BiodiversityView FAQs
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach which ensures the positive impact on biodiversity of developments by measuring ‘net gain’ biodiversity in comparison prior to development.
BNG is now becoming mandatory under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021).
In addition to that, the developer must ensure that a BNG of 10% is delivered. This guarantees better quality of the habitats after development.
BNG is measured by the standardized measurement of biodiversity units. One natural habitat can consist of several biodiversity units.
Each of the units are measured using the DEFRA ‘Biodiversity metric calculator’. The metric calculator is designed to provide stakeholders with the means of assessing changes in the biodiversity value which can be affected by development. It is based upon the UKHAB classification schema, which provides a consistent approach to habitat classification.
Biodiversity units are measured using a range of variables relating to habitat, including, size, quality, location and type.
You can consult a team of an ecologist (“qualified professional”) you who can provide a baseline assessment of your development site and afterwards calculate the BNG.
In addition to that you can also use ariel surveys The ecologist can be supported by supplementary additional information (such as remote sensing data) to further understand our your site’s biodiversity.
You can use the information from these sources to inform your 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.