What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is new Government legislation which is intended to ensure that nature does not lose out when land is developed.
From January 2024, developers will be required to leave the natural world in a better state than it was prior to their development taking place.
The new policy means that almost all developments that get built will need to result in a 10% increase in natural habitat. Many developers will be able to achieve this on the development site itself, by putting in features such as ponds or wildlife areas.
But if they’re not able to do this on their own site, they will need to create this natural habitat elsewhere – offering a diversification opportunity for farmers and landowners.
Working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
As the county’s leading nature conservation charity, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is keen to ensure that Biodiversity Net Gain leads to the best outcomes for nature. We are working with local authorities, farmers, landowners and developers to make sure that BNG funds are used to create the right habitats in the right locations, to build a Nature Recovery Network.
If you are involved in Biodiversity Net Gain in Staffordshire, whether as a developer, ecologist, landowner or farmer, we are keen to work with you.
We have a wealth of experience in delivering habitat improvement projects and can provide you with expertise and advice at every step of your project.
Get more information on Biodiversity Net Gain
Net Gain Staffordshire
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has developed a new website to guide the delivery of BNG and help to ensure the right habitat restoration or creation is carried out in the right locations. www.netgainstaffs.com is designed to support developers, landowners and local authorities in making sure that BNG aligns with the priorities of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Staffordshire.
Watch our video about Net Gain Staffordshire below, or read more.
Get in touch about Biodiversity Net Gain
Check out the links above for more information on Biodiversity Net Gain for landowners, farmers and developers.
Still have questions? Contact our Environmental Net Gain Manager.