At Biodiversity Net Gain Credits, we work with developers, landowners, and planners throughout the UK to provide access to fully verified biodiversity net gain credits required under the Environment Act.

Our services support projects that cannot reach biodiversity uplift levels on-site by offering dependable pathways to purchase credits, register habitat creation, and maintain compliance with ecological policies. We connect developments with accredited credit providers and ensure planning obligations are met without disrupting project timelines.

How are biodiversity net gain credits incorporated into development strategies?

Biodiversity net gain credits function as measurable ecological gains that can be purchased when developments cannot achieve the required biodiversity uplift on-site.

These credits enable developers to demonstrate adherence to the mandatory 10% net gain requirement. Credits are calculated using the DEFRA metric to ensure consistent assessment of ecological losses and compensatory gains.

In what scenarios are biodiversity net gain credits necessary for projects?

Biodiversity net gain credits become necessary when on-site enhancements cannot deliver the required uplift, including:

Insufficient biodiversity gain within the site – When enhancements inside the development boundary fail to meet statutory uplift levels.

Planning authority evaluation – When local councils determine that proposed on-site measures fall short of the required net gain.

Compliance pathway for planning consent – When credits provide the only workable mechanism to satisfy statutory bng obligations.

Relevant across all development categories – When commercial, residential, or mixed-use projects fall under the Environment Act guidelines.

Site constraints limiting habitat work – When limited space, dense infrastructure, or restricted access prevent meaningful on-site improvements.

Unavailable off-site delivery options – When suitable off-site habitat enhancement opportunities cannot be secured, necessitating the purchase of approved credits.

What do biodiversity net gain credits typically cost?

The cost of biodiversity net gain credits typically ranges from £15,000 to over £100,000 per biodiversity unit, depending on habitat type and availability.

Prices depend on ecological value, scarcity of suitable habitats, complexity of restoration, and whether high-value ecosystem types such as wetlands or ancient woodland require premium rates.

Contact Biodiversity Net Gain Credits to request tailored pricing for acquiring biodiversity units in your area.

How can developers meet their obligations using biodiversity net gain credits?

Developers use biodiversity net gain credits by maximising on-site habitat improvements first, then purchasing credits to address any remaining shortfall.

A DEFRA metric assessment is completed to identify the biodiversity baseline, followed by a biodiversity gain plan detailing on-site measures and credit requirements. Credits must be purchased from recognised providers or Natural England’s statutory bng register.

What types of land or habitats can produce biodiversity net gain credits?

Landowners can produce biodiversity net gain credits by creating or enhancing priority habitats capable of delivering measurable ecological uplift, including:

Woodland establishment or enhancement – Introducing native tree cover or improving existing woodland structure.

Grassland restoration – Converting degraded grassland into diverse, species-rich habitat.

Hedgerow planting – Developing linear wildlife corridors that strengthen ecological connectivity.

Wetland creation or improvement – Establishing ponds, marshes, or reedbeds that offer significant biodiversity value.

Heathland re-establishment – Restoring heathland in areas with suitable landscape characteristics.

Transforming low-value farmland – Repurposing poorer agricultural land to deliver substantial biodiversity uplift under long-term management.

Are biodiversity net gain credit providers officially recognised?

Biodiversity net gain credit providers must register their habitats through Natural England’s bng register or obtain direct approval from local planning authorities.

Working with providers that offer legally secured habitats, long-term management arrangements, and transparent verification ensures all credits meet regulatory standards. Planning authorities may prefer credits from the same catchment to maintain regional ecological networks.

What process do developers follow to purchase and register biodiversity net gain credits?

To acquire biodiversity net gain credits, developers first complete a DEFRA metric biodiversity assessment to determine the ecological deficit.

Once the deficit is established, credits can be secured from approved habitat banks or Natural England’s register. Registration ensures the transaction is recorded and that the offset site is managed in line with statutory monitoring and reporting requirements.

How do ecologists support the delivery of biodiversity net gain credits?

Ecologists support every stage of securing biodiversity net gain credits through roles such as:

Baseline ecological surveys – Determining existing habitat value and calculating initial biodiversity units.

Designing habitat enhancement proposals – Preparing plans aimed at delivering measurable ecological improvement.

Applying the bng metric – Calculating required uplift and identifying credit needs.

Producing biodiversity gain plans – Creating documentation for planning submissions and statutory approval.

Liaising with planning authorities – Ensuring credits are used in line with local and national policy.

Monitoring habitat bank performance – Assessing ecological outcomes and ensuring long-term compliance.

Can landowners generate income through biodiversity net gain credit creation?

Landowners can earn revenue by creating and managing habitats designed to generate biodiversity net gain credits. This involves developing a long-term habitat creation plan, legally securing the land, and undertaking baseline and follow-up ecological assessments.

Once uplift is verified, credits can be sold to developers needing to meet net gain obligations, offering a sustained income stream based on land stewardship.

Contact Biodiversity Net Gain Credits to discuss opportunities for generating or purchasing credits.

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