What is biodiversity net gain?

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to environmental conservation through development, which aims to ensure that development projects have a positive impact the natural environment and biodiversity as key stakeholders.  It involves a commitment which results in the increase – or improved quality – of natural habitat because of developments, compared to before.

While BNG has been introduced by many local planning authorities across England in recent years, as of February 12th 2024 it is now mandatory for all developments (with some exceptions) in England under the Town and Planning Act (1990). It means that all developments must commit to a minimum, measurable 10% net gain increase in natural habitat, and the legislation mandates that net gain must be secured, managed, and maintained for at least 30 years. This measurable increase is a step beyond traditional rewilding, and we anticipate that the use and implementation of the Biodiversity Metric will allow both developers and planning authorities to better monitor and maximise the benefits (for nature) of new developments under this legislation.

What does biodiversity net gain mean for communities, and how can it create social value?

Due to many local planning authorities adopting BNG before it became mandatory for major developments across England, we already know that when designed and delivered well, local delivery of BNG can secure nature-based benefits through its nature-based solutions. But it can also create benefits beyond nature, for example for communities, places, and the economy.

1. Enhanced green spaces

Biodiversity Net Gain can support place-making by creating greener, more attractive places to live, work and do business.

BNG projects involve the creation or improvement of green spaces within communities, onsite or offsite locally. This can include the development of parks, community gardens, or nature reserves, providing residents with accessible and aesthetically pleasing areas for recreation and relaxation on new housing estate developments.

Implementing BNG on new developments can also support communities in adapting to the changing climate, and becoming more resilient to extreme weather events, for example by creating and enhancing localised cooling and shading effects, sequestering carbon, and reducing flood risks. It can also lead to the increased provision of ecosystem or nature services; these systems when healthy and functioning, offer pollination, water purification, soil fertility, and provision of food, all of which people and habitats depend on.

In addition to the endless ecological benefits, sites that are biodiversity-rich also contribute to the aesthetic beauty of an area. Preserving and enhancing biodiversity for a minimum of 30 years through BNG legislation can help to maintain the character of a site or development and contribute to place-making.

2. Health & wellbeing benefits

There is strong evidence that that engaging in nature-based interventions and activities improves mental and physical health. Research has shown that people with a connection to nature are typically happier and healthier ; and that spending time in nature can reduce stress and feelings of depression.

BNG can create positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the communities in proximity to new developments, by enhancing existing and creating new green spaces, and improving the access to these green spaces for local people to spend more time out in nature, for recreation, socialising and relaxing.

Parks and areas created or protected through biodiversity net gain can enhance the physical health of communities too, by encouraging people to engage in outdoor exercise and activities, for example walking, jogging or cycling.

These interventions are increasingly being ‘prescribed’ to individuals experiencing mental health challenges by link workers and other trusted professionals, and is referred to as ‘green social prescribing’ or ‘social prescribing’.

Research by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, Oxford University and the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) has recently been undertaken to determine how good practice for BNG can incorporate the wellbeing of people, and shares a series of recommendations from the scoping study, including the need to engage local planning authorities and developers to engage with social impact assessment experts, to work alongside ecologists to better understand the impacts and opportunities for wellbeing from BNG. You can access the full report here for further information.

3. Social cohesion & community engagement

Planning BNG initiatives requires collaboration between developers, local planning authorities, landowners (for offsite delivery) and community stakeholders. Engaging the community in the planning and implementation of projects for local developments can foster a sense of ownership of local green spaces.

Moreover, as the legislation mandates that net gain must be secured for at least 30 years, BNG projects will undoubtedly require collaborative efforts to manage and maintain BNG sites. This management and maintenance requirement for BNG presents an opportunity for developers to engage and create partnerships with local people from local community groups, VCSEs, and small businesses (SMEs) to deliver long-term biodiversity enhancements and improve local green spaces.

As a result, BNG also creates social value through the generation of local employment opportunities in areas such as landscaping, conservation, and other related fields.

4. Opportunities for ecological education

BNG projects offer the opportunity for environmental education and awareness raising within the local community. Developers, ecologists, landscape architects and local planning authorities can engage with schools, community groups, and engaged individuals to teach them about the importance of topics such as biodiversity, ecosystem services, the nature and ecological crises and their relation to climate change, and climate adaptation and mitigation. This educational engagement with the community can also promote a sense of stewardship and ownership of the local area and its green spaces.

Conclusion:

BNG represents a significant shift towards ensuring a measurable increase in natural habitats through developments. However, the significance of BNG extends far beyond the implications on the environment. By focusing on the creation and enhancement of community green spaces, BNG supports place-making efforts, can improve health and wellbeing of local people, and create local opportunities for employment and education. Developers, ecologists and local planning authorities should engage with those working in social impact assessment and social value to better understand how BNG can create social value, and the impact of the outcomes of implementation on local communities.

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