Biodiversity Net Gain Projects
With BNG coming into force in February 2024, a biodiversity increase of at least 10% has become a mandatory requirement for all developments covering an area of 25m2 or above, excluding some particular exemptions.
In the simplest terms, BNG means that habitats contained within project site areas must be left in a measurably better state than they were before development, or new habitats must be created.
In October of last year, Exo Environmental completed Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) surveys for two different clients: North Norfolk District Council, and a private landowner in Suffolk.
The first survey was undertaken on behalf of North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), who were looking to resurface a car park near the cliffside on Runton Road in Cromer.
The Exo team evaluated the site area using a combination of both satellite imagery and on-site visits to determine four factors: the types of habitat present, their area in hectares, their distinctiveness, and their condition.
This allows us to determine how many biodiversity units are lost during development but also which remaining habitats can be enhanced to achieve that 10% increase.
These enhancements are then compiled into a simple list, keeping things as straightforward as possible for our clients
Achieving BNG responsibilities can often be simple, as was the case with this particular development. Recommendations for NNDC included reducing mowing pressure on the grassland and to monitor natural wildflower colonisation and only intervene if necessary.
The second survey was for a private client at their property on the River Stour in Suffolk and concerned the redevelopment of the seawall and nearby garden.
This project managed to achieve its BNG requirements quite easily because it replaced the existing seawall with Integrated Greening of Grey Infrastructure (IGGI) from our sister company, Exo Engineering.
IGGI is assigned a higher distinctiveness score than conventional hard structures, meaning it has a higher value for biodiversity.
This new seawall will allow for the creation of valuable mudflat habitats and meant the BNG value for this project is projected to be almost 40%!
If you believe your project may be subject to Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, please get in touch with us to find out how we can ensure your project is compliant.