Biodiversity Net Gain

For decades, building development has been a significant cause of nature loss. But a new legal requirement in England, known as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) offers the potential for developers to take a different approach to help deliver more for nature - contributing to its recovery - rather than driving its decline.

The Wildlife Trusts have actively contributed to the evolution of the Biodiversity Net Gain priniciple for many years, with a focus on achieving the highest possible standards for wildlife - recognising development is often necessary, but that it does not have to be achieved in a way that destroys nature.

In recent years, Wildlife Trusts have invested in developing high quality and high integrity solutions to Biodiversity Net Gain that deliver for both nature and society in perpetuity.

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To find out about the legal requirements and how Biodiversity Net Gain 'habitat units' work visit the UK Government's website.

Operating across the breadth and depth of the country we have decades on unmatched experience, knowledge and expertise in the delivery of high-quality natural habitats, both on our own nature reserves and working within communities to advise, support and empower others to achieve the same.

As providers of Biodiversity Net Gain habitat, The Wildlife Trusts offer high quality habitat delivery that offers genuinely additional and permanent gains in biodiversity. As a 'go-to' provider, we have:

• integrity, knowledge and experience
• a trusted and reliable track record in the delivery of green finance schemes
• longevity - ensuring land acquired will remain in secure long-term custodianship
• established local partnerships and credibility
• experience of offering specialist advice and consultancy to developers and local planning authorities
• strong connections with local communities with a proven ability to facilitate, engage and empower others to take action for nature
• nature conservation as our primary charitable objective - so ALL funding is invested with the purpose of delivering more for biodiversity; distinguishing The Wildlife Trusts and environmental charities from other habitat providers in the market place.

At The Wildlife Trusts we are committed to delivering the best outcomes for nature. With other major nature charities, we have established a clear set of guiding principles, which in some places set the bar higher than UK Government regulations and guidance. This is to ensure genuinely additional and permanent gains that support nature's recovery and benefit both wildlife and people well beyond the required 30 years required.

Read our Nature Market Principles