Biodiversity Net Gain

At Gradwell Ecology, we believe that development and nature can thrive together. Our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) solutions ensure that every project we work on leaves the natural environment in a better state than before. With increasing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements, BNG is no longer an option but a necessity for sustainable development.

Gradwell Ecology is at the forefront of delivering innovative, compliant, and ecologically sound BNG solutions tailored to developers, local authorities, and landowners. Our expert team helps you navigate the complexities of biodiversity policies while ensuring your projects meet legal requirements and enhance local ecosystems.

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What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a measurable approach to improving biodiversity in the development process. It ensures that projects leave the environment in a better condition than before by enhancing habitats, protecting wildlife, and integrating nature-based solutions into development planning. In line with UK government regulations, developers are required to deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity.

BNG supports sustainable land use and development, ensuring that construction, urban expansion, and infrastructure projects contribute positively to the environment rather than depleting natural resources.

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Pricing

See our prices below to give you a rough idea on costs

BNG Small sites metric

Get all the BNG documents you need with a one-off payment.

From £495

per project
On-Site Biodiversity Survey – A full ecological survey conducted by our experts to assess existing habitats.
Complete Metric Calculations – Accurate biodiversity metric calculations using the official Small Sites Metric (SSM)
Baseline & Post-Development Habitat Plans – Clear and detailed habitat maps showing changes before and after development.
Produce a complete metric sheet
Comprehensive Documentation – Submission-ready reports, including supporting evidence, photographs, and justifications.
Ongoing Support & Revisions – Guidance throughout the process with expert advice and necessary adjustments to meet planning requirements.
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BNG

We assist you in real time via video call, guiding you every step of the way.

From £950

per project
Comprehensive On-Site Survey – Our team will visit the site to assess existing habitats and collect all necessary data.
Full Biodiversity Metric Calculations – We will calculate the biodiversity value of the site using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric or the Small Sites Metric (SSM) where applicable.
Baseline & Post - Development Habitat Plans – We will produce clear habitat maps showing existing conditions and proposed biodiversity enhancements.
Biodiversity Gain Plan (BNG Plan) – A fully compliant Biodiversity Gain Plan, including justifications, habitat enhancements, and compliance with BNG requirements.
Full Submission-Ready Documentation – All required metric spreadsheets, reports, and supporting evidence (including photographs and ecological justifications) for planning approval
Ongoing Support & Revisions – We provide expert guidance, answer planning authority queries, and revise calculations if needed to ensure approval.
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PEA & BNG

Get access to the BNG tool for your team - ideal for businesses.

From  £1195

/ inc. VAT per project
Comprehensive On-Site Survey – We conduct a full site assessment, including habitat and ecological surveys, to gather all required data.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) Report – A detailed report identifying existing habitats, protected species potential, ecological constraints, and recommendations for mitigation or enhancement.
Full Biodiversity Metric Calculations – We calculate biodiversity value using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric or Small Sites Metric (SSM) where applicable
Baseline & Post - Development Habitat Plans – We will produce clear habitat maps showing existing conditions and proposed biodiversity enhancements.
Full Submission - Ready Documentation – All required metric spreadsheets, reports, and supporting evidence (including photographs and ecological justifications) for planning approval
Ongoing Support & Revisions – We provide expert guidance, answer planning authority queries, and revise calculations if needed to ensure approval.
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Why Choose Us?

Gradwell Ecology is a leading ecological consultancy with extensive experience in conducting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
1

Expert-Led BNG Solutions – Our team of ecologists, planners, and environmental consultants has extensive experience in developing and implementing BNG strategies. We work closely with developers and local authorities to integrate biodiversity enhancement measures into projects from the planning stage to post-development monitoring.

2

Regulatory Compliance and Planning Support – Navigating biodiversity regulations can be complex. Our experts provide comprehensive guidance on BNG policies, ensuring compliance with The Environment Act 2021 and local planning requirements. We help developers meet the mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain threshold while balancing project feasibility and ecological benefits.

3

Cost-Effective and Practical Solutions – We understand the financial implications of BNG requirements. Our team designs cost-effective biodiversity strategies that align with your budget while delivering ecological improvements. By implementing efficient habitat creation and enhancement techniques, we help minimize costs while maximizing biodiversity value.

4

Enhancing Land Value Through Nature-Based Solutions – Biodiversity improvements can enhance property value, attract investors, and improve community well-being. Green spaces, natural habitats, and sustainable landscapes make developments more appealing while meeting corporate sustainability goals and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.

The Benefits of Biodiversity Net Gain

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1

Regulatory Compliance – Meets legal BNG requirements under the Environment Act 2021.

3

Financial Incentives – BNG can increase land value, attract investors, and provide revenue through biodiversity credits.

4

Sustainable Development – Balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.

2

Environmental Protection – Enhances habitats, protects wildlife, and promotes ecosystem resilience.

5

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & ESG Benefits – Demonstrates commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

How to Get Started with Gradwell Ecology?

Get Started
1

Initial Consultation: Contact our team for a free consultation to discuss your BNG requirements. We will assess your project’s impact and outline potential biodiversity enhancements.

2

BNG Assessment & Planning: Our experts conduct ecological surveys, impact assessments, and BNG metric calculations to develop a tailored strategy that aligns with your project’s needs.

3

Implementation & Monitoring: We deliver on-site habitat creation, biodiversity offsetting, and long-term monitoring to ensure compliance and ecological success.

4

Sustainable Management & Reporting: Gradwell Ecology provides ongoing support to help you maintain biodiversity net gain commitments and meet regulatory reporting standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is BNG calculated?
What happens if my project does not meet BNG requirements?
Who needs to implement BNG?
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Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment

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Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Rated 4.8 / 5 based on 1,656 reviews. Showing our 4 & 5 star reviews
BNG Assessments from

£800.00

+ VAT
Certified by the following organisations

We provide Energy Certificates for every type of building!

Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are a legal requirement to have in place when you sell or lease a non domestic property anywhere in the UK.

Since the introduction of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation in April 2018 properties with an EPC rating of F or G cannot be let out until work has been carried out to improve the rating to at least an E. This has led to many banks and financial institutions now refusing to carry out sale transactions on F and G rated properties.

As well as providing Commercial EPCs, we can also provide tailored advice on the most cost effective and least disruptive ways to improve your rating to your desired rating with our MEES Consultation service.

1
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Simply request your quote using our contact form or by phone. Our customer care team will quickly get in touch during opening hours.
2
Survey
& Payment
We will arrange an appointment with you, carry out the survey, and once completed send you an invoice.
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EPC Instantly
As soon as we receive payment of the invoice, we will email your EPC. We also offer corporate accounts, with survey delivery on completion and monthly billing.

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BNG Report you'll receive

Easy EPC have a highly skilled team of NDEA assessors, covering all of the UK. All our assessors are fully accredited and insured. Our assessors on the road are supported by our technical team, which ensures we are able to produce your Commercial EPCs quickly and accurately, working to the very highest standard.

After the site visit it takes about 4 working days to produce your EPC. Once complete you will receive 2 documents, the EPC itself, which is valid for 10 years, and a recommendation report which gives advice on how to improve the rating of your property.

The advice on the recommendation report is produced automatically by the software, and the assessor then removes recommendations that are not suitable for your property, and may add other recommendations that they judge to be more appropriate. The advice on the recommendation report is fairly generic.

If you need more detailed advice specifically tailored to your property then we can also provide this as a separate product with our Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) consultation service.

Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Rated 4.8 / 5 based on 1,656 reviews. Showing our 4 & 5 star reviews

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a transformative approach to development and conservation, ensuring that post-construction environments exhibit greater biodiversity than before. This principle has been made compulsory for all new developments across England, including those deemed nationally significant infrastructure projects. Beginning in February 2024, the legislation stipulates that these projects are required to deliver at least a 10% improvement in terms of biodiversity value. Developers can achieve this net gain by enhancing on-site natural features or supporting off-site ecological improvements—or alternatively by securing statutory biodiversity credits that represent quantified increases in nature’s richness.

Established through the Environment Act passed in November 2021, BNG aims for long-lasting positive impacts on ecosystems from every development project undertaken. As part of its guidelines, developers must ensure any habitat enhancements last no fewer than three decades—a provision put forth to guarantee enduring advantages for wildlife and plant life alike.

Going beyond mere compliance with legal requirements, achieving BNG presents an avenue for constructive engagement with environmental stewardship among developers. Pursuing strategies aligned with BNG principles empowers them not only to mitigate but also reverse declines in native species and habitats while fostering sustainable growth within their sectors—marking a commitment toward bolstering our planet’s biological diversity through conscious building efforts.

The Role Of Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain assessments form the core of the BNG system, designed to enhance biodiversity value after development takes place. The purpose is to measure and compare a site’s ecological worth before any changes occur and following completion of the project. Such assessments use an established statutory biodiversity metric that provides uniformity and precision in measurement. To establish improvement benchmarks, these evaluations focus on capturing pre-development biodiversity values, which stay unaltered throughout the duration permitted for planning.

The standardized method applied across England to appraise relative biodiversity value during development projects comes from DEFRA’s statutory biodiversity metric. It serves as a benchmarking tool facilitating comparisons between different developments by quantifying their effects on local ecosystems consistently. This mechanism ensures developers are aware of how their projects impact ecological balance while mandating compensatory enhancements or exceeding them where losses occur.

Completing a B&D assessment necessitates meticulous recording of existing environmental elements and living habitats at risk within developmental areas—identifying all relevant species along with significant ecosystems present beforehand. Gathering such comprehensive data is crucial when devising an effective plan aimed at securing not just compensation but actual advances in post-development biodiversity through clearly laid out strategies demonstrating attainable net gains over time.

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Habitat Enhancement Strategies

Strategies for enhancing habitats are critical to securing a net gain in biodiversity. These strategies strive to both establish new habitats and elevate the condition of existing ones, thereby bolstering species diversity and the functions they provide within ecosystems. Should prior measures fall short of attaining the targeted biodiversity net gain, it becomes imperative to forge new habitats at the project site itself. To this end, initiatives might encompass sowing indigenous plant species, rehabilitating deteriorated environments, or constructing passages that facilitate wildlife movement.

At a local level, Nature Recovery Strategies play an instrumental part in guiding how and where these gains in biodiversity should be achieved – pinpointing specific locations along with suitable types of habitat development involved. This ensures that any enhancement efforts undertaken align strategically with ecological needs for maximum impact.

By deploying robust strategies aimed at fostering habitat improvements effectively, developers not only significantly boost on-site biological diversity but also contribute positively towards overarching objectives focused on conservational outcomes.

How do I book?

To get a quote for a BNG assessment complete the form above, alternatively send us an email to admin@gradwellgroup.co.uk

The basic information we need to be able to provide you with a price for the survey is:

Red line boundary plan
Site Plan
Site address & postcode
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Our prices start from £99.95 + VAT, depending on size and location of the property.

Key Components of a Biodiversity Net Gain Plan

A critical aspect of sustainable development is the Biodiversity Gain Plan, which outlines mandatory steps that developers must take to ensure they meet biodiversity net gain requirements. The plan should comprehensively specify how a minimum of 10% increase in biodiversity value will be realized through various enhancement and mitigation efforts. It needs to include detailed data encompassing existing biodiversity metrics as well as comparisons between pre-development and post-development scenarios.

The two principal elements within the Biodiversity Gain Plan are strategies for habitat improvement and measures for mitigating harm. Enhancement strategies concentrate on constructing and enriching habitats, aiming to bolster species diversity along with ecosystem services. Mitigation tactics strive to minimize detrimental effects on these environments while compensating for any inevitable damage caused by development activities so that overall net gains in post-development biodiversity are guaranteed.

Habitat Enhancement Strategies

Strategies for enhancing habitats are critical to securing a net gain in biodiversity. These strategies strive to both establish new habitats and elevate the condition of existing ones, thereby bolstering species diversity and the functions they provide within ecosystems. Should prior measures fall short of attaining the targeted biodiversity net gain, it becomes imperative to forge new habitats at the project site itself. To this end, initiatives might encompass sowing indigenous plant species, rehabilitating deteriorated environments, or constructing passages that facilitate wildlife movement.

At a local level, Nature Recovery Strategies play an instrumental part in guiding how and where these gains in biodiversity should be achieved – pinpointing specific locations along with suitable types of habitat development involved. This ensures that any enhancement efforts undertaken align strategically with ecological needs for maximum impact.

By deploying robust strategies aimed at fostering habitat improvements effectively, developers not only significantly boost on-site biological diversity but also contribute positively towards overarching objectives focused on conservational outcomes.

Key Components of a Biodiversity Net Gain Plan

A critical aspect of sustainable development is the Biodiversity Gain Plan, which outlines mandatory steps that developers must take to ensure they meet biodiversity net gain requirements. The plan should comprehensively specify how a minimum of 10% increase in biodiversity value will be realized through various enhancement and mitigation efforts. It needs to include detailed data encompassing existing biodiversity metrics as well as comparisons between pre-development and post-development scenarios.

The two principal elements within the Biodiversity Gain Plan are strategies for habitat improvement and measures for mitigating harm. Enhancement strategies concentrate on constructing and enriching habitats, aiming to bolster species diversity along with ecosystem services. Mitigation tactics strive to minimize detrimental effects on these environments while compensating for any inevitable damage caused by development activities so that overall net gains in post-development biodiversity are guaranteed.

Meeting Biodiversity Net Gain Requirements

The planning process now necessitates adherence to mandatory biodiversity net gain stipulations, as enforced by the Environment Act. It is a requirement that all development projects bring about at least a 10% enhancement in terms of biodiversity value, with this improvement being quantified using the Biodiversity Metric. As a result, developments are expected not only to avoid damage but also to actively enhance local ecosystems. Local plans must clearly depict how they will achieve these gains through various development initiatives.

It falls upon local planning authorities to review and confirm the accuracy of developers’ submissions concerning their calculations according to the Biodiversity Metric, ensuring compliance with established standards. A prerequisite for initiating any form of development includes obtaining approval for a Biodiversity Gain Plan from the relevant local planning authority under an imposed biodiversity gain condition—a plan which has robust evidence supporting anticipated net gains essential for granting permission for construction activities.

When recent changes within habitats have been minimal or non-existent, developers may incorporate data from past surveys into current assessments. This provision allows them to use historical yet reliable habitat information in fulfilling requirements where applicable. There exists an obligation spanning no less than 30 years regarding maintenance enhancements tied directly to on-site habitats as part of ongoing planning obligations—this extended timeframe ensures that achieved biodiverse benefits persist well into future decades.

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Our prices start from £800.00 + VAT, depending on size and location of the site.

Calculating Biodiversity Units

Achieving biodiversity net gain necessitates the accurate calculation of biodiversity units. For development projects to satisfy prescribed criteria, they must engage the statutory biodiversity metric when evaluating these units. This assessment hinges on various aspects such as type, size, distinctiveness, condition, and strategic location of habitats, which are essential in precisely determining the number of biodiversity units and confirming that there is a net gain.

During major developments’ planning process stages, it’s mandatory for them to integrate this standardized biodiversity metric into their assessments. The application ensures uniformity and precision across diverse initiatives concerning evaluations related to natural diversity. Accurate delineation and measurement of habitat areas using this metric tool are pivotal for accurately representing their value for biological diversity. Optimizing design processes through continuous use with an aim towards enhancing overall gains in biological diversity becomes crucial for developers.

In cases involving irreplaceable habitats—considered typically beyond compensation due to their unique characteristics—it’s acknowledged that they do not add toward measurable increases in ecological richness unless accompanied by particular enhancement measures aimed at augmenting them directly or indirectly while ensuring conservation efforts persist unharmed by developmental impacts. Therein lies a key principle behind preserving ecosystems’ core values among development undertakings according to targeted standards set out by regulations governing how environments benefit from proposed activities via documented evidence showcasing compliance alongside beneficial contributions geared towards sustaining nature’s variety.

Off-Site Biodiversity Gains

When on-site habitat improvements do not suffice to fulfill net gain objectives, off-site biodiversity gains become essential. These can be acquired by entering into either conservation covenants or Section 106 agreements with the understanding that both cannot be used simultaneously. Developers have the option to acquire off-site biodiversity units from landowners who undertake enhancements on their property or purchase credits from state-sanctioned habitat banks, offering a solution for developers to satisfy biodiversity net gain requirements when they are unable to achieve them onsite.

To encourage developers first and foremost towards improving habitats at development sites themselves, biodiversity credits carry costs above typical market values - elevating on-site advancements as primary over alternate offsite solutions in terms of consideration.

Local planning authorities bear the responsibility for monitoring whether offsite gains are properly recorded and attributed. These intrinsic achievements must endure a minimum period of thirty years upkeep. Through securing such external contributions towards ecological improvement, constructors can reach mandated benchmarks for net gain while also aiding wider preservation initiatives.

The Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy

The Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy offers a structured approach for attaining biodiversity net gain, emphasizing the execution of the most efficacious measures first. The hierarchy provides an ordered strategy to enhance positive outcomes for biodiversity where foremost actions are directed at completely sidestepping impacts on biodiversity. In scenarios where avoidance is unfeasible, it progresses through minimizing negative effects, restoring affected habitats, and compensating any remaining detrimental impacts.

Biodiversity Gain Plans must reflect developers’ compliance with this prioritized framework by showcasing strategies employed to circumvent, reduce and rectify harm to biodiversity before resorting to compensation options. Regulatory bodies responsible for planning must take into account how well these plans adhere to the hierarchical structure when evaluating them.

Adhering strictly to the steps laid out in the Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy enables projects not only meet obligatory requirements but also contribute beneficially towards achieving a net increase in biodiversity. This methodical process underscores initiatives that yield maximum advantages for biodiverse ecosystems while managing potential repercussions in an efficient manner.

BNG For Planning Permission

Engaging with local planning authorities early on can make navigating the complexities of biodiversity net gain in the planning process more straightforward. This proactive approach ensures that considerations for biodiversity net gain are woven into the project from its inception.

The National Planning Policy Framework endorses initiatives aiming to achieve a quantifiable increase in biodiversity value, setting forth guidelines for both developers and local planning authorities to integrate these gains within various stages of development. A key stipulation is fulfilling a minimum 10% enhancement in biodiversity value as part of securing permission for projects.

Subsequent to obtaining approval for plans, it’s imperative that an endorsed Biodiversity Gain Plan be presented before any construction commences. Local authorities may necessitate supplemental details concerning how developments will meet requirements related to net gains in biodiversity when reviewing applications. Developers who proceed without sanctioned Biodiversity Gain Plans risk enforcement measures being taken against them. Successfully managing this aspect of the development process not only aligns with regulations, but also contributes beneficially towards preservation efforts.

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Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
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Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Such fantastic staff
Such fantastic staff, everyone I spoke to was so friendly and quick working. Would re...
Ilki Jackson, 5 days ago
Rated 4.8 / 5 based on 1,656 reviews. Showing our 4 & 5 star reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Section

What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
How is the pre-development biodiversity value calculated?
What are the long-term habitat management requirements for BNG?
Can off-site biodiversity units be used to meet BNG requirements?
What is the role of the Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy in BNG?
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