It’s been a year since Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became a mandatory requirement in England, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. As we move into 2025, developers are grappling with the realities of BNG, from baseline assessments to securing off-site units. At naturethrive, we’ve been at the forefront of this evolution, supporting developers in navigating the complexities of BNG and turning compliance into an opportunity for sustainable development.
Key Insights from a Year of BNG Implementation
- The Rise of Off-Site BNG:
- A significant portion of developers are now relying on off-site BNG solutions. This highlights the critical importance of a robust private market for biodiversity units.
- The need for readily available habitat banks and efficient unit trading is more apparent than ever.
- Understanding Baseline Biodiversity:
- Accurate baseline assessments are crucial for project viability. Our data shows an average habitat baseline of 3.45 units per hectare, with variations between greenfield and brownfield sites.
- Understanding the Defra biodiversity metric and how it impacts your sites is vital for planning.
- Regional Demand and Unit Availability:
- We’re seeing significant regional variations in demand, with areas like the Northern Thames Basin experiencing high levels of activity.
- Certain habitat types, like watercourse units, remain in short supply, creating both challenges and opportunities.
- LNRS and Strategic Planning:
- Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are shaping strategic habitat creation, influencing where developers focus their BNG efforts.
- Aligning your projects with LNRS priorities can enhance biodiversity outcomes and streamline the planning process.
- Exceeding BNG Requirements:
- Many developers are exceeding the 10% minimum BNG requirement, demonstrating a growing commitment to environmental sustainability and creating opportunities for unit sales.
- Developing projects with an ESG focus is becoming more and more important.
- Future BNG Developments:
- With the expansion of BNG to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects on the horizon, developers need to prepare for increased competition for biodiversity units.
- Staying up to date with the changing legislation is vital.
How naturethrive Supports Developers
At naturethrive, we provide comprehensive BNG support for developers, including:
- Expert baseline assessments.
- Guidance on off-site BNG solutions.
- Brokering biodiversity units.
- Strategic planning for BNG compliance.
- Support with LNRS alignment.
Conclusion
Don’t let BNG complexities hinder your development projects. Contact naturethrive today for expert BNG support and ensure your projects contribute to a sustainable future.
