Need Help Meeting BNG Requirements?

At Crossman Ecology, we believe in making Biodiversity Net Gain as simple and efficient as possible for our clients. We understand that navigating environmental requirements can be complex, so we take control of the process from start to finish. Our goal is to provide clear, straightforward advice without overloading you with technical jargon or unnecessary details. You can trust us to handle the complexity, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your project’s success.

We’ve got you covered. With hundreds of successful BNG projects, we know how to navigate planning authorities across the UK to get you the best possible outcome—quickly and efficiently.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a straightforward concept with a big impact: every development should leave nature in a better state than before. It’s not just about protecting existing habitats—it’s about improving them and creating new ones to offset any ecological loss.

Why Does BNG Matter?

Nature is under pressure from urbanization, agriculture, and industry. BNG is a practical way to ensure development works with, not against, the environment by:

✅ Conserving existing habitats and wildlife
✅ Restoring degraded ecosystems to help them thrive
✅ Creating new habitats to boost biodiversity
✅ Supporting sustainable development that balances growth with nature

How Does Biodiversity Net Gain Work?

BNG follows a structured process to ensure developments leave a lasting positive impact on nature.

1. Baseline Assessment – Understanding What’s Already There

Before any development takes place, a biodiversity baseline assessment is conducted to evaluate the site’s existing ecological value. This includes:

• Habitat surveys (e.g., UKHab classifications) to map and assess vegetation types
• Species surveys to identify protected or notable wildlife
• Condition assessments to determine habitat quality and ecological function
• Biodiversity Metric calculations to quantify habitat value and potential biodiversity losses

This data provides a starting point for measuring improvements and forms the foundation for BNG planning.

2. Design & Planning – Integrating Biodiversity into Development

Once the baseline is established, a BNG strategy is developed to ensure biodiversity is enhanced. Key considerations include:

• Biodiversity Metric calculations – Ensuring the development delivers a measurable net gain (typically at least +10%)
• Avoidance and minimisation of habitat loss – Adjusting designs to retain high-value habitats where possible
• On-site enhancements – Incorporating habitat creation, green infrastructure, and wildlife corridors
• Off-site compensation – Identifying alternative locations for habitat restoration if on-site gains are not feasible
• Financial contribution – if on-site enhancements or off-site compensation is not possible, then a financial contribution will be necessary
• Stakeholder engagement – Consulting with planning authorities, landowners, and conservation bodies

The aim is to embed biodiversity enhancements seamlessly into the development while ensuring compliance with planning policy.

3. Implementation – Putting the Plan into Action

With planning approval secured, biodiversity measures are implemented alongside construction. This stage involves:

• Habitat creation and restoration – Establishing woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, or hedgerows
• Species-specific measures – Installing bat boxes, bird nesting sites, reptile hibernacula, or pollinator-friendly planting
• Soil and hydrology management – Ensuring site conditions support long-term ecological success
• Contractor training – Educating construction teams on best practices for biodiversity protection
• Timely execution – Aligning ecological works with the appropriate seasons for planting and species activity

This ensures that biodiversity gains are delivered effectively and in accordance with the approved plans.

4. Monitoring & Compliance – Ensuring Long-Term Success

Biodiversity Net Gain isn’t just about implementation—it requires long-term monitoring and management to ensure habitats establish and thrive. This includes:

• Regular ecological surveys to track progress against BNG targets
• Adaptive management plans to respond to habitat changes or unforeseen challenges
• Legal agreements (e.g., Section 106, conservation covenants) to secure long-term commitments
• Reporting to planning authorities to demonstrate compliance and effectiveness

BNG commitments typically span 30 years, ensuring that biodiversity improvements are sustained well beyond the construction phase.

Let’s Get Your Project on Track

Got questions about BNG or need expert guidance? Get in touch today—we’re here to help.