Geography in practice: biodiversity net gain, a new approach to an old problem

This webinar, led by John Cornell (Natural Environment Team Leader at Greater Cambridge Shared Planning), will examine biodiversity net gain (BNG) implementation in England, focusing on Greater Cambridge's experiences. 

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach that seeks to mitigate the loss of habitat and biodiversity as an outcome of development. BNG follows the simple principle of replacing more natural habitat than is lost as a function of any given development, an important consideration in placemaking and goes beyond the older model of no net loss (NNL), which had been consistently used in development mitigation for decades, being written into legislation in some countries. 

In 2018, England integrated BNG into its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) without specific targets, resulting in varied outcomes. However, the Environment Act of 2021 made 10% above baseline BNG mandatory for all new developments, effective since February 2024, aiming for comprehensive habitat mitigation.