SERVICES
Biodiversity net gain
SERVICES
Biodiversity net gain
Gain sustainable growth through biodiversity.
We'll help you achieve measurable and meaningful biodiversity net gain, ensuring developments enhance the natural environment while meeting regulatory requirements.
Our expert consultancy delivers practical, sustainable outcomes that support long-term ecological benefits and economic growth.
How we support your biodiversity net gain strategy
Our expert consultants help you integrate biodiversity net gain into your long-term development strategy.
Whether you鈥檙e developing a large-scale project or a smaller scheme, we'll work with you to meet mandatory requirements and compliance. Here's how we can partner to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.
Understanding legislation
We give clear guidance on navigating regulations and their implications for your project.
Baseline assessments
We'll conduct detailed assessments to establish current ecological conditions.
Mitigation and enhancement plans
We create tailored on-site or off-site solutions to meet your development goals.
Credit strategies
We provide expert advice on acquiring and utilising credits to effectively offset biodiversity impacts.
Monitoring and reporting
We give ongoing support to ensure compliance and optimise ecological outcomes after the project is complete.
Stakeholder engagement
We help communicate your commitment to sustainability with regulators, local communities and other stakeholders.
Whether you need advice on legislation, site assessments, or long-term biodiversity strategies, we鈥檙e here to help. Get in touch to learn how we can support your development鈥檚 success while promoting a sustainable future.
View our video guides
Learn more about how we provide biodiversity net gain strategies and support.
Natural capital and nature based solutions for rural landowners
What is biodiversity net gain and what are the opportunities for landowners and developers?
Frequently asked questions
What is biodiversity net gain?
Biodiversity net gain is a policy requiring most new developments in England to deliver a measurable 10% increase in biodiversity compared to the pre-development baseline. It aims to enhance and conserve the natural environment, benefiting ecosystems, communities and the economy and promoting sustainable development.
What does biodiversity net gain mean for developers?
Biodiversity net gain represents a fundamental change to the planning system and became a mandatory requirement for large developments from February 2024 and small developments from April 2024. This makes it a critical consideration for developers, landowners and stakeholders.
Developers are required to assess the ecological value of a site before development, enhance it by at least 10% and ensure this gain is maintained for 30 years. Enhancements can take place on-site, off-site, or through purchasing credits.
Which projects are exempt from biodiversity net gain?
A few specific exemptions apply to ensure the policy remains practical and proportionate. These exemptions help ensure biodiversity net gain is applied fairly, reducing unnecessary costs while encouraging sustainable development. The exemptions are
- De minimis developments: projects impacting less than 25 square metres of non-priority habitat or five metres of non-priority linear habitat, provided no priority habitat is affected.
- Householder developments: alterations to existing houses, such as extensions within the property鈥檚 curtilage.
- Biodiversity gain sites: off-site biodiversity gain projects that require planning permission to prevent double-counting of gains.
- Small-scale self-build and custom homes: developments of up to nine dwellings on sites no larger than 0.5 hectares, designed for self-build or custom housebuilding.
- High-speed rail transport networks: works associated with the remaining phases of high-speed rail projects.
