Biodiversity Net Gain: Trees and Woods with Amanda Newsome and Jim Smith

Amanda Newsome and Jim Smith at the Forestry Commission introduce the background, some reflections on the process of developing the new regulations and some of the key implications for tree care professionals.

After some months of delay, the date for mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (or BNG) was finally announced in January 2024. The date of 12th February applies to new planning applications for most major developments. BNG will apply to further development types later in the year. Small sites will require a mandatory gain from April, whilst Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) will require mandatory gain from November. A few developments including high-speed rail and very small and householder projects are exempt from BNG regulations.

To deliver a biodiversity gain, nature must be left in a measurably better state than it was before development. Developers and their teams must identify, map and assess the condition of habitats, as a baseline, within the site footprint. They must quantify potential habitat losses and produce plans and design options accordingly. Finally, they must submit a biodiversity gain plan to demonstrate how they will create or enhance habitats to offset any losses. Ideally, habitat creation and enhancement occur on-site, but offsite arrangements are permissible too.

Amanda Newsome – Biodiversity Net Gain Advisor

Jim Smith – Urban Forestry Advisor

https://trees.org.uk/Help-and-Advice