What is biodiversity Net Gain?

A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is quantitative tool used to deliver measurable improvements for biodiversity. Biodiversity net gain can be achieved through on site enhancement and habitat creation, as well as off-site measures.

• Through mandated BNG in developments it is hoped that loss of biodiversity through developments is stopped, and ecological networks can be created and restored.
• A minimum of 10% gain is required, calculated using the Biodiversity Metric 3.0, which was published in 2021 and replaced the Beta Metric 2.0

How is an assessment carried out?

• A site survey is carried out to assess the baseline habitats;
• The post-development plan for the site is defined, showing soft landscaping plans;
• The baseline and post-development habitats are assessed using the biodiversity metric.
• The Biodiversity Net Gain, or loss, is calculated by comparing the difference between the baseline habitat units, and the post-development habitat units.

How can Phlorum help?

Phlorum has extensive experience working with the biodiversity net gain calculators. The latest calculator is the Natural England Biodiversity Metric 3.0 published in 2021, which replaced the earlier Beta Metric 2.0, and the original Defra Metric.

How is an assessment carried out?

A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculation compares the baseline habitat against the post-development habitats. A Biodiversity Net Gain is achieved if the post-development habitat provides an overall improvement regarding the biodiversity for a site.

This is currently set as 10% net gain, although it is subject to review. As a result, to get a net gain this is significantly influenced by the soft landscaping areas of a development.

If the soft landscaping areas (excluding gardens which can be changed by owners or paved over) before a development is less than the soft landscaping areas after a development, then it is highly likely that a net gain cannot be achieved on site. In this case offsite enhancement would be required (e.g. payment to enhance another site).

The following steps are required for a BNG calculation:

A site survey is carried out to assess the baseline habitats;

• The post-development plan for the site is defined, showing habitat areas;
• The baseline and post-development habitats are assessed using the biodiversity metric.
• The Biodiversity Net Gain, or loss, is calculated by comparing the difference between the baseline habitat units, and the post-development habitat units.

How many metrics are there?

There are several biodiversity metrics out there and therefore it is essential before Biodiversity Net Gain calculation is carried out the preferred metric is confirmed. The Natural England Biodiversity Metric 3.0 is the most common, but other organisations and local planning authorities have their own systems.

How are Habitats calculated?

Habitats are assessed based on the terrestrial area, terrestrial linear features, aquatic linear features.

Where biodiversity net gain cannot be achieved on site there is the option for offsite enhancement measures. In these instances developers would contribute to local schemes. Ideally local authorities will identify areas for ‘Local Nature Recovery Strategies’, which must be maintained for a minimum of 30 years.

These local Nature recovery Strategies are key to building a ‘Nature Recovery Network’ across the country. If local schemes are not available then developers would be able to invest in ‘Nationally Strategic habitats’ with the purchase of government provided ‘biodiversity credits’.