Proposed Changes to Biodiversity Net Gain Risk Nature’s Recovery
BNG was introduced to help reverse the decline of nature. Weakening it now would take away one of the few tools we have to restore what has already been lost.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) means that any new development must have a clear, measurable positive effect on biodiversity. in other words, nature should be in a better condition (net gain) after the development than it was before.
BNG was introduced by the Environment Act 2021 to help improve nature and support its recovery in England through the planning system. It’s a clear and consistent way to make sure new developments also help restore the natural environment.
It’s important to note that BNG focuses on improving habitats, not on individual species that might be found in the area.
What's changing?
The UK Government has recently consulted on changes to the Biodiversity Net Gain system that would undermine nature recovery across England.
The proposals would weaken Biodiversity Net Gain; instead of building on early progress, the UK Government is proposing to strip back a system that is just beginning to work.
If approved, the changes would remove requirements for most developments to act responsibly for nature. This would shut down one of the most important ways to rebuild wildlife and ecosystems at a time when nature desperately needs it.
To truly restore nature at scale, governments must work in partnership with businesses and environmental organisations, providing clear, science-based frameworks like Biodiversity Net Gain, that empower responsible action and unlock private investment in nature recover.
Major infrastructure plans are inadequate
The same rules are being proposed for major infrastructure as for small housing projects. But large schemes like roads and rail have far greater, longer lasting impacts. Without a stronger and adequate system for our biggest infrastructure projects, we risk their nature recovery being delivered through scattered habitat patches, missing the chance to restore nature at the scale and integrity it needs.
Low ambition for high impact projects
Big developments currently only need to deliver a 10% gain in biodiversity. That’s not enough. These projects are among the biggest drivers of habitat loss and should be doing far more to help put back what has already been lost.
Public pressure has made a difference
These proposals come alongside wider threats to nature recovery. Public pressure has helped push The Planning and Infrastructure Bill to undergo key amendments, but there’s more to do.
Now, with Biodiversity Net Gain posed to be weakened, it’s clear that nature will continue to be sidelined unless we speak up and challenge this damaging rollback. Thank you to the over 8,000 who used your voice to speak up against the proposed changes. Biodiversity Net Gain was introduced to help reverse the decline of nature. Weakening it now would take away one of the few tools we have to restore what has already been lost.