One Year On: Biodiversity Net Gain Implementation Board Marks Progress

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Over a year since the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements in England, the BNG Implementation Board continues to drive forward progress and address key barriers in ensuring nature is preserved and enhanced through development. Co‑chaired by figures from government and industry, the Board convened for its one‑year anniversary meeting on 22 October 2025 to take stock and shape next steps for effective delivery at scale.

Since mandatory BNG came into force 12 February 2024 for large sites and 2 April 2024 for smaller developments developers have increasingly integrated biodiversity enhancement from the earliest planning stages, signalling early momentum for this landmark policy  The Implementation Board was established by the Future Homes Hub to coordinate this cross‑sector delivery, uniting government, industry and stakeholder voices to address implementation complexities

Outcomes so far include growing awareness of biodiversity’s vital role in new developments, the emergence of mitigation markets for biodiversity units, and the creation of new habitats within projects. These achievements reflect progress, but the Board also recognises challenges remain around consistency in baseline surveys, navigating overlapping policy frameworks, and industry uncertainty over upcoming regulatory updates.

To support on‑site delivery, the Future Homes Hub released a dedicated Good Practice Guide in June 2025, offering a practical, interactive checklist and insights from professionals across various roles ecologists, developers, landscape designers and more to help demystify BNG implementation and reduce costly mistakes, particularly for SMEs

In parallel, the Homes for Nature initiative has been expanded to include apartments, ensuring biodiversity provisions such as pollinator planting, hedgehog highways and nest bricks are available across residential building types not just houses. This effort is already backed by 28 homebuilders covering over 100,000 homes annually, targeting some 300,000 wildlife-friendly installations by 2030.

During its latest meeting, the Implementation Board emphasised the need to align BNG processes with other national planning and nature recovery policies. While consultations continue on the National Planning Policy Framework and Development Management Policies, developers are advised to proceed under current regulations pending any secondary legislation or changes to exemptions or metrics

What This Means:

BNG is now firmly embedded in the planning landscape, creating a platform for developers and ecology professionals to enhance biodiversity through well‑guided, integrated practice. The tools and initiatives launched from the Good Practice Guide to the Homes for Nature expansion will help embed biodiversity beyond compliance, supporting nature‑positive outcomes across new housing delivery.

Yet, the complexity of overlapping policies and unclear future regulation creates uncertainty. The consolidated work of the Implementation Board is essential to encourage clarity and drive consistency. Remaining adaptable while operating under current frameworks ensures that forward motion continues without delay.

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