Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) means that developers have a duty to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was before – either by providing for wildlife as part of the project, or, if that isn’t possible, by off-site improvements.

While it has been gaining momentum over several years, on 12 February 2024, a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain became mandatory for newly-approved larger developments under the Town and Country Planning Act, while for small sites it came into force from 2 April 2024.