What is biodiversity net gain (BNG)?

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. It makes sure that development leaves biodiversity and the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before development.

BNG is important because:

• the natural environment provides benefits for everyone and is essential for processes that support life on the planet
• many habitats are lost or damaged by development and there are limited ways in which these can be valued, maintained, improved or created
• it is a way of delivering measurable improvements for biodiversity by enhancing existing habitats or creating new habitats in association with development

Page last updated: 12 February 2024