Biodiversity net gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development and/or land management that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before development.

The Environment Act 2021 sets out the key components of BNG:

• Minimum 10% gain required, calculated using the Biodiversity Metric and approval of a biodiversity gain plan.
• Significant on-site habitat and all off-site habitat secured for at least 30 years via planning conditions, obligations, or conservation covenants.
• Delivered on-site, off-site, or via a new statutory biodiversity credits scheme, plus a national register for net gain delivery sites.

The relevant dates for the achievement of mandatory BNG are as follows:

• Major developments: February 2024
• Small developments: April 2024
• Significant infrastructure projects: by the end of 2025