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Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is part of the government’s 25-year Environment Plan. It requires land developers to deliver a measurable (10%), positive impact on biodiversity when land is being developed. This environmental gain can be offset on other land, so could provide an income opportunity for farmers long term agreements which form part of developers’ planning consents.

We explain in further detail what BNG entails as new information emerges and weigh up the opportunities and the issues for farmers.

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BNG rule changes could exempt small sites and cut unit demand

Landowner income from selling Biodiversity Net Gain units could fall if developments of nine houses or fewer are exempted from biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements. The potential for exemptions is…

BNG

Spending watchdog questions effectiveness of BNG scheme

The long-term effectiveness of the government’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) regime has been questioned in a National Audit Office (NAO) report. Titled Implementing statutory biodiversity net gain, the report terms…

BNG

Biodiversity net gain becomes a requirement on developers

Improving biodiversity by at least 10% becomes a legal obligation on developers of housing, commercial and industrial sites from this week. Planning applications submitted in England from 12 February must…

BNG

Biodiversity units market may be a volatile one

The supply of and demand for units to meet biodiversity net gain (BNG) obligations is likely to be erratic, driven both by the seasonality of ecological survey constraints and the…

 
 
 

Practical advice

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Biodiversity net gain – how things stand one year on

The biodiversity net gain market has got off to a relatively slow start for a combination of reasons. First, it is a complex and costly new regime. Those involved –…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: Do BNG rules apply to dog walking paddock?

Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here Lucy George, associate with Carter Jonas advises on a diversification planning question.…

BNG

Nature markets offer range of opportunities

The continuous development and expansion of the range of environmental funding makes this area difficult to keep up with and challenging to decide what might work in the short or…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: Landowner questions on BNG issues

Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Mark Russell, a partner with Carter Jonas, addresses some important questions on biodiversity…

Insights

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BNG: Unit demand to rise on big infrastructure projects

Two consultations issued in late May will affect demand for biodiversity net gain (BNG) units created by landowners for sale to developers. In England, developers need to buy units to…

BNG

Kent landowner's BNG project demonstrates market challenges

John Newbury completed the purchase of the land at Chalksole Farm near Lydden in 2024 after considering several alternative blocks. On the land he is creating biodiversity net gain (BNG)…

BNG

Conservation grazing grows as alternative land uses develop

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) became mandatory in the planning system in England from February 2024, allowing landowners to earn an income from selling biodiversity units to developers. This is just…