Comment piece – Ian Hambleton, Biodiversity Units UK
For the past 18 months we have done a deep dive into Biodiversity Net Gain and Property Development, and it revealed just how complex this space is. The learning curve has been steep for everyone. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has added a whole new layer to an already complicated planning process.
We have spoken to literally hundreds of property developers, planning consultants, architects, ecologists and habitat providers. The legislation is new, and there’s a lot of uncertainty around it. Everyone is trying to figure out just what the heck they are in for.
On one side, developers are navigating slow, lengthy projects that can span years. They face multiple hurdles—planning permissions, environmental issues, and even risk management. On the other side, rewilding and habitat restoration projects are long-term commitments. These aim to improve ecosystems over 30 years, requiring upfront investment and strategic planning.
At Biodiversity Units UK we originally thought we could build a technology platform to facilitate this but BNG is so new and ever evolving, we realised quickly we needed to shift the model to being much more advisory, helping and educating clients.
Which is why we have focused on a mission of giving developers ‘BNG Certainty’ and bringing simplicity to the BNG process wherever we can.
The Nightmare Scenario
For many developers, it feels like walking through a minefield—one wrong step could cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. And we’re not talking about small risks.
The Nightmare Scenario is real: spending £250,000 or even £500,000 on biodiversity units, only to find out later that you bought the wrong stuff and can’t use it. Now stuck with units that can’t help you get through planning or are stopping you from commencing construction.
Imagine going to your boss and saying, ‘I’ve just spent £500,000 on a bunch of BNG Units that are not right. And by the way, we’re not going to get that project through planning because of it.’ You don’t want to be that person.
The uncertainty of new legislation means that developers are often left guessing.
- What will actually get them through planning?
- When should they buy the credits?
- How much will it cost?
There’s so much riding on these decisions.
Finding Clarity
This is where the concept of BNG Certainty comes into play. It’s about removing the guesswork, so developers don’t have to live in fear. With more BNG certainty, developers can create a clear path forward. They know they’re buying the right biodiversity units at the right time, for the right project, and they can move forward with confidence.
With the right guidance, developers can avoid buying units they can’t use.
They can time purchases correctly and make sure that planning applications sail through smoothly. If you’re seeing the BNG DEFRA metric for the first time, and it’s a tiny part of your job, it’s incredibly confusing.
The uncertainty around BNG can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Understanding What Biodiversity Net Gain Is
So how do developers avoid this “Nightmare Scenario”? It starts with understanding what biodiversity units actually are. They’re not just a tick-box for compliance—they’re a commitment to improving land over time. Biodiversity units are about the delta—the improvement from what the land was to what it will become. Developers need to know that they’re investing in transforming poor-quality land into something better.
And the timing is crucial. If they buy too early or too late, they risk getting stuck with units they can’t use when they need them.
This is where finding BNG certainty becomes invaluable.
By working with people like us – who understand the legislation, the planning process, and the risks – developers can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Getting proper commercial advice and strategy on BNG, which you’re unlikely to get from an ecologist.
A New Mindset: Developers Embracing BNG
Interestingly, once developers get past the initial frustration, many are starting to embrace BNG. They understand that people care about the environment and that their projects are more likely to face opposition if they don’t include environmental benefits.
BNG gives developers an opportunity to contribute positively to the environment. It’s not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating a legacy of greener, more sustainable communities. And with the right support, they can do that with confidence, avoiding the risks and uncertainties that come with navigating new legislation on their own.
Why Biodiversity Matters – for You and Your Family
As we have seen, biodiversity isn’t just about preserving nature—it’s about creating healthier, happier environments for people and their families. It is increasing the quality of what is already there, not simply keeping it the same.
Imagine taking your kids to a park filled with wildflowers, birds, and natural beauty. When local ecosystems thrive, we all benefit. Cleaner air, more green spaces, and richer wildlife all contribute to our overall well-being. That’s the vision behind biodiversity net gain (BNG)—bringing nature closer to home and making it part of our everyday lives.
It’s about more than fighting climate change in the abstract – this is something real, something you can see and experience every day. Bringing nature closer to people is emotionally powerful.
The Importance of BNG Legislation
BNG is a smart piece of legislation. It’s not just another bureaucratic hurdle; it’s about ensuring that developers don’t just offset their environmental impact but actively improve the natural world by at least 10%. Before this, developments could chip away at ecosystems, leaving communities worse off. Now, developers have to give something back—creating greener spaces that benefit everyone.
And this isn’t just a short-term fix. BNG locks in positive environmental changes for 30 years, ensuring that the benefits last for future generations. This kind of forward-thinking legislation is essential for both the planet and the people who live on it.
Developers are now part of a bigger mission, contributing to a greener, healthier world.