BNG Monitoring and Reporting Framework | Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) doesn’t end with a planning approval it comes with a long-term commitment to nature. Every development requiring BNG must have a monitoring & reporting framework in place to ensure that the promised habitat gains are actually delivered and maintained for decades.
In England, most new projects granted permission after late 2023 are legally required to achieve at least a 10% net biodiversity increase and then monitor and report on those habitats for 30 years.
This guide explains what a BNG monitoring framework involves from the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) and annual BNG reporting requirements, to roles, costs and practical tips so you can keep your project compliant and wildlife thriving long after construction.
- Our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Services in England:
- BNG baseline habitat surveys (Metric 4.0 compliant)
- Biodiversity unit calculations & deficit analysis
- Habitat creation, enhancement & on-site mitigation design
- Biodiversity Gain Plans (BGP) for planning submission
- Off-site BNG strategy & unit sourcing advice
- Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans (HMMP)
- Pre-application BNG feasibility & risk reviews
- Planning condition discharge & post-consent support
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Understanding the BNG Monitoring Framework
A BNG monitoring and reporting framework ensures biodiversity net gain is maintained throughout the required management period. It includes the plans, processes and checks needed to create, manage and verify habitats. At its core is a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP). This document explains how habitats will be created, enhanced and maintained over time. It also sets out monitoring requirements and reporting procedures. These may include ecological surveys, habitat condition assessments and progress reviews. Together, these measures turn BNG from a one-off calculation into a long-term management commitment.
Why is this important? Effective monitoring is essential for successful BNG delivery. It helps establish habitat targets and measure progress against them. Regular monitoring can identify problems before they become significant issues. This allows management actions to be adjusted where necessary. Without proper monitoring, habitats may decline without being noticed. As a result, the required 10% biodiversity net gain may not be achieved. A clear framework also removes uncertainty for all parties. Developers, land managers and planning authorities understand their responsibilities. Everyone knows what success looks like and how it will be measured. This creates transparency, accountability and confidence in long-term biodiversity outcomes.
Legal Requirements & 30-Year Obligations
New Biodiversity Net Gain regulations have made long-term monitoring a legal requirement. Under the Environment Act 2021, qualifying developments must achieve at least a 10% biodiversity uplift. These gains must be secured for a minimum of 30 years. The requirement is enforced through the biodiversity gain condition. Development cannot begin until a Biodiversity Gain Plan has been approved.
Once planning permission is granted, biodiversity gains must be legally secured for at least 30 years. This applies to both on-site and off-site habitat enhancements. Most schemes use a Section 106 agreement or a conservation covenant. These legal agreements ensure habitats receive long-term management and protection. They also provide legally enforceable obligations for future landowners and managers.
Mandatory BNG requirements came into force in 2024 for most developments in England. However, some projects remain exempt from the legislation. Examples include householder applications and certain self-build developments. Very small developments may also qualify for exemptions. This includes projects affecting less than 25m² of habitat. It also includes schemes impacting less than 5 metres of hedgerow. Developers should always confirm whether exemptions or transitional arrangements apply.
Habitat Management, Monitoring and Compliance
For developments that fall within the scope of BNG, long-term habitat management and monitoring must be incorporated into the project from the outset. Developers should budget for at least 30 years of habitat creation, enhancement, monitoring and reporting obligations. Significant on-site habitat enhancements will generally require a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) to accompany the Biodiversity Gain Plan. Where off-site biodiversity units are used, the land must be registered on Natural England’s Biodiversity Gain Site Register, with an approved HMMP and appropriate legal security measures in place before those units can contribute towards the development's biodiversity gains. It is also important to remember that BNG operates alongside other environmental and planning requirements. Biodiversity Net Gain does not replace Environmental Impact Assessments, ecological surveys, protected species assessments or other planning obligations. Instead, it forms an additional requirement that must be addressed as part of the wider planning and development process. This split keeps the H2 around 180–200 words and creates a highly relevant H3 containing keywords such as Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), Biodiversity Gain Site Register, Natural England, off-site biodiversity units, and compliance, which can help topical relevance and internal linking opportunities.
Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP)
The Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan, or HMMP, is the cornerstone of any BNG monitoring framework. Think of it as the 30-year “care and maintenance manual” for your biodiversity gains. While the Biodiversity Gain Plan you submit at planning sets out what will be done (e.g. creation of 2 hectares of wildflower meadow to deliver 10% net gain), the HMMP dives into how those habitats will be created, managed over time, monitored, and corrected if needed.
Key components of an HMMP
Every Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) must be comprehensive enough to guide both the delivery and the long-term maintenance of biodiversity net gain outcomes. It serves as the practical roadmap that planners, developers, ecologists, and land managers will follow for the next three decades. The document must therefore be clear, measurable, and adaptive enabling consistent implementation and effective reporting year after year.
Habitat descriptions & objectives
A breakdown of each habitat type to be created or enhanced (grassland, woodland, ponds, etc.), with target conditions (e.g. species-rich meadow achieving “good” condition by year 10).
Management actions & schedule
Practical details of how you’ll establish and look after those habitats over the 30-year period. This typically includes a year-by-year (or season-by-season) management schedule: e.g. when to sow seeds, cut grass, graze, plant trees, control invasive species, etc., for each habitat. Responsible parties for each task should be identified.
Monitoring plan
A plan for how and when you’ll assess the habitats’ condition. This covers the monitoring frequency (e.g. annually each autumn, or spring and autumn for some habitats) and methods (fixed-point photography, vegetation surveys, species counts, etc.). Different habitat types have different monitoring needs for instance, a newly created wildflower meadow might be checked every year initially, whereas a woodland might be monitored every few years after establishment. The HMMP should specify what indicators will be measured to track success.
Reporting schedule
Details on when and how you’ll report the monitoring results. Usually, the HMMP will commit to submitting an annual monitoring report to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) or other responsible authority, summarising the year’s findings (more on this in the next section).
Review and adaptive management
Crucially, the plan must include a process for reviewing outcomes and making changes to management if the habitat isn’t progressing as expected. This is often called an adaptive management strategy. The HMMP should outline “what if” scenarios e.g. “If monitoring shows the grassland is failing to reach its target condition by year 5, then remedial measures X, Y, Z will be implemented”. Common adaptive measures might include re-seeding bare patches, adjusting mowing or grazing regimes, adding habitat features like deadwood, or controlling problem weeds. Having these predefined triggers and backup actions gives confidence that the net gain can be sustained long-term even if nature doesn’t behave as predictably as hoped. In essence, the HMMP is both a work plan and a safety net for biodiversity net gain. It should be written in clear, practical terms after all, it will likely be used by land managers on-site for decades. Working with a qualified ecologist is highly recommended (and often expected) when preparing an HMMP. BNG habitat management is a technical area, and a consultant ecologist will know how to set appropriate objectives, monitoring protocols and contingency measures for each habitat type. They will also ensure the HMMP aligns with any legal stipulations in your Section 106 or conservation covenant.
Templates and tools
The good news is you don’t have to start from scratch. Natural England has published a comprehensive HMMP Template and accompanying tools. This includes a main template document (with standardised sections to fill in for your project), a Companion Document with ready-made habitat management prescriptions, a checklist to ensure you’ve covered everything, and even a Monitoring Report Template for later use.
Using the official template isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly encouraged it provides a consistent structure that LPAs are familiar with, and it covers all the key information (management, monitoring, responsibilities, etc.) that reviewers will look for. There’s also a simplified HMMP template for small developments (using the “small sites metric”), recognising that minor projects need a proportionate approach. Whether you use the template or design your own HMMP, make sure to address all the essentials listed above. A well-prepared HMMP not only helps get your biodiversity gain plan approved it becomes the playbook to actually deliver those gains on the ground.
Monitoring Process & Reporting Schedule
Once the HMMP is agreed and habitat creation begins, the focus shifts to monitoring and reporting. Monitoring is the act of checking the condition of the habitats (through surveys and observations), while reporting is about formally conveying those results to the authorities. Both are typically required annually, especially in the early years of a project. Let’s break down how the monitoring and reporting process works in practice
Annual Monitoring & Reporting Requirements
In most cases, you will need to conduct annual BNG monitoring and submit a report each year. Local planning authorities generally expect at least annual monitoring reports for each site under an HMMP. This means that once a year often aligned with a particular season when ecological surveys are most informative someone will assess the status of each habitat against the target condition.
For example, an ecologist might do a late-summer survey of a wildflower meadow to measure species diversity and check for invasive weeds, or an autumn inspection of newly planted trees to gauge survival rates. Some sensitive habitats could even need more frequent checks; for instance, wetlands or ponds might warrant spring and autumn visits, and any habitat supporting protected species could require seasonal monitoring (e.g. a new bat corridor might be monitored in summer and winter). The exact frequency and timing should be defined in the HMMP for each habitat.
After each monitoring visit, you must compile the findings into a BNG monitoring report. Natural England’s Monitoring Report Template (MRT) provides a useful format for this. A typical annual report will include: a summary of the management actions undertaken that year, the monitoring results (often comparing habitat condition scores or other indicators to the previous year or baseline), photos or data sheets as evidence, and an analysis of whether the habitat is on track toward its target condition. Importantly, the report should flag any issues for example, if a grassland isn’t improving as expected, or if trees have died and recommend any remedial actions to be taken.
Reporting to whom?
Completed monitoring reports are usually submitted to the local planning authority as a condition of the Section 106 or planning condition. In the case of an off-site gain managed under a conservation covenant, the report might go to the responsible body (e.g. a conservation charity or council holding the covenant). Often, the LPA will also want a copy even for off-site, since they have overall oversight of BNG delivery in their area. Reports might be due on a certain date each year (e.g. every December). It’s wise to confirm with the LPA when and how they wish to receive the monitoring updates some may have an online portal, others may simply require an email to a planning officer. Consistent, thorough reporting is not just a bureaucratic exercise; it’s the evidence that you are fulfilling your biodiversity obligations. In fact, LPAs themselves have to compile BNG information for their own statutory biodiversity reports, so your data feeds into a bigger picture of local nature recovery.
Adaptive Management & Compliance
One of the most valuable aspects of long-term monitoring is that it enables adaptive management. Ecology is dynamic despite our best efforts, some habitat creation measures will underperform, or unexpected issues will arise (e.g. drought impacting new plantings, or invasive species colonising a restored area).
Rather than seeing the 30-year commitment as a rigid plan, the HMMP and monitoring framework should be used in a feedback loop. If monitoring shows a shortfall, you adapt. For example, if a new meadow isn’t hitting the required plant diversity, the solution might be to reseed with a richer wildflower mix or alter the mowing regime.
If young woodland plantings are struggling, perhaps additional watering or tree shelters are needed, or replacement of failed saplings. If a pond isn’t holding water, maybe some liner work or bank re-profiling is required. These kinds of corrective measures are typically pre-identified in the HMMP (often listed as “contingency actions”) so that everyone knows how issues will be addressed.
The key is to respond early. The annual monitoring reports should clearly state whether each habitat is on track or not. Where it’s not, the report should trigger the recommended actions (and subsequent monitoring may be stepped up to verify improvement). This adaptive approach is usually viewed positively by authorities it demonstrates a proactive commitment to actually achieving the biodiversity outcomes, rather than just passively observing failure. In fact, having clear adaptive management protocols in place from the start tends to reassure planning officers that the net gain is robustly secured.
Compliance and Enforcement
Of course, there’s also the compliance and enforcement side: the carrot and the stick. A well-implemented monitoring framework with adaptive management is the “carrot” (ensuring success through cooperation and diligence). The “stick” is that the legal agreements and planning conditions give authorities recourse if a developer fails to carry out the required monitoring or habitat management.
An HMMP usually becomes a condition of planning or part of a S106 agreement, meaning if you neglect those duties, the LPA can take enforcement action. Councils are encouraged to actively monitor BNG compliance and have enforcement plans for it. In extreme cases, this could lead to breach of condition notices or even legal penalties if the habitat obligations are not being met.
Fortunately, such measures are rarely needed when a good monitoring framework and partnership approach is in place. The goal is to work with the LPA or responsible body: your annual reports and meetings should keep them confident that biodiversity gains are in safe hands, thereby avoiding any adversarial situations.
Roles & Responsibilities in BNG Monitoring
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities is fundamental to the monitoring framework. The HMMP should spell out who is responsible for each aspect this prevents confusion later (for instance, a landowner thinking the developer’s ecologist will do all the work, or vice versa). Here are the typical roles
Developer / Landowner
The party who owns or manages the site during the 30-year period is ultimately responsible for delivering the BNG commitments. In many cases, the developer will hand over the land to another entity (e.g. a management company or the homeowners in a new estate). The legal agreement (S106 or covenant) will bind whoever owns the land to the BNG obligations, so successors in title inherit the duty.
Practically, the landowner or management company must ensure the HMMP’s management actions are carried out (e.g. arranging for habitat works like seeding, scrub clearance, etc. each year) and that monitoring is conducted as scheduled. They are also responsible for financing these activities hence things like maintenance fund escrows or management company fees may come into play.
Ecological Consultant / Ecologist
Most developers engage a professional ecologist to help with BNG, and this often extends into the monitoring phase. The ecologist may be the one to develop the HMMP initially, and commonly they will be retained to perform the annual monitoring visits and compile the reports. While not a legal requirement, having the same ecological expert involved can ensure consistency and technical accuracy.
For example, our team at ACP often provides ongoing monitoring services, using our knowledge of the site to interpret results and advise on management tweaks. The HMMP should identify if an ecologist will be involved long-term and in what capacity. In any case, any monitoring report submitted will typically need to be signed off by a suitably qualified ecologist. (Tip: Some LPAs ask for a “statement of competence” from the ecologist in the HMMPgov.uk, to be assured that the monitoring will be in expert hands.)
Local Planning Authority (LPA)
The LPA (or another “responsible authority” like Natural England, depending on the agreement) has an oversight role. Their job is to receive and review the monitoring reports and ensure compliance with the BNG condition. They may periodically visit the site (especially at key milestones like year 5, year 10, etc., or if a concern arises) to inspect the habitat though given resource constraints, many councils rely on the developer’s reports unless an obvious issue is flagged.
Importantly, the LPA is the entity that can take enforcement action if the net gain is not being delivered as promised. However, in a well-run project, the LPA’s role is more about tracking progress and offering guidance if needed. Some councils have dedicated “biodiversity officers” or ecologists on staff now to handle BNG monitoring oversight.
The LPA also has to compile information to report upwards (for example, some metrics may be reported in council biodiversity duty reports or even to Natural England for the register in the case of off-site gains). So, expect that your data is not just disappearing into a void it’s part of measuring the success of BNG policy regionally.
Responsible Body (for conservation covenants)
If your BNG is delivered via a conservation covenant (a private agreement with a body like a conservation charity or public body), that body will usually take on the role similar to an LPA, overseeing the monitoring of that off-site. They will receive your reports and may do check-ups. The HMMP would be agreed with them at the outset, and they have the legal ability to enforce the covenant terms. Always clarify in the HMMP who you report to if it’s not the LPA in charge.
In summary, the developer/land manager does the doing (maintenance, monitoring), the ecologist provides expertise in monitoring and reporting, and the LPA/responsible body keeps the score and holds everyone to the agreed plan. By defining these roles clearly in the HMMP, everyone knows their duties. For example, an HMMP might state “The management company will carry out all habitat works and engage an ecologist to perform annual monitoring. The ecologist will submit an annual report to X District Council and copy the responsible covenant body. X District Council will review reports and may inspect at years 5, 10, 30.” Such clarity prevents misunderstandings years down the line.
BNG Monitoring Fees & Funding
Delivering net gain isn’t just about ecology there’s a financial aspect too. Local authorities are entitled to charge a BNG monitoring fee to cover the costs of overseeing compliance. This is usually secured through the Section 106 agreement. In simple terms, the developer pays a fee that funds the council’s monitoring activities for the duration of the 30-year period. Monitoring a development’s BNG might involve the council’s ecologist reviewing annual reports, occasional site visits (e.g. at year 5, 10, 30), and administration of records. Doing this for potentially hundreds of sites is a burden on LPAs, so the law allows them to recover the full cost from developers (100% cost recovery is permitted).
Each LPA can set its own monitoring fee schedule, and they must be proportionate to the scale of the project and the work involved. Often, the fee is calculated based on the number of habitat units or the size of the site and how many monitoring events will be needed. For fairness and transparency, many councils publish a charging schedule or use a formula. Fees can range from a few thousand pounds for a small development to tens of thousands for very large or complex schemes. The fee is typically a one-off payment (a lump sum) paid prior to commencement or on first occupation (essentially upfront to fund all future oversight). Some councils considered annual instalment payments, but most prefer a single upfront fee to avoid any risk of non-payment in later years.
Example Costs
For example, Worcestershire County Council has proposed the following BNG monitoring fee framework:
Development Size | Council Monitoring Inspections (Years after completion) | Indicative Fee (excl. VAT) |
Small (under 10 ha) | Year 3 & Year 30 | ~£2,050 |
Medium (10–20 ha) | Years 3, 5, 10 & 30 | ~£5,390 |
Large (20–40 ha) | Years 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 & 30 | ~£13,040 |
Very Large (40+ ha) | Years 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 20, 25 & 30 | ~£20,360+ |
Table: Example BNG monitoring fee schedule (Worcestershire CC, draft 2025–26).
This gives a sense of scale a medium-sized project might incur a ~£5k fee to fund the council checking in at four points over 30 years. The fee covers council officers’ time to review your reports, enter data into systems, and physically inspect the habitat as scheduled. It may also contribute to wider duties like enforcement if needed.
Importantly, fees must be justified and reasonably reflect the work they are not meant to be a penalty or a profit source, but simply to resource the LPA’s statutory monitoring duty. When negotiating your Section 106, the council should clarify what fee will apply. You can ask for the breakdown or basis if it’s not clear. Also note: the £*145 “registration fee” for the Biodiversity Gain Site Register is separate that is a flat fee payable to Natural England for registering an off-site gain and is not related to the LPA’s monitoring fee.
BNG Monitoring Fee Summary
Plan for the monitoring fee in your project finances upfront. It is usually paid when you seek to discharge the BNG condition, which is around the point the Biodiversity Gain Plan is approved (post-planning, pre-commencement). In practice, you submit your final HMMP and BNG details to the council, they confirm everything is secured, and you pay the fee into a council fund. From there, the council takes on its role of watchdog for the next 30 years. Some developers balk at these fees but remember that they enable the council to hire ecologists or use tools that ultimately keep everyone accountable and the environment protected.
Our BNG Monitoring & Reporting Services
Implementing a 30-year monitoring framework may sound daunting but that’s where we come in. As ecology and net gain specialists, we support you at every step, ensuring your BNG commitments are not only approved by the council but successfully seen through to completion. Here’s how our BNG monitoring & reporting service works:
HMMP Development & Approval
We begin by preparing a robust Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan tailored to your project. Our ecologists work closely with you (and the LPA if needed) to write the HMMP using Natural England’s template, complete with clear management actions, monitoring schedules, and reporting provisions. We make sure it ticks all the boxes for LPA approval and aligns with any planning conditions or Section 106 clauses. This sets a strong foundation by securing agreement on what will happen over the next 30 years.
Implementation Support
Once your development is underway and habitats are being created, our team can assist with practical implementation advice. We’ll help brief your landscape contractors or management staff on the HMMP requirements, so everyone knows the maintenance timetable (e.g. when to cut meadows, how to protect new plantings). Early proper implementation is key to long-term success.
Regular Monitoring Surveys
When it’s time for the scheduled monitoring (annually or as specified), our qualified ecologists will carry out the habitat surveys and inspections. We use established ecological monitoring techniques from vegetation quadrats and bird counts to water quality testing appropriate to each habitat. By conducting these surveys consistently each year, we build up a solid evidence base of how your site’s biodiversity is progressing.
Annual Reporting & Submission
After each monitoring visit, we compile a comprehensive BNG monitoring report for you. This includes all required data (e.g. updated habitat condition scores, biodiversity unit recalculations if needed, photographs, species lists) and an easy-to-read commentary on whether the habitat is meeting its targets. We highlight any issues and recommend remedial actions in the report, in line with the HMMP’s adaptive management strategy. Once you review, we submit the report to the LPA or responsible body on your behalf, every year punctually. We can handle any follow-up questions from the authorities, giving you peace of mind that the reporting duty is fully taken care of.
Ongoing Advice & Adaptive Management
Crucially, we don’t just drop off a report and walk away. If monitoring indicates a habitat isn’t on track, we will alert you immediately and advise on the next steps to fix it. Our ecologists will update the management plan or method statements as needed, get any necessary approvals, and even help arrange the on-groundwork (through our network of habitat contractors). This proactive approach helps avoid any risk of failing the BNG obligations we course-correct early so that by year 30, the site has achieved its intended biodiversity outcomes. And if the LPA has concerns at any point, we’ll liaise with them to resolve it, acting as your expert advocates.
Throughout this process, compliance is our top priority. We stay up-to-date with all BNG reporting requirements, planning guidance changes, and best practices (our team includes members of CIEEM, and we adhere to their BNG good practice principles). When you partner with us, you can be confident that no detail will slip through the cracks from ensuring your HMMP has the right legally binding wording, to using the correct biodiversity metric for any monitoring recalculations, to logging every action taken. We handle the complexity, while you focus on your core project. In short, we make BNG easy and achievable, even over 30 years.
Benefits of a Professional BNG Monitoring Framework
Why invest in expert help for BNG monitoring? Here are some key benefits of having a professionally designed and managed monitoring framework in place:
Guaranteed Compliance
With our expertise guiding the process, you greatly reduce the risk of non-compliance. We ensure all legal obligations (like annual reports, management actions, and any license requirements for protected species) are fulfilled on time. This means no nasty surprises such as enforcement notices or delays in discharge of conditions.
Long-Term Cost Efficiency
A clear framework helps you allocate resources wisely. By knowing exactly what needs doing each year (and catching issues early), you avoid expensive last-minute fixes. Professional monitoring also protects the significant investment you’ve made in habitat creation it’s a form of insurance that those efforts won’t be wasted.
Credibility with Regulators
When LPAs see that a competent team is running the show, it builds trust. Submitting high-quality, evidence-backed reports using standard templates shows the council you’re serious about BNG. This credibility can make future dealings smoother, whether it’s getting sign-off on later phases or negotiating adjustments if needed. Essentially, you demonstrate a “good stewardship” approach, which is looked upon favourably.
Better Biodiversity Outcomes
Ultimately, the goal of BNG is ecological improvement. A rigorous monitoring framework actively contributes to better outcomes it’s not just a tick-box. Through adaptive management, habitats are more likely to reach their target condition (or even exceed it). You end up with thriving green infrastructure on-site, which can enhance the development’s appeal (higher quality open spaces, etc.) and contribute to corporate sustainability metrics (a win-win for nature and your project).
Peace of Mind for You
Navigating 30 years of environmental obligations can be daunting, especially as personnel change over such a long period. When you have a professional partner handling the monitoring framework, you gain peace of mind. We maintain the continuity keeping records, reminding you of upcoming actions, updating plans as legislation evolves so that nothing falls through the cracks even as years go by. You won’t need to reinvent the wheel or retrain staff on BNG in 5, 10, or 20 years; we’ve got it covered. In summary, a well-executed BNG monitoring and reporting framework is an investment that pays dividends in risk reduction, reputation, and real conservation success. It turns a daunting compliance task into a structured program that can even add value to your project’s legacy.
Plan Your Biodiversity Net Gain Monitoring with Confidence
Ensure your Biodiversity Net Gain commitments remain compliant over the full 30-year period. Our ecologists design and implement robust BNG monitoring and reporting frameworks aligned with Defra Metric 4.0, planning conditions and Section 106 or conservation covenant requirements.
Conclusion & Next Steps
By now, it should be clear that delivering Biodiversity Net Gain isn’t a one-off task it’s a long-term commitment to nature that requires careful monitoring, management, and collaboration. The BNG monitoring framework anchored by a solid HMMP, regular surveys, and transparent reporting is what turns paper promises into on-the-ground reality. Yes, it’s a 30-year journey, but with the right plan and expert support, it’s entirely achievable and can even be rewarding (there’s satisfaction in seeing habitats you created flourish over time!).
If you’re embarking on a project and want to ensure your biodiversity net gain is a success story, not a headache, we’re here to help. Contact us for tailored advice on setting up your BNG monitoring and reporting framework. Our team can guide you from HMMP conception all the way through to the final year’s sign-off, making sure you meet every requirement and truly deliver a positive legacy for wildlife. With the mandatory BNG regime now in full force, there’s no better time to get your monitoring plan in place. Let’s work together to not only gain planning approval, but to genuinely enhance biodiversity and meet those goals year after year.
References and Useful Resources
- Defra & Natural England – Biodiversity Metric: Calculate the biodiversity net gain of a project or development
- Lichfield District Council – Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Guidance for Planning Applications
- East Devon District Council – How is Biodiversity Net Gain Measured?
- Defra (July 2025) – The Statutory Biodiversity Metric: User Guide
- North Hertfordshire District Council – How to Measure Biodiversity Net Gain
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) – Biodiversity Net Gain Case Studies & Good Practice
- CIEEM – Biodiversity Net Gain Report and Audit Templates
- UK Statutory Instruments – The Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024
- Natural England – Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) Template (JP058)
- Defra – Biodiversity Gain Plan: Template and Guidance
- Defra – Guidance: Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain
- Natural England – Biodiversity Net Gain: Where to Start
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Frequently Asked Questions
Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain doesn’t stop once a project is approved. Every development in England that falls under the Environment Act 2021 must follow a clear BNG monitoring framework and submit evidence through structured HMMP reporting and annual monitoring updates.
This section answers common questions about how to design, cost, and deliver an effective BNG monitoring and reporting framework, including real-world examples, statutory timeframes, and typical BNG monitoring fees charged by local planning authorities.
What does a BNG monitoring framework include, and why is it required?
A BNG monitoring framework sets out how habitat gains achieved through Biodiversity Net Gain will be maintained, assessed, and reported for at least 30 years. It includes a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), a schedule of ecological surveys, annual reporting requirements, and a method for adaptive management.
Under the Environment Act 2021, this framework is legally required to prove that the 10 percent net gain promised at planning stage is actually delivered and sustained long-term.
How does HMMP reporting fit within the overall BNG process?
HMMP reporting forms the backbone of the monitoring phase. The Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan outlines how each habitat will be managed and when reports must be submitted. Annual or periodic HMMP reports document habitat condition, biodiversity unit changes, and any remedial actions taken.
These reports are submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) or a responsible body, ensuring continuous compliance with the BNG monitoring framework throughout the 30-year period.
What is an example of a BNG monitoring framework in practice?
A good BNG monitoring framework example would include:
- A 30-year HMMP detailing management and monitoring actions for each habitat.
- Baseline biodiversity unit calculations using the statutory metric.
- Annual BNG monitoring reports comparing year-on-year habitat condition; and
- A defined budget to cover ecological surveys and BNG monitoring fees payable to the council.
Such a framework ensures accountability and enables adaptive management when habitats deviate from their target condition.
How often should annual BNG monitoring and HMMP reporting occur?
Most LPAs expect annual BNG monitoring for at least the first decade after habitat creation, moving to less frequent reviews once habitats have stabilised. Reports should be produced each year and submitted within an agreed timescale, often at the same time every season.
Each annual monitoring report must summarise actions taken, ecological survey results, and any adaptive management steps introduced to meet biodiversity targets.
Who is responsible for BNG monitoring and reporting?
Responsibility for monitoring and HMMP reporting typically sits with the landowner, developer, or long-term management company named in the Section 106 agreement or conservation covenant.
A qualified ecologist is usually appointed to conduct the field surveys and compile the annual reports, while the LPA or responsible body reviews submissions and may conduct site inspections to verify results.
What are typical BNG monitoring fees, and who pays them?
Most English councils now apply BNG monitoring fees to cover the cost of reviewing reports, maintaining registers, and conducting site checks.
These fees vary by project scale: small developments may pay around £2,000, whereas large sites or habitat banks could contribute £10,000 or more as a one-off payment under Section 106.
Including BNG monitoring fees in the project budget ensures that compliance costs are transparent and that LPAs can resource effective biodiversity oversight for the full 30-year period.
What happens if monitoring shows that biodiversity targets are not being met?
If surveys reveal that habitats are failing to achieve the expected biodiversity unit gains, the HMMP’s adaptive management plan is triggered. Actions may include reseeding, enhanced planting, or changes to grazing or cutting regimes.
All corrective steps and outcomes must be documented in the next HMMP reporting cycle and communicated to the LPA to demonstrate active remediation within the BNG monitoring framework.
How can developers ensure long-term compliance with the BNG monitoring framework?
The most reliable approach is to commission professional ecologists to prepare the BNG monitoring framework and manage HMMP reporting from the outset.
Using Natural England’s approved templates, tracking annual results, and budgeting for BNG monitoring fees create a transparent, auditable system that satisfies LPAs and ensures habitats reach their intended ecological condition.
Working with a consistent ecological team also maintains data integrity and provides continuity over the full 30-year monitoring cycle.
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- Last Updated:
- September 2026
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.