Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Arbor Vitae specialises in providing comprehensive Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, helping projects meet the UK Government’s requirements for biodiversity enhancement as outlined in the Environment Act 2021. BNG mandates that development projects must deliver at least a 10% biodiversity improvement post-development, compared to the pre-development baseline.
What is BNG?
BNG is a core element of the UK’s commitment to reversing biodiversity loss. It ensures that developments don’t just avoid ecological harm but actively contribute to enhancing biodiversity. This is quantified using biodiversity units, which measure the change in habitat quality and quantity before and after development.
Arbor Vitae ensures your projects not only meet regulatory BNG requirements but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the environment.
How we can support your project
Baseline Surveys & Habitat Assessments: We conduct detailed site surveys to establish the existing biodiversity baseline, identifying habitats and species present, ensuring accurate data for BNG calculations.
Biodiversity Metric Calculation: Using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, we calculate biodiversity units, determining the necessary improvements to meet or exceed the 10% BNG target.
Biodiversity Enhancement Strategies: We provide guidance for habitat restoration, creation of new biodiversity features, or off-site compensatory measures to achieve the required biodiversity gain.
Clear Reporting & Guidance: Our clear, concise reports align with government guidelines, ensuring compliance with BNG requirements. We provide actionable recommendations for maintaining biodiversity improvements throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Phillipa Stirling
Ecologist
Pip is a Qualified Surveyor in the River Condition Assessment (RCA) survey method, which means that Arbor Vitae can complete the ‘watercourse’ tab of the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric. Where a development’s red line boundary sits within 10m of a watercourse (excluding ditches) a full RCA will be required for planning purposes.
Ecology and Wildlife
Agri-Environment Schemes
Forestry and Woodland Management
