What is BNG?
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) became mandatory in February 2024 and is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. BNG makes sure development has a measurably positive impact (‘net gain’) on biodiversity, compared to what was there before development.
You will need to understand the requirements of BNG if you’re a:
- Developer
- Local planning authority
- Land manager wanting to sell in the BNG market
The Speakers
Dr. Nick White – Principal Advisor – Net Gain, Natural England
The current focus of Nick’s work is on biodiversity net gain legislation, the biodiversity metric and biodiversity net gain standards and guidance. He is also working on the evolving approach to marine net gain.
As a non-ecologist Nick is interested in how biodiversity and the natural environment can contribute towards wider social and economic benefits. He also has a strong interest in green infrastructure, especially in relation to urban, has previously worked in the health, museum and charitable sectors and was in the ENDS Report Powerlist UK 100 most influential environmental professionals in 2022, 2023 & 2024.
Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment, helping to protect England’s nature and landscapes for people to enjoy.
Rachel Blount, Landscape Ecologist at Nattergal Ltd.
Rachael works on the design, execution and monitoring of rewilding projects. With a broad ecological skillset and experience, Rachel specialises in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). She is passionate about the benefits that habitat creation and restoration can have for both nature and people, is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and holds Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4, NE and NRW GCN licence and NE Level 2 bat licence.
