The Environment Consultant

Achieving Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requires a structured, evidence-led process that demands early integration, long-term planning, and meaningful ecological outcomes.

This step-by-step guide provides a general overview of the key stages involved in delivering BNG, from baseline assessment through to monitoring and long-term stewardship. The actual BNG process would require significant planning, starting with a preliminary review of whether the goals are achievable.

While the technical and regulatory details may vary between jurisdictions, the underlying principles remain consistent. It is important to note that successful BNG delivery requires strong commitment from the developer, including the allocation of resources, willingness to adapt project designs, and a long-term vision for ecological enhancement.

For ecologists, planners, and environmental professionals, this guide serves as a foundational roadmap for embedding biodiversity into the heart of development.

Step 1: Establish Baseline Biodiversity

• Conduct a comprehensive ecological survey of the project site to identify habitats, species, and ecological functions.
• Use a recognized biodiversity metric (such as the UK Biodiversity Metric 3.1) to quantify the existing biodiversity units.
• Document legal designations, protected species, and any known constraints.
• Engage with local stakeholders, including conservation bodies, to incorporate traditional and local knowledge.

Step 2: Avoid and Minimize Impacts

• Integrate ecology early in project design to avoid the most sensitive areas.
• Use mitigation hierarchy principles: avoid → minimize → restore → offset.
• Modify project layouts, timing, or construction methods to reduce disturbance.
• Apply best practice environmental controls (e.g., sediment traps, noise reduction).

Step 3: Calculate Residual Biodiversity Loss

• Assess remaining unavoidable impacts after avoidance and minimization.
• Use the biodiversity metric to calculate residual loss in biodiversity units.
• This quantifies what must be compensated for through net gain measures.

Step 4: Identify Opportunities for Biodiversity Enhancement

• Explore options for on-site habitat creation or enhancement to deliver gains.
• Examples include planting native woodland, restoring wetlands, or creating green roofs.
• If on-site enhancement is limited, identify suitable off-site compensation areas within a reasonable distance, prioritizing ecological connectivity. Off-site compensation could be achieved by either managing an offset area where habitat enhancement and restoration balances offseting, or by purchasing BNG credits.

Step 5: Develop a Biodiversity Net Gain Plan

• Draft a clear plan detailing:
• Locations and types of habitat enhancements or creations.
• Expected biodiversity gains quantified in units.
• Management and monitoring commitments for at least 30 years.
• Include roles and responsibilities for delivery and long-term stewardship.

Step 6: Secure Approvals and Funding

• Present the BNG Plan to planning authorities, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Incorporate BNG costs into the overall project budget.
• Explore funding options such as biodiversity credits, conservation grants, or developer contributions.

Step 7: Implement Biodiversity Enhancements

• Follow best practice ecological restoration techniques.
• Use local provenance plants and natural materials where possible.
• Engage skilled contractors and ecological specialists for habitat creation.

Step 8: Monitor and Report Outcomes

• Set up a monitoring framework aligned with the biodiversity metric used.
• Regularly assess habitat condition, species presence, and ecological function.
• Report findings to regulators and stakeholders transparently.
• Adapt management as needed based on monitoring results (adaptive management).

Step 9: Maintain Long-Term Stewardship

• Ensure funding and governance for at least 30 years (or as required by policy).
• Establish legal agreements for habitat protection and management (e.g., conservation covenants).
• Collaborate with local conservation organizations or land managers.