As global awareness of biodiversity loss reaches critical levels, governments and local authorities are stepping up efforts to integrate biodiversity considerations into planning and development.
One mechanism for this is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), an approach that ensures new developments actively improve the natural environment, leaving it in a better state than before.
In the UK, the Environment Act 2021 has made BNG a legal requirement, mandating that certain developments deliver a minimum of 10% net gain in biodiversity. This legislation creates an unparalleled opportunity to embed science-driven solutions into local planning processes, ensuring economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand.
However, delivering BNG effectively will require local authorities to overcome significant challenges, ranging from skills shortages to the complexity of biodiversity measurement.
Meeting these obligations represents a substantial shift in how local authorities operate, requiring new systems, processes, and expertise.
To support LPAs in preparing for these changes, DEFRA has outlined 10 actions that authorities can take to comply with BNG requirements. In summary, LPAs will need to:
While many councils are already taking steps to align with BNG mandates, significant hurdles remain:
BNG success requires a multidisciplinary skill set, including expertise in:
Councils’ budgets are already stretched, limiting access to the necessary expertise and creating gaps in their ability to enforce BNG requirements effectively.
Quantifying biodiversity gains and losses is technically complex and requires reliable tools and methodologies. Tools such as the Defra Biodiversity Metric 4.0 provide a standardised way to measure habitat changes, but their effective use depends on access to data and skilled practitioners.
Key limitations include:
To address these challenges, science and data must take centre stage. Science is not just a tool—it’s the foundation of informed, impactful action.
Leveraging advances in science, technology, and ecological research, local authorities can deliver on BNG requirements while creating meaningful benefits for communities and the natural environment.
Fera, bring over a century of scientific expertise to support local authorities in achieving their environmental sustainability objectives. Our LAND360 service connects you with science, ecology, and data. Through comprehensive landscape analysis, actionable insights, and innovative technologies to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes for both people and the planet.
In the ever-evolving policy landscape, it is essential for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to establish reliable, long-term partnerships with scientific and technical experts. By leveraging customised, science-driven solutions, LPAs can develop resilient strategies that not only ensure compliance with emerging legislation but also drive lasting positive impacts on biodiversity and the communities they serve
To find out more about how Fera can provide a range of services to support LPAs in their efforts to enhance nature and biodiversity, please visit here (fera.co.uk).
LAND360 is Fera's cutting-edge natural capital assessment service. Launched in 2022, it empowers LPAs, farmers, landowners, estate managers, and housing developers to make informed land use decisions. By accurately measuring and mapping existing land habitat features and modelling biodiversity offerings, LAND360 is a vital tool in the quest for sustainable development and biodiversity enhancement.