The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is implementing and refining Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a statutory requirement for developers to avoid harm to biodiversity and offset any remaining impacts through improvements. The scheme is active with recent consultations on implementation for minor developments, brownfield sites, and nationally significant infrastructure projects.
In response to: Biodiversity net gain statutory credits: annual report 2024 to 2025
In response to: Biodiversity net gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects
In response to: Improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield de…
We’re seeking views on a potential exemption from biodiversity net gain (BNG) for certain residential developments on brownfield land.
We are seeking views on the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).
We are seeking views on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development.
The Nature Restoration Fund has potential to benefit the environment and support developers, but we are not yet convinced Defra and Natural England are able to implement it effectively. The Nature Restoration Fund is an innovative solution to raising funds …
Defra told us that the Nature Restoration Fund is an innovative solution which will unblock developments and also deliver better outcomes for nature.72 It explained that the Fund will allow it to take a wider view of actions it can …
The first step in implementing the Nature Restoration Fund is to produce Environmental Delivery Plans which will set out the nature and scale of mitigation needed in the location where a development happens.74 Natural England told us it is working …
Statutory biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an existing scheme requiring that developers’ planning applications avoid harm to biodiversity as much as possible and more than offset any harms with biodiversity improvements. In this way, BNG has a similar overall objective …
Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund has helped boost tree planting and peatland restoration but work is now needed to maintain momentum Report type: value_for_money | Departments: ['Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs'] | Topics: ['Climate change and net zero', …
UIN: HCWS1405 This Government has committed to building 1.5 million homes and fast-tracking 150 major planning decisions this Parliament – these are essential for growth, communities, cleaner energy and better transport links.Yet nature and biodiversity remain under pr...
How the government plans to implement the Nature Restoration Fund.
How the government plans to implement the Nature Restoration Fund.
We recommend that the Government should explicitly incorporate matters relating to biodiversity into the Duty to Co-operate, enabling local planning authorities to work together to meet national house building and biodiversity targets at a regional level. The Duty to Co-operate …
We acknowledge and welcome the Government’s amendments in June 2025 to Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Akin to the OEP, we see the potential benefits of moving towards a more strategic approach to nature recovery. The amendments …
Considering the conflicting roles Natural England (NE) are expected to play in developing, delivering and assessing Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) and the Nature Restoration Fund, we are concerned about the potential for either a real, or a perception of, a …
Natural England should publish a clear statement outlining how it will protect against conflicts of interest arising when developing, implementing and assessing Environmental Delivery Plans and the Nature Restoration Fund in response to this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85) Type: recommendati
The Government and NE should regularly assess whether the implementation of the EDP policy is reducing public confidence in NE and consider how they can, from the outset, build confidence in NEs ability to be both producer and arbiter of …
We accept that the initial impact assessment of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) was carried out on the basis of nutrient neutrality, due to limitations with broader data availability. However, as the NRF will have considerable implications for a wide …
Given the weak impact assessment of the NRF, we ask the Government to prepare a regulatory assessment of the NRF, if and when it is adopted. This assessment should be completed before Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill …
The relaxation of the mitigation hierarchy (MH) in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been a significant point of contention. The MH aims to ensure that harm to nature is first avoided, with destruction and compensation used only as a …
Whilst accepting the Minister and NE’s assurance that the MH has remained in place, and would only be set aside where doing so would demonstrably benefit nature, we urge the Government and NE to publish site-specific evidence of the environmental …
It is too early to assess the overall success of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), as the policy is still establishing itself. Its long-term success is dependent upon the establishment of clear and effective regulation. The absence of standardised monitoring and …
More clarity is needed on how off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects will be maintained, monitored, and enforced over the full 30-year period. We ask the Government, in response to this report, to lay out clearly who is responsible for …
We are concerned there is a risk that implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on housing developments may inadvertently result in unreasonable fees for residents or more expensive housing, which runs counter to the Government’s aim of creating more affordable housing. …
While the Government has completed its consultation on new exemptions to BNG, additional exemptions must not undermine the effectiveness of the policy, ecosystem integrity, or the establishment of the BNG credit market. Entire exemptions from BNG for small sites would …
The Government should be more prescriptive on the standards of green and blue infrastructure in new developments. The Government should mandate initiatives like Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework in new and refurbished developments to seek to ensure high standards of …
We reiterate and support the recommendation given by our predecessor Committee on embodied carbon and whole-life carbon assessments: a. “The RICS Professional Statement on whole-life carbon assessments is fit for use and already familiar to UK industry. We recommend that, …
One of the strongest messages we have heard throughout this inquiry is that local planning authorities are severely under-resourced in terms of ecological expertise. Addressing this should be a priority, as without rapid and meaningful support, the Government will struggle …
In response to: Defra’s biodiversity duty statement 2025
How Defra has met its biodiversity duties in England, Scotland and Wales.
How Defra has met its biodiversity duties in England, Scotland and Wales.
We are seeking views on the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).
We are seeking views on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development.
The first annual report on income generated from statutory credits since the biodiversity net gain policy was established in 2024.
A report highlighting how the UK Government is delivering its key commitments on climate and nature in an integrated way.
We have concerns about the effect of the proposed new policy, in paragraph 4.2.24 of EN-1, that measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of Critical National Priority (CNP) infrastructure are “unlikely to be considered to be appropriate” if they “result …
The Government should review whether the following sentence in EN-1, paragraph 4.2.24, is consistent with its own domestic and international biodiversity commitments, as well as those of the devolved administrations: 55 “Measures that result in a material reduction in generation …
Scientific evidence presented to us shows that, if well-planned and well- managed specifically to benefit nature, solar farms can increase biodiversity by creating mixed habitats for birds and other wildlife. (Conclusion, Paragraph 78) Type: conclusion | Number: 28 | Response …
We are gravely concerned by reports that many ecological enhancements and landscape mitigations promised by developers are never delivered in practice. This indicates systemic failings, brings the planning system into disrepute, and questions whether the Government will be able to …
We are seeking views on the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).
Ministers have set out the criteria they plan to use to establish whether land in England is considered to be ‘protected’ for the purposes of the 30by30 commitment. We note that an area is to be considered ‘protected’ if it …
For successful nature markets to be delivered there needs to be an effective balance between efficiencies of scale and local accountability which brings about local buy-in and transparency, ensuring that offsets are being delivered to a high standard. A method …
The Government should continue to demonstrate leadership on natural capital markets by evaluating and reviewing the BNG policy and whether its design, metrics, and implementation remain effective in increasing investment into natural capital projects and delivering measurable improvements in nature
We are concerned to note that the Government has not yet published full details of its approach to the investment of revenues from the sale of BNG credits. The Government must demonstrate that it is committed to this approach to …
Regulatory requirements are typically seen as an obstacle to market efficiency. In the case of BNG, compliance consistency is fundamental to trust in the system and the fair and transparent operation of the market. (Conclusion, Paragraph 122) 58 Type: conclusion …
We recommend that the Government consult on measures to increase compliance as a market driver, potentially through expanding BNG requirements or mandating corporate disclosure of nature-damaging activities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 123) Type: recommendation | Number: 22 | Response status: partia
The Government should also ensure that on-site gains have sufficient transparency and scrutiny of delivery—through sufficient funding of local authorities to deliver checks, and provision to local authorities of the capacity to undertake enforcement action—with a commitment to reforming the …
It is vital to develop a substantial baseline to measure natural capital improvement metrics against. This is already taking place in some respects (e.g. Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) data for woodlands) but the current programmes arguably do not provide …
The Government must continue to work with both public and private sector organisations, including the British Standards Institute and the International Sustainability Standards Board, so as to establish a clear and robust 59 baseline assessment methodology against which all gains …
We recommend that not later than 12 February 2026—the start of the next biodiversity net gain reporting year—the Government establish a comprehensive and publicly accessible register of: • the location of onsite and offsite assets being developed under statutory provision …
The Government must set out unequivocally its support for BNG policy and ensure that it continues to deliver genuine habitat net gains and supports a thriving market in natural capital credits. The Government should make use of Nationally Significant Infrastructure …
The Government should undertake an impact assessment of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to assess how the Nature Restoration Fund would interact with and impact upon the operation of Biodiversity net gain and of broader Government initiatives to encourage investment …
At such an early stage it is difficult to assess the full impacts of the biodiversity net gain policy. The Government should remain steadfast in its commitment to implementation of this policy: any indication that it could be rolled back …
We are seeking views on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development.
There are risks to the long-term effectiveness of a new policy to make sure developers protect or improve biodiversity Report type: value_for_money | Departments: ['Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs'] | Topics: ['Energy and environment', 'Environmental sustainability', 'Pollution and
Seeking views on the development of a new Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy to have greater impact in protection and restoring biodiversity in UK Overseas Territories (OTs).
The consultation sets out our proposals and seeks views on the principles of marine net gain. This will inform the policy and approaches to marine net gain implementation.
The document includes biodiversity metric data values and formulae which are used to calculate biodiversity value.
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to include an equivalent to Clause 5.29 of the current NNNPS. If the Government declines, it must explain why, and how this is compatible with Government policy on promoting biodiversity. Type: conclusion | …
Delivery of the Government’s net zero and nature recovery targets depends on wide- scale woodland creation. The amount of CO absorbed, the levels of biodiversity 2 supported and other benefits or negative effects of woodland creation are all highly variable, …
A sign-up opportunity and terms of reference for the Stakeholder Forum should be publicised by October 2023 with the first meeting taking place before 2024. The Stakeholder Forum should inform the risk-based categorisation of species and be consulted before changes …
We recommend that the Government should be clear how the classification of species determines the requirements for stakeholder consultation and involvement of the Department. We recommend that all species categorised as high-risk reintroductions should be subject to a national, independent …
If a reintroduced species is to be given protected status (as in the case of beavers), a risk assessment and management plan should be in place in advance of the protected status being granted. The protected status of beavers should …
Action the government is taking to reduce the impact of nutrient pollution on protected sites and enable sustainable development.
Seeking views on the development of a new Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy to have greater impact in protection and restoring biodiversity in UK Overseas Territories (OTs).
In response to: Consultation on Biodiversity Net Gain regulations and implementation
The consultation sets out our proposals, and seeks views, on how biodiversity net gain will work in practice.
Seeking views on the development of a new Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy to have greater impact in protection and restoring biodiversity in UK Overseas Territories (OTs).
UIN: HCWS370 Today, I am making a number of announcements on biodiversity day at COP27. This builds on the leadership the UK has shown throughout our COP26 presidency. We brought nature to the heart of COP for the first time …
UIN: HLWS360 My Right Honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Dr Thérèse Coffey) has made the following Statement.Today, I am making a number of announcements on biodiversity day at COP27. This builds on the …
Questions in this consultation There were 8 questions in this consultation. There were 4 additional questions for confidentiality and respondent information which were included at the beginning of the online survey only. The consultation questions were therefore numbered as
The consultation sets out our proposals and seeks views on the principles of marine net gain. This will inform the policy and approaches to marine net gain implementation.
Seeking views on measures to end the retail sale of peat and peat containing products in horticulture in England and Wales.
Questions in this consultation There were 8 questions in this consultation. There were 4 additional questions for confidentiality and respondent information which were included at the beginning of the online survey only. The consultation questions were therefore numbered as
The consultation sets out our proposals and seeks views on the principles of marine net gain. This will inform the policy and approaches to marine net gain implementation.
The consultation sets out our proposals, and seeks views, on how biodiversity net gain will work in practice.
Seeking views on measures to end the retail sale of peat and peat containing products in horticulture in England and Wales.
This report evaluates whether Defra’s management of new tree-planting schemes is likely to achieve value for money. Report type: value_for_money | Departments: ['Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs'] | Topics: ['Climate change and net zero', 'Energy and environment', 'Environmental …
This consultation relates to the beta test version of the Small Sites Metric published by Natural England in July 2021. We are seeking feedback about the Small Sites Metric from users and other interested parties that will be used to …
The consultation sets out our proposals, and seeks views, on how biodiversity net gain will work in practice.
Seeking views on measures to end the retail sale of peat and peat containing products in horticulture in England and Wales.
We have developed a QGIS template and GIS data import tool to facilitate the bulk import of data into the Biodiversity Metric 3.0. This consultation seeks user feedback on these and the accompanying guidance.
Consumption patterns in the UK are unsustainable. Addressing these patterns is key to the UK’s contribution to the alleviation of global biodiversity loss. The first step is to recognise the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome that …
We welcome and agree with the Secretary of State’s analysis that addressing the sustainability of the UK’s global supply chains will be one of the most powerful ways in which the UK can reduce its adverse impact on levels of …
We recommend that in response to this report the Government detail how it intends to nature-proof overseas development assistance, and how compliance with this commitment will be monitored. (Paragraph 89) The UNCBD COP15 Type: recommendation | Number: 21 | Response …
The Post-2020 Framework’s goals and targets will be meaningless if not properly implemented. The CBD ought to adopt a regular review mechanism, such as that adopted under the Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC, which encourages Parties to ‘ratchet’ the level …
Mainstreaming biodiversity considerations across government departments will be crucial to meeting the Post-2020 Biodiversity Targets. The UK’s past performance on cross-departmental co-ordination on nature has been disappointing. We have nevertheless been encouraged to observe the willingness of Mi
We have developed a QGIS template and GIS data import tool to facilitate the bulk import of data into the Biodiversity Metric 3.0. This consultation seeks user feedback on these and the accompanying guidance.
This consultation relates to the beta test version of the Small Sites Metric published by Natural England in July 2021. We are seeking feedback about the Small Sites Metric from users and other interested parties that will be used to …
We support the recommendations of the Natural Capital Committee that the development of soil indicators should be fast-tracked; that a shadow target for soil health should be established urgently; and that a legally-binding target for soil health ought to be …
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ call for transformative change provides a yardstick against which action to address biodiversity loss should be measured. The global response to biodiversity loss has so far been inadequate. Piecemeal conservation
We recommend that the UK Government play a leadership role in addressing global biodiversity loss by demonstrating what ‘transformative action’ to address biodiversity loss in an advanced industrialised economy looks like. This should entail the production of credible plans, which …
Public expenditure on measures to promote biodiversity has been cut in real terms over recent years. As a result, levels of monitoring have been scaled back, and the capacity for assessing the state of protected areas and vulnerable species nationally …
We welcome the Government’s efforts to secure biodiversity gains in development: but the biodiversity net gain policy, in its current form, does not go far enough in contributing to the transformative change necessary to address biodiversity loss in the UK. …
The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, as its ambition for future development. The 120 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? failure to move …
We welcome the extension of the biodiversity net gain policy to include Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. We received overwhelming evidence in support of this and note the potential the policy now has to contribute to nature’s recovery. We will be …
Nature recovery does not happen overnight and must be maintained and built upon for generations. The proposed 30 year minimum to maintain biodiversity net gains will achieve little in terms of delivering long-lasting nature recovery. Type: conclusion | Number: 43 …
The Government’s Planning White Paper could have implications on the delivery of the biodiversity net gain policy. We believe planning reforms should not weaken or undermine biodiversity protection. Type: conclusion | Number: 44 | Paragraph: 196 | Response status: not_addressed …
To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s built environment we recommend that: • The Government should explain how and when it will move to embedding environmental net gain in the planning system, …
We welcome the Government’s focus for COP26 on nature-based solutions (NbS) and the increased investment provided by the Nature for Climate fund. Nature- based solutions could substantially contribute to meeting the UK’s net zero goals 122 Biodiversity in the UK: …
We welcome the Government’s Trees Action Plan, and the intention to focus on planting broadleaf native species. The Government must not try to meet its tree planting target solely through commercial timber plantations using non- native species. A balance of …
Seeking views on how we can improve the planning system in England to protect the environment (biodiversity net gain) and build places to live and work.
Seeking views on how we can improve the planning system in England to protect the environment (biodiversity net gain) and build places to live and work.
Seeking views on how we can improve the planning system in England to protect the environment (biodiversity net gain) and build places to live and work.
This is a consultation on biodiversity offsetting and how it might be introduced in England.
How the government is working to protect and manage wildlife and areas of land, and protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Seeking views on proposals for how to implement the Nagoya Protocol and an associated EU regulation in the UK.
Seeking views on proposals for how to implement the Nagoya Protocol and an associated EU regulation in the UK.
Seeking views on proposals for how to implement the Nagoya Protocol and an associated EU regulation in the UK.
This is a consultation on biodiversity offsetting and how it might be introduced in England.
This is a consultation on biodiversity offsetting and how it might be introduced in England.