Alterations to Biodiversity Net Gain potential endanger natural ecosystems
The UK Government has introduced and is currently refining Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, a policy aimed at improving and creating new habitats for nature in England. Slated to become mandatory for major developments from February 2024 and smaller sites from April 2024, the BNG requires developers to achieve a minimum 10% improvement in biodiversity compared to pre-development conditions[1][4].
However, recent proposals and consultations have raised concerns among environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts. The Government is considering exempting the vast majority of new developments from following BNG, a move that could potentially lead to the destruction of wildlife habitats, particularly during small housing developments[2].
One such instance has been reported in Suffolk, where small housing developments have allegedly removed woodland, trees, hedgerows, and scrub without any measures to offset the loss of these habitats and the biodiversity they support[2]. Rupert Masefield, Planning & Advocacy Manager at Suffolk Wildlife, has expressed his concern about the destruction of wildlife habitats during these developments[2].
The benefits these spaces would have created for people, such as improved local environments, are now at risk. The public consultation, launched to gather people's views on the changes to BNG, offers a chance for people to stand up for nature and express their concerns about the potential weakening of BNG policies[3].
The focus is on ensuring that development and nature can coexist in a sustainable manner. The Government has acknowledged challenges in applying BNG to small developments and brownfield sites and is seeking stakeholder feedback on options such as extending exemptions, simplifying biodiversity metrics for small sites, and improving access to off-site biodiversity markets to ease compliance[3].
The government has also allocated £10 million funding for local planning authorities this financial year to boost ecologist teams, green job creation, and local habitat development, helping authorities effectively manage BNG requirements and assist developers[3].
Biodiversity Net Gain aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than before development, promoting habitat creation and biodiversity improvements over the long term[1][4]. If successful, these measures will contribute significantly to nature recovery goals in England. However, the success of these measures depends on effective consultation outcomes, local authority capacity, and market development for biodiversity credits.
It is crucial for the public to respond to the consultation and speak up for nature. The loss of wildflower meadows, wetlands, and woodlands could be detrimental to wildlife and nature recovery if these proposals are implemented. BNG is an important step towards addressing biodiversity loss and benefits the local environment. Campaigning against the Government's proposed policies to support smaller developers in building houses that are better for nature could help ensure a more sustainable future for both development and wildlife.
References: [1] Defra. (2021). Biodiversity Net Gain: Consultation on the draft statutory guidance and the Biodiversity Metric. Retrieved from
- The government's proposed changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies, despite concerns, aim to integrate science and environmental-science to create healthier and more biodiversity-rich workplaces, in line with health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise principles for positive climate-change mitigation.
- By advocating for stronger BNG regulations during the public consultation, individuals can contribute to the promotion of science, environmental-science, and wildlife preservation, ensuring a sustainable outcome for both development and the environment.
- The successful implementation of BNG policies could lead to significant improvements in biodiversity, fostering a greater understanding of wildlife habitats and contributing to the broader field of science and wildlife conservation.
