A recent article by inews.co.uk explored and celebrated the positive strides being made in 2024. Among the 40 reasons to be optimistic about 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was highlighted alongside various others, including advancements in film and television, health breakthroughs, and noteworthy music and sport events.
Biodiversity Net Gain; A game-changer in 2024
One particularly exciting development this year is the emphasis on wildlife legislation and the commitment to improving it. The inews.co.uk article, 40 reasons to be optimistic in 2024, features insights from Callum Salter, a senior ecological consultant and BNG technical lead at Thomson Environmental Consultants. He explains; “From January, developers in England will be required to deliver a mandatory 10 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments”.
The legal mandate
Callum explains that developers are now legally obligated to provide a net positive biodiversity value for the local environment. This could involve creating new habitats and green spaces during the development process. If on-site measures are insufficient, developers are required to create off-site habitats or make a monetary contribution to compensate for any biodiversity losses.
The positive impact
Biodiversity Net Gain goes beyond a mere regulatory requirement; it represents a significant step towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. By ensuring that new projects contribute positively to local ecosystems, BNG aims to offset the impact of construction activities and promote a harmonious coexistence between human development and the natural world.
As we step into 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain reflects a commitment to responsible and sustainable development. Developers, ecologists, and environmental enthusiasts alike can look forward to a year where each project contributes positively to the world around us. Stay tuned for more updates on BNG.
How Thomson can help
At Thomson, we have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments on a range of small and large scale projects. Our award-winning GIS team support our ecologists providing accurate and rapid BNG calculations from the baseline survey to post-development plans. We use data collected from the habitat survey during the Preliminary Ecological Appraisals to inform the baseline data, saving our clients time and costs.
Get in touch to discuss your BNG requirements.
