“When designed and delivered well, biodiversity net gain can secure benefits for nature, people and places, and for the economy” – Natural England.
As part of the new Environment Act 2021, expected to come into force this year, all planning permissions granted in England will have to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain. Using Defra’s biodiversity metrics new habitats will need to be secured for at least 30 years! According to the most recent State of Nature 2019 report published by The National Biodiversity Network there has been a 13% decline in the abundance of wildlife in the UK over the last 50 years. https://nbn.org.uk/stateofnature2019/reports/
Although some habitats, sites and species are now thankfully protected by national conservation schemes many habitats continue to be lost to development. This not only affects nature’s ability to connect and thrive, but a balanced ecosystem is essential for human survival. BNG is a great step forward in trying to achieve a balanced approach and deliver more for nature.
It is also linked to a range of political agendas that affect us all, such as:
• Addressing Climate Emergency
• Flood Resilience via Natural Flood Management
• Improving Air Quality
• Green Infrastructure
• Mental and physical health and wellbeing
River restoration, natural flood management and wetland creation are some of the key BNG deliverables that will assist with the mitigation of development. A large portion of our work at Miles Water Engineering is working to deliver solutions that benefit nature, which is why we love what we do!
Whether you are a landowner, developer, conservationist, or would just like to know more about Biodiversity Net Gain, Natural England have produced a brochure with links to more resources. You can find more here: Natural England – Biodiversity Net Gain – An introduction to the benefits. https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/183/2022/04/BNG-Brochure_Final_Compressed-002.pdf
Photo: Wicksteed Park Nature Reserve – Natural Flood Management solution working in harmony with development
#biodiversitynetgain #riverrestoration #naturalflood management #naturevsdevelopment #wetland