Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain or BNG, is an initiative that focuses on improving biodiversity as a key element of development. The goal is to not only avoid harming the environment, but actively enhance it. It is typically measured and quantified using biodiversity metrics to ensure the net gain is achieved. At JN Gardening, and our sister company 'Biodiversity and Habitat Soltuions', we specialise in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) solutions ensuring that developments comply whilst enhancing ecological value.

From January 2024, all new developments in England and Wales must deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity. In some areas, like Kent County Council, this requirement is even higher - set at 20%.

How To Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain In 3 Key Ways:

1) On-Site BNG

Biodiversity can be increased On-Site through a variety of strategies designed to enhance the environment, support wildlife and integrate natural elements into their developments. Some strategies that can be utilised are:

• Wildlife corridors of continuous green space that connect fragmented habitats allow animals to move freely between areas, reducing the risks of isolation.
• Native plantings used in landscaping to provide the best resources for local wildlife in terms of food and shelter. Native species are more adapted to the local environment and support higher diversity of animals.
• Green infrastructure like green roofs and walls can create habitats particularly in urban areas for plants, birds and insects.
• Creating a variety of habitats such as meadows and grasslands, woodland areas for forest-dwelling species, shrubbery for small mammals, and restoring wetlands and ponds.

Here at JN Gardening, our experience in planning, creating and 30 years of maintenance of Chalksole Farm habitat bank ensures that we are perfectly positioned for long term management and maintenance of your BNG-compliant ground maintenance for your on-site BNG habitats.

2) Offset BNG

Enhance the habitat and biodiversity of an offsite location.

This approach is particularly useful when it is not feasible to achieve the necessary
biodiversity improvements on-site due to space constraints, the nature of the
developments, or other limiting factors. Here’s how BNG can be effectively offset offsite:

• Identifying offsite locations for enhancing habitat. These could be areas that are ecologically valuable - for example, degraded habitats such as wetlands, woodlands, or riverbanks, where restoration or improvement will lead to significant biodiversity gains. Strategically located sites where fragmented habitats could be connected to facilitate species movement between isolated patches is also beneficial.
• Enhancing the habitat by incorporating wildlife friendly features such as bat boxes, bird nesting sites, insects hotels and log piles. Planting native species offer habitat for a range of animals especially pollinators like bees and butterflies, which depend on local flora for food. 
• Long-term management and monitoring to ensure that there is an established, clear and sustainable management plan for the offsite area. Periodic surveys to assess the success of the biodiversity offset, and adjust practices as necessary based on findings.

3) Purchase BNG Units from Approved Provider

Purchasing BNG Units is a practical and often necessary method for offsetting biodiversity impacts when on-site or off-site enhancements are not sufficient or feasible. This process involves purchasing biodiversity credits or units that represent a specific amount of biodiversity improvement in an offsite location. 

We work with facility management companies and property developers to create bespoke and fully managed BNG units offsite. This is particularly popular for clients with habitats and eco systems which are niche and require expensive units to alternatively purchase due to low supply on the open market.

Benefits of purchasing BNG Units are:

• Cost effective and scalable - purchasing BNG units can be more cost effective and scalable particularly for large-scale developments where land or resources for biodiversity improvements are limited.
• Flexibility in implementation - offers developers flexibility, as they can meet their biodiversity obligations without having to directly manage the land or habitat restoration themselves.
• Meeting regulatory and planning requirements - many planning frameworks now require developers to show how they have achieved net gain in biodiversity. Purchasing BNG units from an approved provider ensures that developers meet these legal or planning conditions, often more quickly and easily.
• Expertise and Management - approved providers have the necessary expertise to manage large-scale habitat restoration projects and ensure biodiversity improvements are made according to established standards. This ensures these units are reliable and result in real, measurable gains. 
• Accountability and Certification - These providers are also held accountable for regulators to ensure the improvements are verifiable and comply with the standards set for biodiversity offsetting schemes. Typically regular updates and audits are also required.