Meet your Biodiversity Net Gain obligations
Work with the RSPB to plan and implement your Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategy. Here you can find out how to partner with us to make a real, lasting impact on nature.
On this page
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a way of enhancing biodiversity and contributing to nature’s recovery in England through the planning process. It was introduced by the Environment Act 2021.
New rules mean that many developments must give a Biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10%. Developers must improve areas of natural habitat, either onsite, or by purchasing off-site BNG units from someone like the RSPB.
If it is implemented effectively, Biodiversity Net Gain can help nature by making sure habitats are in a better state than before a development, by raising funds for more nature restoration, and by disincentivising development on important habitats.
RSPB Habitat Bank Locations
All habitat banks have to be formally registered with Natural England. This map describes the progress we are making towards registering each of our banks. Developers are incentivised to purchase off site BNG units as close to their development as possible, so the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and National Character Areas (NCA) are useful ways to show the location of each habitat bank.
Useful links
How the RSPB can help with Biodiversity Net Gain
Our BNG units are generated from existing RSPB nature reserves. This means that the benefits to nature go well beyond the 30-year lifetime of the units.
The RSPB currently manages 116 nature reserves in England covering 62,600 hectares, and we’re one of the top ten landowners in the UK. From coastal cliffs to ancient woodland, these wild landscapes are home to thousands of species. This scale and the RSPB's expertise mean we can supply a variety of Biodiversity Net Gain unit types from across England.
We can also help you assess the habitat value of your sites, write biodiversity gain plans, and design and manage BNG units on your land.
How does Biodiversity Net Gain help the RSPB?
Funding generated from selling Biodiversity Net Gain units can help us create more habitat and manage more land with nature in mind.
Our BNG sites are designed purely for the best outcomes for nature and local communities. We do not modify those plans to maximise the number of BNG units available.
Sales of Biodiversity Net Gain units can help us carry out habitat creation that we have planned, but do not have the funding for.
Want to know more?
If you’re looking to meet your Biodiversity Net Gain obligations or become a more sustainable business, contact us to find out how to make a lasting impact on nature.
Biodiversity Enhancement in Scotland
The net gain requirement in Scotland is called Biodiversity Enhancement, and the Scottish Government is still developing guidance on how the system will work. If you are interested in working with us on Biodiversity Enhancement, please contact: [email protected]