A landmark year for biodiversity net gain
2024 has been a transformative year for biodiversity in the UK and a particularly proud moment for TOE’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) team. With the introduction of legislation in February requiring most developments to deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity compared to pre-development levels, the UK has taken a significant step toward reversing biodiversity decline.
While the mechanism isn’t perfect, it’s an improvement on past practices, and we should celebrate being the first nation to make such measures mandatory. This achievement is thanks to the tireless efforts of individuals and organisations who have worked over the past decade to bring this policy to life.
How BNG works
The new legislation requires developers to assess the biodiversity of a site before any work begins. Ecologists use a standardised metric developed by Natural England, which accounts for factors like habitat type, size, condition, and local significance to calculate biodiversity units.
Once a baseline is established, post-development plans are assessed to ensure they meet the 10% net gain requirement. If not, developers can either adapt their plans or purchase off-site biodiversity units from providers registered on the Biodiversity Gains Sites register.
At TOE, we’re proud to have supported two landowners in joining this register, representing 8.7% of the national supply! With the two other local sites managed by our partners at @BBOWT, you can trust that offsite BNG is being delivered with integrity in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire by local conservation charities.
The location of sites on the Biodiversity Gains Sites register on the 5th of December 2024
Insights from BNG implementation
Adjusting to Change
The introduction of BNG represents a major shift in the planning system. While some teething issues—like limited BNG expertise and resource challenges in Local Planning Authorities (LPAs)—are expected, we’ve found developers to be proactive and positive about the changes.
Governance, Accountability, and Local Ownership
Finding the right balance of regulation is key if we are to avoid a ‘race to the bottom’. Local Authorities have the responsibility to protect nature (and to support its recovery), and need to be empowered to oversee delivery in all areas of the BNG market (including Responsible Bodies).
Rising Demand for Ecologists
The demand for qualified ecologists has surged. Securing assessments can take months, highlighting the need for more skilled professionals to support effective BNG implementation.
Monitoring for Success
One strength of BNG is its focus on long-term monitoring. Off-site BNG sites, for example, often budget for at least ten visits by ecologists over a 30-year agreement, ensuring meaningful outcomes for biodiversity.
On-Site vs. Off-Site Solutions
Our experience suggests larger developments are achieving their 10% net gain on-site, while smaller projects often rely on off-site units. Ensuring fair access to off-site solutions and maintaining the integrity of on-site measures will be crucial as the policy matures.
Addressing Regional Disparities
Many regions face delays due to limited local authority resources, potentially driving landowners to alternative routes outside LPA control.
The rise of the (currently 17) Responsible Bodies, which can enter conservation covenants with landowners, offers a flexible, scalable option. To succeed, these organisations must collaborate with local authorities and experts who understand regional developmental and ecological challenges.
Looking Ahead
BNG is pushing biodiversity and nature recovery into the spotlight, from planning meetings to national policy discussions. While there’s still much to refine, the potential for tangible, long-lasting benefits is immense.
TOE is excited to be part of this evolving journey, helping shape a future where development and biodiversity work hand in hand. 🌿