1 Year of Biodiversity Net Gain: What We’ve Learned & What’s Next
February 12th marks one year since Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became a mandatory requirement for most developments in England. In just 12 months, we’ve seen a significant shift in how landowners, developers, and local planning authorities (LPAs) are approaching BNG.
At Integrated Land Management (ILM), we’ve been working closely with landowners and developers to navigate these changes—whether through creating Biodiversity Gain Sites, securing off-site biodiversity units, or simplifying the legal processes involved.
As we reflect on the past year, here are the key takeaways from BNG’s first 12 months and what’s on the horizon.
Key Takeaways from 1 Year of BNG
1️. Landowner Interest is Growing
Over the past 12 months—and particularly in the last three – we have seen a noticeable increase in landowner engagement. Several key factors are driving this shift:
Greater awareness of the role of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the potential for generating income from biodiversity units.
More clarity around Conservation Covenants and their role in securing long-term biodiversity commitments.
Increased developer interest in off-site solutions, leading to more conversations between landowners and biodiversity unit buyers.
With BNG now embedded in planning policies, more landowners are recognising the opportunities to diversify income, contribute to conservation, and make better use of underutilised land.
2️. Conservation Covenants & Section 106 Agreements Are Taking Shape
BNG is not just about creating habitats—it’s about securing and managing them for 30+ years. This is where Conservation Covenants and Section 106 agreements (S106) come in.Over the past year, ILM has worked closely with:
Responsible Bodies to set up Conservation Covenants that protect biodiversity units long-term.
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to set up Section 106 agreements ensuring long-term compliance of gain sites.
Developers and landowners to ensure agreements are structured correctly and aligned with BNG regulations.
While BNG requirements are still interpreted differently across LPAs, we’re seeing greater consistency, which is helping to streamline the process.
3️. Off-Site Biodiversity Units Are in High Demand
For developers, achieving a 10% biodiversity uplift on-site isn’t always feasible—especially for projects in urban areas, commercial developments, or sites with space constraints. This has led to an increase in demand for off-site biodiversity units, with developers seeking:
Strategically located Biodiversity Gain Sites that align with their requirements.
High-quality, compliant biodiversity units that align with their biodiversity obligations.
Confidence in long-term habitat management, ensuring biodiversity uplift is achieved and monitored effectively.
As BNG continues to evolve, we expect to see more developers explore off-site solutions to complement their on-site strategies.
4️. A Learning Curve for Everyone
The past year has been a period of adaptation for everyone involved, including landowners, developers, LPAs, and environmental consultants—as they navigate the realities of implementing BNG in practice.
Some of the biggest challenges have included:
Interpreting policy – With some variations between LPAs, developers have had to adapt to differing requirements.
Finding the right units – Developers need suitable, well-located units that meet planning conditions, while landowners need clearer pathways to market.
Building the right partnerships – Whether through working with Responsible Bodies for Conservation Covenants or collaborating with biodiversity unit providers, partnerships have been essential.
At ILM, we’ve been at the forefront of this process, ensuring that both landowners and developers have access to the guidance and expertise they need.
What’s Next for BNG in 2025?
As we move into BNG’s second year, we anticipate further changes and developments, including:
Expansion of BNG Requirements to NSIPs
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) will soon need to meet BNG targets, further driving demand for biodiversity units.
More Conservation Covenants and S106 Agreements Signed
With legal frameworks becoming more established, we expect to see a rise in official agreements securing biodiversity gains long-term.
New Gain Sites Launching
More landowners are progressing through the site registration process, meaning a broader supply of high-quality biodiversity units.
Greater Developer Engagement
As BNG becomes more established in the planning system, developers are increasingly exploring off-site solutions as part of their compliance strategy.
How ILM Can Help You in 2025
If you’re a landowner looking to register a site and sell biodiversity units, or a developer seeking off-site solutions, ILM is here to help.
📩 Get in touch to discuss your BNG needs → Contact Us
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BNG is still evolving, and we’ll be sharing key updates, insights, and opportunities as they happen.
