A new guide released today brings together a range of guidance, practical action points and insight to support developers in implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and creating nature-positive outcomes.
The 'BNG Good Practice Guide', developed by the Future Homes Hub with contributions from Gowling WLG and other representatives from the Hub's BNG working group, is a practical tool for all those involved in delivering BNG. Recognising some of the complexities around the implementation process, the user-friendly guide offers a practical checklist and bespoke guidance to help organisations navigate BNG effectively.
Ben Stansfield, Sustainability Partner at Gowling WLG, who contributed to the guide said: "BNG can be complex and there are a lot of different factors to consider. Ensuring compliance is critical, and this guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help organisations navigate BNG with confidence. I'm proud to have contributed to a tool that not only supports legal clarity but also promotes biodiversity and sustainable development – a true win-win for the environment and the industry."
Since becoming mandatory in February 2024, BNG has reshaped how developments are planned and delivered. Developers in England must now demonstrate a 10% biodiversity improvement on new sites, using a statutory metric and a Biodiversity Gain Plan approved before work begins. Options for delivery include onsite habitat improvements as a priority, before exploring offsite options or purchasing biodiversity credits.
In its first year, the policy has reportedly resulted in more than 680 hectares of offsite habitat creation or enhancement being recorded on the Biodiversity Gain Site Register, with many developers also delivering gains onsite. The market is growing, supported by more responsible bodies with the ability to enter into conservation covenants to secure BNG and increasing volumes of investment.
The BNG Good Practice Guide is one of a number of ways the Future Homes Hub (FHH) is actively supporting the successful implementation of BNG. The FHH is a UK-wide initiative set up to support the environmental aims of the Future Homes Task Force, focusing on education and collaboration across the sector.
Gowling WLG's specialist Natural Capital team, part of its wider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) group, has in-depth expertise in this area of environmental and planning law and is immersed in the latest developments around sustainability and biodiversity. It supports clients on a wide spectrum of matters – helping them understand their responsibilities and identify areas of risk and opportunity as they evolve their sustainability strategies and business plans. For more insight visit the team's ESG web page.