Finding a workable solution to achieve biodiversity net gain (BNG) within new property developments across the next three decades is not only essential to meeting legislative requirements but also vital for the planet and our people.
Within this blog, we detail effective long-term strategies housing developers could put in place to achieve and maintain biodiversity net gain.
Considerations for housing developers to improve biodiversity
There are many initiatives housing developers can put in place straight away to improve the variety of animal and plant life species within development sites. However, longer-term projects offer the potential to deliver more substantial biodiversity benefits, encouraging wildlife to flourish and grow over decades.
Many of the featured suggestions offer a range of benefits, not only increasing biodiversity within green spaces over time, but also helping to educate future residents on the environment and benefit their emotional well-being.
Several options listed here could apply to large housing development sites as well as individual plots and gardens.
1. Tree planting
Many already understand that planting trees is essential for improving the biodiversity of a site. Trees are an important habitat for birds, wild animals and insects as well as helping to combat climate change through carbon sequestration.
Crucially, choosing a mix of tree species will benefit biodiversity most effectively in the long-term.
A varied mix of tree species helps to broaden the type of habitats required to protect a range of wildlife and also reduces the risk of certain species succumbing to pest or disease pressures.
Choosing native breeds of trees and plants is the best way to ensure they flourish because they are used to the local climate and soil type.
Read more: Why are Trees Important for Biodiversity? - Woodland Trust
Fruit and nut orchards could be included in tree planting plans. Over time, they will prove beneficial for local communities and wildlife.
Left over fruit could also be composted - a benefit which will require time to establish but will lower the need for external inputs such as brought-in composts or fertilisers.
2. Adding shrubbery and hedgerows
While hedgerows are often associated with improving biodiversity across agricultural land, using them to create boundary lines between houses, gardens, parking spaces and public spaces is an environmentally-friendly alternative to fixed wooden fences.
Hedgerows not only provide safe passages, known as wildlife corridors, for species such as hedgehogs, but can also offer shelter for insects and safe nesting areas for birds. They can also act as an intersect between different habitats. Find out more: Hedgerows through the seasons - CPRE.
Edible weeds can also grow within hedgerow and shrub areas, that are often suitable for both humans and animals, for example nettles, goosegrass and chickweed. Find out more about edible weeds here: Edible Weeds: Foraging in Your Garden - Woodland Trust
As with fruit orchards, choosing fruit bearing trees within the hedgerow mix will offer increased food for wild birds and animals over time, supporting a thriving and diverse wildlife community.
Hedgerows will take time to establish - depending on varieties, this could be three to five years. Caring for them in the initial stages is vital for their successful establishment. Therefore, investing in this biodiversity net gain practice needs to be seen to add value to the development site. Find out more: Plant a hedge l The RSPB
3. Creating water spaces and habitats
Creating water habitats, such as small shallow pond areas, can provide habitats for amphibious species of animals and plants, but will need careful planning to be safe for those living around them.
While it is important not to disturb pre-existing high quality habitat to create a pond, where it is possible and appropriate to create ponds, they are proven to be a highly encouraging option in terms of improving freshwater biodiversity.
Consideration will need to be given to the skill of those making the pond as well as thinking about advice for dog owners in the area to keep dogs safe and reduce disturbance to pond wildlife. Dedicated areas for dogs could be factored in to planning this type of area.
4. Supporting natural habitats
Creating areas for nature to regenerate by itself, undisturbed by humans, is known as re-wilding. Allowing nature to take care of itself in dedicated spaces will show benefits over time by enabling habitats to reform.
Seeing wildlife flourish also offers benefits to those living in the area who might not otherwise have the opportunity to connect with nature. Read more: People and rewilding | Rewilding Britain.
Where previous land use has left very little soil nutrition, adding a wildflower meadow space will help benefit important pollinators, such as bees, and increase food options for other wildlife. Many types of wildflowers can flourish even in poor quality soil.
Wildflower meadows can add instant benefits to nature but they also need to be managed to continue thriving for long periods of time. For instance, removing vigorous weeds as well as saving seeds from the plants to re-sow in the following cycle are management options that will help maintain long-term plant biodiversity within a site. Find out more: Wildflower meadow maintenance / RHS Gardening.
For more information on measuring the impact of these changes, please visit here (fera.co.uk).