BiodiversityView FAQs
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation aims to create and improve natural habitats. Developers are legally required to ensure there has been a measurable positive impact (10% net gain) on biodiversity post-development. This can be done on site by the developer or alternatively off-site, where landowners can create habitat banks and sell ‘biodiversity units’ back to developers.
In England, BNG was made mandatory on 12 February 2024 under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021). Ensuring a 10% BNG, guarantees that new or better quality natural habitat will be created. In turn this provides space for nature, creating a network of higher value habitat across the country.
BNG is measured by the standardised measurement of biodiversity units. A single habitat can contain a number of units, depending on its’ size, location, quality and type. These units are measured using the DEFRA ‘Biodiversity metric calculator’. The metric calculates unit net gain by measuring baseline habitat units before development and then measuring the new and improved habitat units post-development.
Habitat condition must first be assessed by a qualified ecologist, using the UKHab classification schema, before data is entered into the metric.
A qualified ecologist should be consulted who will provide a baseline assessment of your development site and afterwards calculate the BNG.
In addition, aerial surveys may also be used. The ecologist can be supported by supplementary additional information (such as remote sensing data) to further understand a site’s biodiversity. This information can also be used to inform site planning schemes.
At Map Impact we can provide you with initial screening and ongoing monitoring based on satellite data, to support BNG compliance.
With our reporting tools, you can get an initial BNG screening assessment. We have several products in our suite that can support your specific needs. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements to recommend the best product for you.
Map Impact’s satellite approach provides an initial screening assessment of a site (as well as ongoing monitoring) but does not replace the need for an ecologist to provide an in-situ ground survey that is fully compliant with the requirements of the DEFRA Metric Calculator.
Yes, BiodiversityView can be used for other purposes.
For example, certain conservation projects are using BiodiversityView to help track changes in habitat structure and subsequently its associated wildlife.
BiodiversityView is used in land-use planning in an urban context.
BiodiversityView is used to support other reporting requirements beyond BNG, such as those required under the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosure (TNFD) and compliance with regional and national 30 by 30 targets.
Currently, BiodiversityView is only available in Great Britain. However, the technology used is applicable anywhere in the world and will be transferred internationally in the future. In remote and inaccessible regions of the world, BiodiversityView and associated satellite technology is a particularly useful tool.