, monitoring of its condition (e.g. checking species mix and structure every few years), and adaptive measures if it’s not thriving.
To make completion easier, the Natural England HMMP template package comes with a Companion Document essentially a set of pre-formatted tables for each broad habitat type and condition. You can copy the relevant habitat tables into your HMMP and fill in site-specific details. This ensures you cover all aspects needed for that habitat (like for a pond, you’d address water quality, vegetation management, etc.). Additionally, there is an HMMP Checklist provided, which serves as an evidence checklist for both you and the plan reviewer it lists all the key headings and info that should be present. Using that checklist, you can double-check you haven’t missed, say, identifying who is responsible for monitoring or how you’ll report findings.
Alignment with BNG Metric and National Requirements
Importantly, the HMMP template is designed to align with the BNG metric and the national register. The plan encourages you to use the same habitat names and metrics as in your BGP and in any registration of off-site gains. It’s also compatible with the requirement that off-site biodiversity gain sites (if you’re creating habitat on land elsewhere) must be registered and include a management plan.
All this means that an HMMP prepared with the template will contain what authorities expect to see. While it’s a technical document (and usually prepared by a qualified ecologist), the template’s clear structure makes it accessible. And if your project is a small development, note that there is a simplified HMMP template specifically for small sites metric users aimed at non-specialists who might be creating modest habitats but still need a plan to manage them. In summary, the HMMP template helps you go beyond the numbers in the BGP and demonstrate a credible commitment to actually deliver the promised biodiversity gains on the ground.
Using the BNG Metric
Underpinning both the BGP and HMMP is the Biodiversity Metric, the tool that quantifies habitat value. The current statutory BNG metric (version 4.0 is the latest) is a spreadsheet-based calculator provided by Defra/Natural England. It’s essential to use this metric to calculate your “biodiversity units” a standard way of measuring habitat changes. In practice, you enter data about each habitat parcel on your site (area, habitat type, condition, distinctiveness, etc.), both for the pre-development state and for the proposed post-development scenario. The metric then computes how many units are lost or gained. A 10% net gain means the total units after development should be 1.1 times the baseline units (at least).
The BGP template will ask for these headline figures (baseline units, proposed units, net percentage gain) and typically a brief explanation of how they were derived, so it’s crucial your calculations are robust and transparent.
Mapping Habitats Using QGIS and Digital Tools
To ensure accuracy, many practitioners use GIS software alongside the metric. In fact, a QGIS template for BNG has been developed to standardise habitat mapping. QGIS (a free GIS program) can help you map all your habitat features spatially and output data that plugs into the metric. The BNG QGIS template provides a framework with preset layers for different habitat types (including polygons for area habitats, lines for hedgerows, points for individual trees, etc.).
By mapping your site using this template, you generate a spatial record of habitats that corresponds exactly to the metric’s requirements. There’s even an import tool that takes the QGIS output and feeds it into the metric spreadsheet, reducing manual data entry. For example, if your project has 3 types of grassland and a stretch of hedgerow, you’d draw these in QGIS using the provided layer categories; the tool will then compile their areas/lengths and habitat codes ready for the metric.
Using these digital tools isn’t mandatory, but it greatly helps in managing the complexity of BNG data, especially for larger sites. Moreover, many councils appreciate receiving a map in a standard format showing existing and proposed habitats. It makes verification easier. The metric itself also comes with user guides and even case studies (published by Natural England) that serve as BNG examples of how net gain is calculated in real scenarios. In summary, leveraging the BNG metric and the QGIS template ensures your numbers add up and that your BNG plan is grounded in spatial reality. It demonstrates due diligence, as you can produce the calculation files and maps as supporting evidence alongside the written plans.
BNG Evidence Checklists & Additional Resources
Why use evidence checklists
When preparing your biodiversity net gain documentation, it’s wise to use available checklists and templates beyond the main BGP and HMMP. These evidence checklists act as a safeguard to confirm you’ve included everything required. For instance, many local planning authorities have introduced a “BNG checklist” as part of validation for planning applications. This might be a simple form or list of questions such as: Have you submitted a biodiversity gain plan or statement? Have you included the metric spreadsheet? Are there any off-site units and if so, is evidence of an agreement provided? Completing such a checklist (often submitted with your application or before condition sign-off) forces you to compile all the necessary attachments. It’s not a public template like the BGP, but rather an internal tool to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Natural England’s HMMP checklist
Natural England’s toolkit, as mentioned, includes an HMMP Checklist, which mirrors the sections of the HMMP template. Before finalising your habitat management plan, you can run through that checklist to see if, for each habitat, you’ve described target condition, monitoring frequency, remedial actions, etc. Using it from the start is like having a roadmap of what information to gather (e.g. if you see a checklist item for “long-term funding mechanism”, you remember to include how the 30-year maintenance will be financed or secured).
Professional templates and examples (CIEEM)
Professional bodies have also contributed resources. The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) has published Biodiversity Net Gain report templates and an audit template. These were initially developed around 2021, before the mandatory net gain took effect, to help ecologists integrate net gain into their reports. For example, CIEEM’s templates cover a Design Stage BNG Report (to accompany a planning application) and a BNG Audit Report (to confirm net gain delivery at project completion). While these are not the same as the statutory “gain plan”, they are useful for understanding how to document net gain at various project stages. If you’re looking for a BNG report example beyond the government forms, these templates provide a good practice structure. They reinforce many of the same points clearly stating baseline vs post-development habitat changes, compliance with the 10% policy, and evidence of following the good practice principles.
Quality control for smoother approvals
In short, by using checklists and additional templates, you add an extra layer of quality control to your BNG process. They help translate the sometimes technical requirements into a simple list of tasks: include this file, address this topic, double-check this figure. We recommend making use of these resources (many of which are freely available) to support your main BNG templates. It can be the difference between a smooth approval and an iteration where the council comes back asking for missing information.
BNG Exemptions and Special Cases
Why exemptions and special cases matter
Not every development will need to go through the full rigmarole of net gain planning. The government has kept BNG requirements “proportionate” by defining certain exemptions and transitional arrangements. It’s important to know these boundaries you don’t want to invest time in BNG plans if your project is exempt, but conversely, you don’t want to assume you’re exempt when you’re not (and then get a nasty surprise at planning stage!).
De minimis threshold
One key exemption is the de minimis threshold: if your project only impacts a very small area of habitat, it may be exempt from the 10% net gain rule. Specifically, developments that affect less than 25 square metres of habitat (and no priority habitat) or less than 5 metres of hedgerow are exempt. For example, say you’re adding a small extension on an existing hard-standing (and not tearing up any garden or green space) that might fall under this de minimis category. Such cases often involve a change of use with negligible habitat change (e.g. converting an office to residential with no external works).
However, be cautious: change of use is not automatically exempt from BNG. It only escapes the requirement if it meets the minimal habitat impact criteria. If you’re converting a field to a car park (change of use from agriculture to developed land) and more than 25 m² of habitat is affected, you still owe net gain, despite being a change of use scenario.
Other exemption categories
Another exemption category covers householder applications typical home improvements like building a conservatory or garage for your own house. These kinds of small works (within the curtilage of a dwelling) do not trigger BNG. Similarly, certain small-scale self-build projects (up to 9 homes on under 0.5 ha, meeting the legal self-build definition) are exempt, acknowledging limited developer resources in those cases. Large infrastructure projects like the route of high-speed rail are also carved out via specific legislation. And importantly, any planning application submitted before the BNG mandate came into force (before the trigger dates in 2024) is exempt.
If an exemption applies
If an exemption applies, the local authority might require an exemption statement or a tick-box confirmation, but you won’t need a full biodiversity gain plan. The BNG condition simply won’t be applied to your consent. Always check the official guidance on BNG exempt developments or consult your planning officer if unsure. It’s worth noting that even if exempt, achieving some net gain voluntarily can still be looked upon favourably (and it’s good for the environment). But it won’t be a legal requirement. In summary, understand where BNG does and doesn’t apply to avoid unnecessary work but when it does apply, the templates discussed above are your best friends for compliance.
How to Use BNG Templates (Step-by-Step Guide)
Getting started
Getting started with biodiversity net gain can feel daunting, but breaking it down into steps with the help of templates makes it manageable. Here’s a simple guide to using these templates in your project workflow:
Check BNG requirements
First, determine if your project is subject to mandatory BNG. Confirm the timeline (BNG became mandatory for most planning applications in 2024) and size of development. If your project is very small or otherwise exempt (as discussed above), you may not need a full gain plan. Otherwise, plan to incorporate BNG from the outset.
Survey and calculate
Conduct an ecological survey of your site to identify habitats and their condition. Then use the BNG metric to calculate the baseline biodiversity units. Next, design your development with biodiversity in mind include habitat creation or enhancement on-site as much as possible. Run the metric for the “after” scenario to see how many units you can achieve. If you’re falling short of a 10% gain, consider what additional measures you can take (or explore off-site compensation by partnering with a landowner or purchasing credits). At this stage, it’s helpful to use the QGIS mapping template to map out habitat changes and ensure your calculations are accurate.
Complete the Biodiversity Gain Plan
Download the official BGP template (available as a free PDF or Word form on GOV.UK). Fill in all the sections methodically. You’ll outline your development proposal, then detail how you are achieving net gain. Insert the key figures from your metric (e.g. “Baseline = 5.4 habitat units, Post-development = 6.5 units, Net Gain = +20%”). Explain any use of off-site units or distinct project phases. Be succinct but make sure to hit every point the template asks for – if a section is not applicable, note that (don’t leave it blank, as the planner might think you overlooked it). Attach supporting documents as instructed (commonly, you will submit the completed metric spreadsheet, habitat map, and perhaps an ecological impact assessment report). The BGP is essentially your BNG strategy in a nutshell, so take the time to get it right.
Draft the Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan
In parallel, start preparing the HMMP (especially if significant habitat works are involved). Use the Natural England HMMP Word template. Populate it with specifics: list each habitat to be created/enhanced, and for each, describe the management aims (e.g. “establish species-rich grassland of moderate condition”), the tasks to achieve that (e.g. “seed with native mix, cut twice yearly, no fertilizers”), and how you will monitor success (e.g. “botanical surveys in years 2, 5, 10…”). Don’t forget to specify the duration (30 years is standard) and responsibilities (who will carry out the work – perhaps a management company or the landowner – and who will do the monitoring). Use the provided companion guide for habitat-specific recommendations. Run through the HMMP Checklist to verify you’ve covered everything. It’s often wise to involve the project ecologist or land manager at this step – they can provide practical input on what management is realistic.
Submit to the planning authority
When you’re confident in your BGP (and have at least a solid draft HMMP), submit them to the local planning authority. If you’re at the application stage for a major project, the council may ask for an “outline” BNG plan or metric summary up front. For most, though, the full Biodiversity Gain Plan is formally submitted after the planning permission is granted (as a “reserved matter” or condition discharge). Follow your council’s process it might be an online portal form where you attach the BGP PDF and other files. If there’s a BNG checklist provided by the council, complete that and include it.
The authority will review the BGP to ensure it meets the legal 10% gain and that all details (like any off-site agreements) are secured. This might involve consultation with their internal ecologist. Be prepared to answer questions or clarify points if the reviewers seek it. However, if you’ve used the templates correctly, this review should go smoothly.
Implement and monitor
Once your BGP is approved, it becomes a commitment. During construction and after, make sure the biodiversity measures are implemented as described. This could mean scheduling habitat works at the right season, protecting areas during build, etc. After development, enter the monitoring phase as per your HMMP. Keep records of what’s done on site (e.g. planting dates, maintenance activities) and the condition of habitats over time. Many planning conditions will require periodic monitoring reports for instance, you might need to submit updates at years 2, 5, 10, and so on, demonstrating the habitats are on track. Use the monitoring report template (Natural England provides one in Word and an Excel for data) to structure these updates.
They typically summarize any changes in habitat condition, confirm if targets are being met, and recommend any adaptive management if problems arose (e.g. re-seeding an area if initial planting failed). Submitting these reports to the council as required will fulfill your ongoing obligations. Over 30 years, personnel may change, but the existence of a clear HMMP document ensures that the stewardship of the biodiversity gain is not forgotten.
Bringing it all together
By following these steps with the help of BNG templates, you integrate biodiversity considerations seamlessly into your project’s lifecycle. This proactive approach not only helps nature but also de-risks your project from a compliance perspective. Each template guides you on what to do next, making the complex process of delivering net gain much more straightforward.
Benefits of Using Standard BNG Templates
Regulatory compliance
Adopting the official BNG templates and associated resources yields many benefits for both project proponents and the environment. The templates are built around current legislation and policy guidance (including the planning practice guidance or BNG PPG notes). By using them, you’re automatically ticking the boxes required by law. This means your biodiversity gain plan and HMMP will contain all the info that the council’s checklist is looking for. It’s a safeguard against accidentally omitting something important for example, the BGP template explicitly asks if your proposal impacts any protected sites or irreplaceable habitat, prompting you to address those if relevant. In short, templates keep you compliant.
Clarity and consistency
Standard templates lead to consistent documents. If every developer uses the same BGP format, planners become very familiar with where to find the necessary details. Your application or condition submission is then easier and faster to review. Consistency also means fairness you’re being held to the same format and criteria as others. For your own team, it’s helpful too: if you’re a consultant producing multiple BNG plans for different projects, using a template ensures a high-quality, uniform approach each time.
Time and effort savings
Writing a biodiversity gain plan from scratch could take considerable effort, especially if you’re unsure of the required content. With a template, much of the “structure” is done for you. You can focus on project-specific inputs. We provide free BNG templates for download, which include not only the official forms (for BGP and HMMP) but also user-friendly checklists. These can drastically cut down the time you spend gathering your thoughts and formatting documents. You can trust that headings and prompts in the template cover everything you’re essentially following a recipe instead of inventing one. This is particularly beneficial for small developers or planners who may not have in-house ecology expertise the template guides you step-by-step on what to provide.
Expert-backed content
The official templates were developed in collaboration with experts (Natural England, ecological consultants, local authorities). They encapsulate best practices. By using them, you indirectly tap into that expertise. For example, the HMMP companion guide contains pre-set management prescriptions drawn from ecological knowledge of what different habitats need. This helps even if you’re less experienced with habitat management the template teaches you the expectations. Additionally, our own guidance notes (included with our template pack) distill expert tips and common pitfalls to avoid when filling these out. This experience-led insight can improve the quality of your submission and the outcome for biodiversity.
Improved outcomes for nature
Let’s not forget the bigger picture these templates are ultimately about ensuring developments genuinely contribute to nature’s recovery. By systematically planning, committing, and monitoring through standardized formats, the probability of achieving real biodiversity gains increases. They force you to think through the long term: Who will manage these habitats in 10 or 20 years? What if a certain approach doesn’t work is there a backup plan? This level of detail, which the templates require, means better stewardship of the habitats you create. And better outcomes for nature can bolster your company’s environmental credentials too, which is an added bonus in terms of PR or corporate responsibility.
Bringing it all together
Finally, by using our Biodiversity Net Gain Templates Pack, you can reap all these benefits with ease. We’ve compiled the latest official templates and added handy extras like a quick-start guide and examples. It’s completely free to access. We strongly believe in making BNG straightforward and achievable for all stakeholders. By downloading our pack, you equip yourself with the tools to get your BNG plan right the first time. This not only helps you secure planning permission (no delays due to BNG issues!) but also sets your project up for long-term success in enhancing biodiversity.
Ready to get started? Download the BNG templates now and take the first step toward a successful biodiversity net gain for your project. If you need further assistance or a professional review of your BNG plan, our team of experts is here to help ensuring your proposals not only meet the rules but also deliver meaningful benefits for nature.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions About BNG Templates
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) can be a complex area, and many developers, planners, and consultants have recurring questions about templates, conditions, and exemptions. Below we answer some of the most common queries to help you understand how to use BNG templates effectively and ensure compliance.
What is a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
A Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) is the formal document that shows how a project will deliver the required biodiversity uplift. It outlines the site’s baseline value, proposed habitat creation or enhancements, and demonstrates (through the BNG metric) that the scheme achieves at least +10% biodiversity units. In England, submitting a BGP using the official template is a standard planning condition. It serves as both your strategy and your evidence for meeting Biodiversity Net Gain.
When do I need to submit a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
In most cases, you submit the BGP after planning permission, to discharge the biodiversity gain plan condition. Typically, permission is granted with a requirement for a full BGP before development starts. Some authorities may also request a draft plan or key metric results at the application stage, especially for major schemes. Always check your decision notice to confirm when and how the BGP must be submitted.
Is Biodiversity Net Gain mandatory for all developments?
BNG became mandatory in England in 2024. From January 2024, major applications had to show a 10% net gain; from April 2024, small sites were also included. Exemptions exist, but in most cases, new planning applications must demonstrate compliance. The requirement stems from the Environment Act 2021, and planning authorities now condition approvals on submitting a compliant biodiversity gain plan. Unless you clearly qualify for an exemption, assume BNG applies.
What developments are exempt from BNG?
Exemptions are limited and include:
- De minimis cases – under 25 m² of habitat or 5 m of hedgerow, with no priority habitat.
- Householder applications such as small extensions.
- Small self-build or custom-build (≤9 homes on <0.5 ha).
- Projects solely for biodiversity gain.
- Certain large infrastructure or urgent Crown developments.
Also, applications submitted before BNG commencement dates are exempt. Where exempt, you may just need a statement rather than a full plan. Always confirm with your local authority.
What is a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP)?
An HMMP sets out how new or improved habitats will be managed and monitored over 30 years. It details habitat targets, management actions, monitoring frequency, responsibilities, and funding. Achieving net gain is about delivery as well as design, so the HMMP ensures gains persist long term. Many councils require HMMPs alongside gain plans. Natural England’s HMMP template and checklist standardise the process and make it easier for both applicants and planning officers.
Are official BNG templates mandatory?
Strictly speaking, no law forces you to use them, but in practice they are expected. The official BGP and HMMP templates cover everything planning authorities need to see and speed up review. Creating your own format risks missing details or causing delays. Since they are free, expert-designed, and now industry standard, using them is the safest approach for compliance.
Where can I download BNG templates?
The Biodiversity Gain Plan template is available on GOV.UK in PDF and Word. Natural England provides the HMMP template, companion habitat tables, and checklists via its publications. For small sites, simplified versions exist. CIEEM also publishes BNG report examples. We’ve combined the latest versions in our Free BNG Templates Pack for convenience, so you can access BGP, HMMP, and checklists in one place. Always use the most recent versions, as updates are released.
How is Biodiversity Net Gain calculated?
Net gain is calculated using the Biodiversity Metric 4.0. You assess baseline habitats (area, type, condition), input them into the tool, then compare with post-development habitats. The metric calculates biodiversity units lost and gained; the result must be at least +10%. Tools such as the BNG QGIS template can assist with mapping and accuracy. Usually, an ecologist completes or reviews the metric to ensure reliable data and realistic targets.
Who can prepare BNG documents?
For very small, simple projects, you may complete templates yourself. But for most developments, a qualified ecologist is strongly recommended. They can identify habitats correctly, run the metric, and design realistic HMMPs. Councils often expect professional input, especially for major applications. An ecologist’s involvement adds credibility, avoids errors, and can even improve biodiversity outcomes. For complex projects, expert support is almost essential to secure approval smoothly.
What is a bgp template and how do I use it?
A bgp template is the standard Biodiversity Gain Plan format used to evidence a project’s net gain. It prompts you to summarise baseline units, proposed habitats, and the net change calculated with the BNG metric. Complete all sections, attach the metric spreadsheet and habitat maps, and reference any off-site units. Using the official biodiversity gain plan template aligns your submission with planning expectations and speeds up review. Keep explanations concise, answer every prompt (mark N/A where appropriate), and ensure figures match your drawings and metric outputs. Submit the plan to discharge the biodiversity gain plan condition before starting works.
How do BNG habitat types affect my calculations?
BNG habitat types follow standard classifications used by the BNG metric. Each type has parameters for area/length, distinctiveness, and target condition, which together determine biodiversity units. Choosing realistic target conditions and timescales is critical over-ambitious targets can undermine deliverability. In your HMMP template, list each habitat parcel, its management aims, and monitoring to reach the declared condition. Mapping with the BNG QGIS template helps keep habitat types and extents consistent between plans, drawings, and the metric.
Are there BNG exemptions change of use cases?
Yes some BNG exemptions change of use scenarios apply where habitat impact is truly minimal. If a change of use affects under 25 m² of habitat or under 5 m of hedgerow, with no priority habitats, it may fall under de minimis rules. However, change of use is not automatically exempt; if you exceed thresholds or affect priority habitats, you must deliver BNG. Always confirm exemption status with your LPA and, where applicable, provide an exemption statement as part of validation.
Where can I find Bng templates pdf versions?
Many official resources are provided as Bng templates pdf for reference alongside editable Word/Excel formats. Typical downloads include the bgp template (Biodiversity Gain Plan), the HMMP template with its companion tables, and validation evidence checklists. Use PDFs for briefing teams and stakeholders, and complete the editable versions for submission. Always check you’re using the latest issue before uploading to the council portal.
Do you offer Free bng templates I can start with?
Yes our page signposts Free bng templates, including the official biodiversity gain plan template, HMMP template, and supporting evidence checklist materials. They’re suitable for both small and major applications. Pair these with the BNG QGIS template to streamline mapping and reduce data entry errors in the metric. If you need a quick sense-check, we can review your completed forms before submission.
What are Bng templates 2021 and are they still useful?
Bng templates 2021 refers to early good-practice formats (e.g., CIEEM BNG report and audit templates) published before mandatory BNG commenced. They remain helpful as a BNG report example and for structuring design-stage documentation, but they don’t replace the statutory bgp template or current HMMP template. Use the latest official templates for compliance, and the 2021 resources for context, quality assurance, and internal audits.
References
- Biodiversity Net Gain 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 legislation 2024. UK Statutory Instruments.
- Guidance: Understanding biodiversity net gain.
- Creating a habitat management and monitoring plan for BNG. Defra.
- Statutory Biodiversity Metric User Guide. Defra.
- CIEEM Case Studies. CIEEM.
- Good Practice Principles for Development Case Studies. CIEEM.
- 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.
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (2024). Biodiversity gain plan – Template and guidance. GOV.UK Publication.
- Natural England (2024). Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan Template (JP058) – including companion and checklist. Natural England Publications.
- Defra Environment Blog (2023). The biodiversity gain plan: draft template and guidance.
- Defra Environment Blog (2023). Natural England’s habitat management and monitoring plan templates.
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (2024). Biodiversity net gain: exempt developments. GOV.UK Guidance.
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. Biodiversity Net Gain Report and Audit Templates. CIEEM Guidance Document.
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Our BNG templates and downloads form part of ACP’s complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) toolkit. To understand how these documents are applied, start with the Biodiversity Net Gain Overview and learn how ecological outcomes are calculated through the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 and Small Sites Metric (SSM).
If you’re preparing submissions, see our detailed Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), which align directly with the templates on this page. Guidance on BNG Monitoring and Implementation Trackers and BNG Reporting Requirements can help ensure your submissions remain consistent and verifiable.
For projects needing tailored advice, explore BNG Exemptions & Thresholds and BNG Legislation & Guidance to confirm compliance, or view BNG Case Studies for real examples of how these templates support measurable ecological gain.
Next Steps
The best way to move forward is to download the official BNG templates including the Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP), HMMP, and evidence checklists and use them as the foundation for your submission. Start by confirming whether your project is subject to BNG or falls under an exemption, then run the BNG metric and prepare your habitat maps using the QGIS template. From there, complete the BGP and draft your HMMP, using the checklists to ensure nothing is missed. Once ready, submit your documents to the local planning authority to discharge the biodiversity gain plan condition. If you want additional reassurance, our team can provide a quick professional review to check compliance and help you avoid delays.
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.