The BNG Hierarchy: Why You Can’t Just ‘Buy Your Way Out’ (and How to Get it Right)
If you’re a developer, architect, or landowner in the UK, you’ve likely spent the last few years getting your head around Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Since it became mandatory for most developments, the conversation has often revolved around the “10% rule.” But there is another rule that is arguably more important, and it’s one that […]
Offsetting vs On-Site BNG: Which Is Cheaper for Small Developments?
For small developments, off-site BNG is often cheaper overall when you account for land take, habitat creation, legal agreements, monitoring, and 30-year management risk. On-site BNG can still be the better option where space is available and habitats are simple to deliver, but the cheapest route depends on the site’s baseline, scheme layout, local authority […]
The New 0.2 Hectare BNG Exemption Explained: What Small Developers Need to Know for 2026
If you’ve been working in the small-scale development space over the last couple of years, you’ll know that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been a bit of a headache. While the goal of leaving nature better than we found it is something we all get behind, the administrative burden on tiny sites has often felt… […]
The Brutal Truth About Bat Survey Costs: How to Stop Wasting Money in 2026
Let’s be honest: nobody wakes up in the morning excited to spend thousands of pounds on a species that sleeps in their roof and poops on their windows. If you’re a developer, a homeowner, or a land manager in 2026, you likely view bat survey costs as a “tax” on your progress. At The BNG […]
How to Create a Profitable Habitat Bank: The 2026 Landowner’s Guide to Biodiversity Units
Remember 2024? Back when Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was the “new kid” on the planning block and landowners were still scratching their heads over the word “additionality”? Fast forward to March 2026, and the landscape has changed. What was once a confusing regulatory hurdle has blossomed into a sophisticated green secondary market. For landowners, habitat […]
Buy BNG Units: A guide to Biodiversity Net Gain Unit sales for developers
Buying biodiversity units has become an essential part of the UK planning system, making it a crucial requirement for developers. With the implementation of the Environment Act 2021, new developments in England are mandated to achieve a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) compared to the site’s baseline conditions before development. This shift emphasises […]
What is the Small Sites Metric (SSM) and when can it be used?
What is the Small Sites Metric (SSM)? The Small Sites Metric (SSM) is a streamlined calculation tool introduced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to assist developers, designers, and planners involved in smaller development projects. This tool is crucial for ensuring compliance with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. Instead of utilizing […]