Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become a cornerstone of sustainable development in recent years. As urban and rural landscapes evolve, BNG ensures that new developments contribute positively to the environment rather than simply minimising harm. Studio HEDG has long been a pioneer in this field, integrating BNG principles into our projects to support and enhance biodiversity as a fundamental aspect of our work.
The Environment Act has made BNG mandatory for certain developments, outlining new standards and requirements to reshape the planning landscape. Here’s a closer look at the key components of BNG and how Studio HEDG is leading the charge for a greener, more sustainable future.
What is a Biodiversity Net Gain Plan?
A biodiversity gain plan is a carefully constructed document outlining how a proposed development will meet biodiversity net gain objectives. This plan is a mandatory part of the planning process and sets out a project’s commitment to enhancing local biodiversity. By creating a clear, actionable biodiversity net gain plan, developers can show planning authorities exactly how they will offset and exceed any ecological impact their projects may have and meet the standards set out by the local authority.
At Studio HEDG, we take this process seriously. Every project we undertake which requires a biodiversity net gain plan that goes beyond minimum requirements, incorporating innovative strategies tailored to each site’s unique needs. We work closely with planning authorities to ensure our plans meet—and often surpass—the standards laid out by the Environment Act.
The National Biodiversity Credits Scheme
Our primary aim is always to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on-site. However, there are cases where unique constraints or the scale of the landscape make this challenging. In such situations, the National Biodiversity Credits Scheme offers a pathway. Through this scheme, developers can purchase statutory biodiversity credits, administered by Natural England on behalf of the Secretary of State, to fund essential habitat creation elsewhere in the UK. These credits ensure biodiversity can thrive in other important locations even when on-site BNG isn’t feasible.
At Studio HEDG, we view this credit scheme as a valuable but last-resort option. By thoughtfully integrating landscape and architectural design from the outset, we help maximise your Biodiversity Net Gain score and reduce reliance on credits. Investing in intelligent, on-site solutions enhances the project’s ecological value and minimises additional costs associated with credit purchases.
Protecting Irreplaceable Habitats
Irreplaceable habitats like ancient woodlands or certain wetlands possess unique ecological features that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Therefore, the Environment Act has exempted these areas from mandatory BNG requirements, ensuring their preservation and protection.
Studio HEDG strongly believes in this protective approach. Our projects are crafted with sensitivity to these valuable habitats, and when we work near irreplaceable areas, we carefully design our plans to respect and safeguard their ecological integrity. We’re committed to the idea that these irreplaceable sites should be preserved and the surrounding areas enhanced to support their ongoing health and resilience.
The Future of Marine Biodiversity Net Gain
Marine biodiversity considerations emerge as renewable energy expands offshore, mainly through wind farms. While terrestrial BNG practices have established standards, marine ecosystems present unique challenges. Recognising this, Defra’s recent consultation on Principles of Marine Net Gain marks a promising step toward implementing similar standards in aquatic environments.
This is an exciting development for Studio HEDG. We’re already exploring ways to extend BNG principles to marine and coastal projects, preparing for a future where biodiversity net gain will be as integral to our oceans as it is to our forests and fields.
