Net Biodiversity Gain
BNG sets a new standard for sustainability – mandating a measurable 10% biodiversity uplift through habitat creation and enhancement, on-site and beyond.
Enhancing Nature Through Sustainable Development
Net Biodiversity Gain (BNG) is a policy that requires new developments in England to improve biodiversity by at least 10% compared to the pre-development state, measured using a Biodiversity Metric. Developers achieve this by creating or enhancing habitats either on the development site (on-site), on another site (off-site), or by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits as a last resort.
This approach ensures that development leaves the natural environment in a measurably better condition than it was before, providing benefits for both wildlife and people.
How it Works
Assess Pre-Development Biodiversity
The value of existing habitats on a development site is calculated using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, which assigns a value to different habitat types.
Measure and Enhance Biodiversity
Developers must demonstrate a minimum 10% increase in this biodiversity value after the development is complete.
Deliver The Gain
This gain can be achieved through three key areas:
On-site gains
Creating or improving habitats within the development site.
Off-site gains
Creating or enhancing habitats at a different location that is legally registered with the Biodiversity Gain Sites Register.
Statutory Biodiversity Credits
As a last resort, developers can purchase statutory credits from the government to fund habitat enhancement elsewhere.
Monitoring and Enforcement
Local planning authorities (LPAs) approve BNG plans, and if requirements are not met, LPAs can take enforcement action.
Key Principles
Measurable Improvement
The gains are quantified using the Biodiversity Metric to ensure they are significant and not just symbolic.
Habitat Enhancement
The policy focuses on creating and improving natural habitats for wildlife.
Ecological Connectivity
BNG aims to maintain and improve the ability of wildlife to connect and move between habitats.
Who It Affects
BNG applies to both major and minor development in England, though some small developments have temporary exemptions. Developers and local planning authorities are key stakeholders who must understand and implement these requirements.
How we can help you with BNG?
Deep-ploughing
To help replicate low-nutrient habitats for flora and fauna displaced by loss of similar habit on the proposed development site.
Deep-rotovating
This service improves low-quality site soils, to incorporate nutrients or additional soil improvers and fertilisers or to bury existing vegetation to deny habitat or inhibit regrowth for ecological reasons.
Mulching, Stump Griding, Tree Removal and De-vegetation
Helps to change land use into a different use or to remove material from site soils for ecological or practical reasons.
RGL Service Sectors
RGL Forestry offer a comprehensive range of specialist services from Site and Tree Clearance to contract Forestry Mulching and Biomass Recovery across the UK.
Mulching & Deep Rotovating
We modify existing machinery to improve performance and reliability, giving you the best tools of the job.
Site & Tree Clearance
Trees, vegetation & stumps are all processed with our powerful and highly specialised equipment.
Biomass Recovery
Our unique machinery can clear, recover and process all types of biomass material.
De-Stumping
From huge-scale projects to single stumps in difficult access sites, we do it all.
Invasive Species
Eradication of insect pests and all other invader species are easily and safely destroyed.
Incinerators
Highly-portable on-site incinerators that burn at over 800 degrees, with less emissions.
Wind Energy
We support wind farm developments, providing clearance services that ensure compliance, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Electric Infrastructure
From preparing land for pylons and substations to ensuring optimal conditions for solar panel installations, we deliver tailored solutions.
UXO, ERW and De-Mining Operations
Our armoured excavator is available for contract work throughout the UK and Europe.