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Implications of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for Lincolnshire landowners

Thu 27 Feb 2025

This is a blog for landowners who want to understand more about the implications of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy and the opportunities, obligations, and potential challenges it presents.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a development policy that mandates measurable improvements to nature by creating or enhancing habitats. Developers have been required to achieve at least 10% BNG since February 2024 through:

1.        Onsite creation of biodiversity.

2.        A combination of onsite and offsite measures, with offsite credits delivered near the development site.

3.        Government biodiversity credits, to be used only if other options are not feasible.

BNG habitats must be maintained for a minimum of 30 years. This policy affects landowners, who may either sell biodiversity units or comply with BNG requirements for their own developments.
 

Opportunities for Landowners

Landowners can offer their land to developers, who will pay for the creation and maintenance of new or enhanced habitats for at least 30 years. The landowner must prepare a habitat management and monitoring plan and enter either a Section 106 agreement with the local authority or a conservation covenant with a responsible body. Additionally, the land must be registered on the biodiversity gain site register, which incurs a registration fee. Payments will provide an additional revenue stream, with rates varying based on location and habitat type.
 

Challenges and Responsibilities

Land that is already receiving payments for environmental benefits under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) or  Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) cannot be used to generate BNG credits for the same outcomes. However, any additional biodiversity improvements beyond the scope of stewardship commitments may be eligible for BNG. Moreover, BNG requires a long-term commitment of 30 years.

Actions and Next Steps

If you're a landowner interested in BNG you should:

  • Evaluate the economic productivity of your land as low productivity land is ideal for habitat creation.
  • Assess baseline biodiversity, especially on marginal land as lower biodiversity value makes land more attractive for development and enhancement, because fewer biodiversity units will be required to meet the 10% BNG target.

At Masons, we can support you with the BNG process, from understanding the requirements to assisting in assessing your land’s potential and managing the registration process.

To find out more contact:
Lauren Chamberlin on 01507 350511 or by email [email protected] 
Abi Saunders on 07930 592030, or by email [email protected].