Bio-Diversity Net Gain - Habitat Banking

Biodiversity Net Gain is a mandatory government policy in England that requires developers to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before their projects began. This policy presents a unique opportunity for farmers to diversify their income by offering land for ecological enhancements.

By creating habitats such as wildflower meadows, native woodlands, or restored wetlands, farmers can generate biodiversity units, which can then be sold to developers needing to meet BNG requirements. In doing so, farmers not only support environmental restoration but also access a new and growing income stream tied to sustainable land management.

Local planning authorities are increasingly requiring Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments as part of the planning application process. These assessments aim to clearly demonstrate how a proposed development will deliver measurable improvements to biodiversity.

In many cases, BNG is not only a policy expectation but also a formal planning condition, meaning it can play a pivotal role in whether planning permission is granted. As a result, the demand for off-site biodiversity units, often supplied by landowners and farmers, is growing and creating new opportunities for farms to contribute to sustainable development while benefiting financially.