Biodiversity Net Gain: BNG credits and services for developers & landowners

• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development and land management that aims to deliver measurable improvements for nature. This is achieved through creating or enhancing habitats for wildlife either on or off the development site, or a combination of the two. Improvements to biodiversity require additional gains of 10% above the existing habitat this means that developments must leave sites in an overall better shape for nature than before development started.

The new Biodiversity Net Gain regulations came into effect in February 2024. Developers in England must deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity for new developments, for at least thirty years. However, SWT aims to deliver an improvement of 20%; we believe this is required to have a true positive impact for nature, and we work with developers on the basis that this is an agreed target.

This requirement can be achieved through:

Developing spaces for nature within development site boundaries

Developing spaces for nature on external sites

Through purchasing statutory Biodiversity Credits through a Government scheme

Achieving BNG requires a unique plan for each business case. If you are a developer or landowner and you would like to know more about implementing BNG solutions in Surrey, please contact us for advice and assistance.

Please email nbs@surreywt.org.uk for information about our BNG consultancy services.

Consultancy Services

Our team of experts in land management, ecology and landscape design provide specific advice tailored to local conditions and habitat sites. 

Our Biodiversity Specialists conduct BNG Assessments to determine biodiversity baselines and can offer advice relating to options available to developers to achieve their BNG target, offering practical and effective solutions to planning obligations and risk management. 

Surrey Wildlife Trust Ecology Services is available to provide ecological monitoring services 

Please email nbs@surreywt.org.uk for information about our BNG consultancy services.

Offsite solutions for achieving BNG

• It is not always possible to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain on-site. In this case, Surrey Wildlife Trust can provide offsite BNG units that meet local infrastructure plans and planning regulations.
• Surrey Wildlife Trust carries out well-informed site selection to ensure our sites provide the best conditions for biodiversity enhancement. We have extensive experience in land management, surveying and habitat restoration. You can therefore have confidence in our ability to ensure you achieve your BNG targets in optimal locations for nature. 

• Habitat Banks are areas of land which provide offsite biodiversity units to Local Planning Authorities and developers who are looking to fulfil their BNG requirements and do more for nature.
• Surrey Wildlife Trust is designing and developing habitat banks with its team of ecologists and nature reserve managers, to create and enhance habitats to their full potential.
• Habitat Bank sites will be owned and managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. Our expertise in land management and conservation will ensure that habitats provide the best possible outcomes for nature and wildlife.
• Income generated from BNG unit sales will be reinvested into the development and management of Habitat Banks and the enhancement of sites for nature across Surrey, meaning all BNG sales will be truly supporting nature’s recovery.