Habitats for Biodiversity Net Gain

We will identify local sites where the biodiversity is to be respected or upgraded by future developers.

• Most planning applications now require developers to improve the biodiversity of the development site by at least 10% – this is called “biodiversity net gain”.
• Local councils can be prepared by identifying local habitats that are important to conserve
• It will also be helpful – perhaps in partnership with local wildlife groups – to identify sites away from development proposals that could be the subject of “biodiversity credits” should the main development site not be capable for 10% improvement for any reason
• Guidance for local councils is available from South Gloucestershire Council on local nature action plans and also a field guide to help in identifying key local habitats in a bioblitz

(Photo taken by Matt Binstead, British Wildlife Centre, Surrey)