Biodiversity Net Gain

What we can advise you on

The aim of Biodiversity Net Gain is to compensate for the loss of biodiversity as a result of a development.  In the 2019 Spring Statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond, confirm that biodiversity net gain was to be mandated.  This is in line with the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. In line with this, biodiversity net gain aimes to halt the current loss in biodiversity and restore ecological connectivity, through enhancing lower quality habitats and limiting loss of high value, irreplaceable habitats (eg. ancient woodland).

To calculate net gain, the baseline biodiversity units of each habitat will be calculated. The area of each habitats to be removed will be determined baseed on development plans and the target biodiversity units required to offset the impact will be established.  The biodiversity net gain metric will need to demonstrate the key principals of biodiversity net gain.  First impacts must be avoided, then minimised before mitigation is implemented.  Once these three steps have been taken, biodiversity offsets requirements can be calculated.

CIEEM has published principles and guidance regarding biodiversity net gain that are available for download:

• Biodiversity Net Gain – Good practice principles for development (2016)
• Biodiversity Net Gain – A practical guide (2019)
• Biodiversity Net Gain – Case studies (2019)