BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN 49


ENGAGE SCIENCE FOR THE BIODIVERSITY BONUS


Paul Brown from Fera Science explains how developers can rise to the challenge of the Biodiversity Net Gain requirements for developments by embracing science, data and ecological expertise


s a result of human activity, the UK has lost over half of its biodiversity since monitoring began in 1970. This unprecedented decline is clearly a huge concern and public awareness of the issue has escalated in recent years. Land management changes are cited as a key driver of biodiversity loss, however, there is a huge opportunity for developers to play a pivotal role in changing the trajectory.


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By embracing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) within development plans, using science and data to inform successful offsetting projects, housebuilders can help minimise habitat loss and leave a positive footprint on nature.


INVESTING IN NATURE Technological advancements have allowed environmental data to be captured in a greater quantity and detail than ever before, enabling scientists to tap into more in-depth assessments of our ecosystem and work closely with developers to embody a ‘nature fi rst approach. By using scientifi c validation to position themselves as leaders in sustainable and biodiversity-friendly development, companies stand to reap fi nancial, reputational, and operational rewards – as well as compliance with the latest regulations. This could refl ect positively on a developers brand image in the marketplace, amid growing public demand for corporate commitments to sustainability initiatives. Theres now a much greater


understanding of why a thriving natural environment and access to nature, close to home, is so important for society and personal wellbeing; nevertheless, consumers demand evidence of action, over and above marketing claims.


THE NEED FOR A ROBUST BNG PLAN Under the Town & Country Planning Act (TCPA), in February 2024 it became a mandatory requirement for developers in England to set out detailed plans of how they will ensure biodiversity levels are at least 10% better than pre-development. This gain must be sustained for 30 years, and can be achieved through various means.


Options include creating or enhancing habitats for fl ora and fauna, investing in landscaping or adding green infrastructure on the new build site. Alternatively, habitats could be invested


in off-site, on land holdings, or through habitat banks.


If developers are unable to deliver at least 10% net gain in biodiversity


onsite or via the offsite market, Natural nglands statutory biodiversity credits scheme is accessible as a last resort. This allows developers to purchase statutory biodiversity credits to reach the legal requirement – but at a higher price than the going rate for biodiversity units in the private market. At a local level, the 10% BNG requirement is being increased by local authorities too.


So, developers are being confronted with the urgent need to craft a biodiversity net gain strategy for each site, that will ensure compliance with new legislation.


SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE IS CRUCIAL According to Defra guidance, an extensive


BNG SUCCESS HINGES UPON HARNESSING ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AT EVERY STEP WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK


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