What is a Biodiversity Gain Plan?

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

A BGP is your roadmap to achieving the mandatory 10% increase in biodiversity required by the new BNG regulations. It's not just about planting a few trees or putting on a green roof. The plan needs to show, in detail, how your development will leave nature in a quantifiably better state than you found it.

Think of it as your development's ecological CV. It needs to impress the local planning authority enough for them to give your project the green light. Without an approved BGP, things will not be able to proceed. 

The nuts and bolts of a BGP include a completed metric tool calculation, pre- and post-development plans and a long-term management strategy. If your development involves significant on-site biodiversity works or enhancements, you'll need to provide extra documentation, including additional legal securities. It’s a comprehensive package that leaves stone unturned when it comes to assessing your development's impact on local ecosystems.

How Do You Get 10% Biodiversity Gain?

Achieving that critical 10% improvement isn’t always straightforward, but it's far from impossible. Here's how you can make it happen:

On-site enhancements should be your first port of call. 

On-site enhancements should be your first port of call. Consider creating new habitats like wildflower meadows or ponds, or improving existing ones. Bear in mind that any land contributing to BNG uplift must be legally secured for 30 years, which means private gardens are typically excluded unless legally covenanted against alteration. 

Additionally, the habitat must be actively maintained over this period, and developers will often need to pay the local planning authority to monitor compliance with the agreed plans.

If you're short on space, don't panic

If you're short on space, don't panic. Off-site solutions can still contribute to your BNG goals, but only if they are officially registered with Natural England. Developers must purchase the appropriate units from a registered supplier. For example, at Joe's Blooms, we've partnered with BNGx to help our users easily match with optimal, legal off-site units for their projects.

Innovation is key

Consider using reclaimed materials from the site to reduce waste. While additional interventions like swift bricks or hedgehog holes won't count towards the UK's BNG measurement system, they can still enhance the overall ecological value of your project and may help convince the local planning authority that your plan is acceptable. 

However, when it comes to achieving the required 10% net gain, focus on creating or enhancing high-value habitats that comply with BNG standards.

BNG regulations: what's changed?

This year  has ushered in some significant changes to the BNG landscape. Here's what you need to know:

It's no longer optional

BNG is now mandatory for almost all developments, with very few exceptions. This applies to residential, commercial and infrastructure projects alike.

Focusing on the long-term strategy is essential.

Your biodiversity improvements need to be maintained for at least 30 years, so there’s an ongoing commitment that needs to be taken into account. 

A new metric has emerged

The statutory biodiversity metric, which replaced Biodiversity Metric 4.0, is now the most up-to-date tool for calculating biodiversity value. This latest version became mandatory from February 12, 2024 and builds upon its predecessors with some refinements, such as improved user experience, updated calculation tools and new habitat categories. 

Flexibility is built in

While on-site measures are preferred, you can use a mix of on-site and off-site approaches to meet your BNG obligations. As a last resort, you can purchase statutory biodiversity credits.

Navigating the BGP submission process

Unless you are using digital tools like the Joe’s Blooms Biodiversity Net Gain Tool, creating and submitting a BGP is not a task that can be completed over a weekend. It requires careful planning and expert input. Here's how to navigate the process:

Start early. Biodiversity considerations should be part of your project from day one. You should be thinking about biodiversity from the pre-application stage to identify opportunities and constraints. Remember that if you are a small site, you can complete the process without the need for a qualified ecologist. 

Use the metric wisely. The statutory biodiversity is your go-to tool for measuring both your starting point and expected improvements.

Draft and refine. Consider submitting a draft metric and or BGP for pre-application feedback, which can help iron out any issues before you submit your formal application.

Submit and wait. Once you've got all your documentation together, submit it to the Planning Authority. You will need to, at a minimum, provide your metric sheet and habitat plans at the validation stage. The BGP can be submitted after planning permission is granted. 

Implement and monitor. Once approved, implement your BGP as outlined and stick to your long-term management commitments.

Overcoming common challenges

The journey to achieving BNG isn’t always straightforward, but with the right approach, challenges can become opportunities:

Limited on-site space? Get creative with vertical gardens, green roofs or even wildlife-friendly water features. Every square metre counts.

Worried about long-term management? Consider partnering with conservation organisations or setting up endowment funds to guarantee sustainable stewardship.

Struggling to balance BNG with other priorities? View it as an opportunity to enhance your development's appeal. Green spaces and biodiversity features can be major selling points.

The future of biodiversity net gain

As we embrace BNG, it's clear this is just the beginning of a broader shift towards environmentally conscious development. Looking ahead, we can expect:

• Refinement of metrics and processes as we learn from early implementations.
• Expansion of BNG principles to a wider range of projects and sectors.
• Greater integration with other sustainability initiatives, like carbon reduction strategies.
• A maturing market for biodiversity units
• Technological advancements to streamline BNG assessments and monitoring.

Why biodiversity gain plans matter

You might be wondering if all this effort is really worth it. The answer is a resounding yes, and here's why:

First and foremost, it's the law. Without BGP, your project won't get off the ground. But beyond compliance, there are compelling reasons to embrace BNG wholeheartedly.

Green sells. Buyers and tenants are increasingly looking for developments with strong environmental credentials. A project that demonstrably enhances local biodiversity can be a differentiator in a competitive market.

It future-proofs your development. As environmental regulations tighten, developments that already prioritise biodiversity will be ahead of the curve.

There's a feel-good factor. Contributing to the climate is as much doing the right thing as it is achieving your business goals. It can enhance your company's reputation and staff morale.

It can save you money in the long run. Well-designed green infrastructure can reduce energy costs, improve stormwater management and increase property values.

Embracing the green horizon

Biodiversity Gain Plans represent more than just a regulatory hurdle; they embody a fundamental shift in how we approach development. They challenge us to create spaces that work with nature, not against it.

As we navigate this new era of sustainable development, those who can adeptly craft effective BGPs while creating vibrant, nature-inclusive projects will find themselves at the forefront of the industry.

Summary: BGP

The future of development is green, and BGPs are our blueprint for getting there. It’s time to get to work, refine our strategies and start planning for a future where human progress and ecological well-being thrive together.

Every BGP you create is a contribution to leaving the world a little greener than you found it. And that's something we can all feel good about. 

Looking for help with your Biodiversity Gain Plan? Joe's Blooms offers digital tools to make BNG compliance straightforward and cost-effective. Whether you're a developer, landowner, or planner, our services can help you navigate the new regulations..