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Welcome to the BNG Hub

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has changed how development is planned and delivered - and we’re here to make sense of it all. This hub is your go-to space for everything BNG: from explainer videos and glossaries, to FAQs and product demos showing how LandTech helps you meet the 10% net gain requirement.

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What is BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain)?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is all about leaving the natural environment in a measurably better state than before development. Thanks to the Environment Act 2021, most new developments in England are legally required to deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity - either on-site, off-site, or through biodiversity credits.

BNG isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a legal necessity for planning applications. The costs and planning considerations involved in delivering (at least) a 10% uplift are now a key part of development viability.

  • How the Environment Act Works

    Under the Environment Act 2021, developers must:

    • Calculate pre- and post-development biodiversity values using Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric.
    • Ensure the development delivers at least a 10% biodiversity uplift (some local policies require more).

    This can be achieved by:

    • On-site gains – improving or creating habitats within the site.
    • Off-site gains – securing biodiversity improvements elsewhere.
    • Biodiversity credits – purchasing units if on-site or off-site gains aren’t feasible.

    Getting a credible baseline and feasibility assessment early in the process is key to avoiding planning delays and costly redesigns.

  • How Biodiversity Credits Work

    The BNG hierarchy prioritises on-site improvements first, then off-site, and finally credits if necessary.

    Biodiversity credits fund habitat creation or enhancement projects elsewhere in England, ensuring overall biodiversity is maintained or improved. Credits are provided by the government or approved private providers, with prices depending on location and habitat type.

    With LandTech and BNGAI™ by AiDASH, developers can explore BNG opportunities, assess constraints, and order Defra-compliant biodiversity assessments directly from LandInsight. This means better decisions earlier in the process, before you even set foot on-site.

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Get clued up on Biodiversity Net Gain in minutes with our bite-sized explainer videos, made in collaboration with our partner, AiDASH.

Learn everything, from biodiversity metrics and baseline surveys to on-site/off-site uplift and financial feasibility.

See How It Works in LandInsight

Plan smarter, faster, and simplify your BNG assessments with BNGAI™ by AiDASH, now integrated in LandInsight. Get a preliminary biodiversity baseline report, identify habitats, and plan your sites with confidence - all in one platform.

 

Book a demo or try BNGAI™ with 50% off your first order and see how LandTech makes BNG compliance faster, easier, and smarter.

FAQs

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  • Do all developments need to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain?

    Most do; exemptions are limited, usually applying to small or temporary developments. 

  • How is BNG measured?

    Using the official Biodiversity Metric, which scores habitats based on size, distinctiveness, and condition.

  • Can off-site gains contribute to the 10% target?

    Yes. Off-site habitats can count when on-site improvements aren’t feasible.

  • What if I can’t find a suitable off-site option?

    You can purchase statutory biodiversity credits as a last resort.

  • When did BNG become mandatory?

    Major developments: February 2024 | Small sites: April 2024

  • How does BNGAI™ integrate with LandInsight?

    BNGAI is now fully integrated within LandInsight. You can:
    • Order preliminary biodiversity baseline reports powered by satellite imagery and AI.
    • Receive Defra-compliant, ecologist-verified reports in days.
    • Test uplift scenarios and calculate potential credits.
    • Combine biodiversity data with ownership, planning, and constraints information for faster, smarter decisions.

  • Where can I view my BNG Assessment report?

    Reports are available directly within the site card 3–5 days after ordering. Soon, biodiversity data will also be visualised on the map - coming soon to all orders.

  • How accurate are BNGAI™ habitat assessments?

    BNGAI uses high-resolution satellite imagery and AI models verified by ecologists, providing Defra Metric 4.0-compliant baselines suitable for early feasibility and planning.

  • Can BNGAI™ replace traditional ecological surveys?

    No - but it reduces time, cost, and uncertainty. Developers can make early go/no-go decisions and equip ecologists with strong baseline data for detailed surveys later.

  • How quickly can I get a baseline?

    Most assessments are delivered within days, compared to weeks for traditional surveys.

  • Who can use BNGAI™?

    Developers, land promoters, consultants, ecologists, and local authorities - anyone involved in site selection, planning, or biodiversity compliance.

  • Does BNGAI™ support on-site and off-site planning?

    Yes. It calculates both on-site and off-site units, helping plan uplift strategies and identify when biodiversity credits may be needed.

  • Simple Glossary

    • BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain): Improving biodiversity after development.
    • Environment Act 2021: Legislation that made BNG a legal requirement.
    • Biodiversity Metric: Tool used to calculate biodiversity units.
    • Biodiversity Credits: Purchased units representing off-site habitat improvements.
    • Off-site BNG: Biodiversity improvements made away from the development site.
    • On-site BNG: Biodiversity improvements achieved within the development boundary.
    • Baseline Assessment: Initial survey or AI-derived analysis measuring habitats and biodiversity value.
    • Habitat Distinctiveness: How rare or valuable a habitat type is.
    • Irreplaceable Habitats: Protected habitats (e.g., ancient woodland) that cannot be offset.
    • BNG Plan: Document showing how net gain will be achieved and maintained.
    • Defra Metric 4.0: Latest version of the official biodiversity calculation tool.
    • Natural England Credits: Government-issued biodiversity units for use when on- or off-site gains aren’t possible.
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