Biodiversity Net Gain is now mandatory for developers to deliver a minimum of 10% BNG for each project, unless one of the exemptions applies. Corylus Ecology has a wealth of experience delivering the requirements of BNG for a wide variety of development projects.
We work with our clients through every stage of the BNG process, from initial habitat classification, condition assessment and scoring, to calculations of post-development biodiversity units and production of reports for planning applications.
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The BNG Process
The BNG Process
Ideally, we would work with you from an early stage of your project and would have input from the design process onwards. However, we can also do BNG calculations for sites that already have detailed designs drawn up.
Unless your project is exempt from BNG requirements, the following is the typical process we would follow for the submission of a planning application:
- Carry out site surveys to establish the existing biodiversity value of your site;
- Use the statutory biodiversity metric tool to provide a value in biodiversity units (involving separate calculations for habitats, hedgerows and watercourses);
- Consider how to achieve the minimum 10% net gain requirement above the baseline, either:
- All on-site;
- Off-site or a mix of on- and off-site;
- Purchasing statutory biodiversity credits from the government, as a last resort.
Following our review, our recommendations will be written up into a report for submission as part of the planning process, together with the mapping and spreadsheets required for planning.
Post-planning we are able to help with the production of information to satisfy the local planning authority’s requirement for both a Biodiversity Gain Plan and a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP).
Note that we can also support your project with Ecological Impact Assessments and Protected Species Mitigation Licences.
Make biodiversity an asset to your development.
Examples of our work
Rew Road
This project, set within Dartmoor National Park, involved the construction of a replacement dwelling which was carried out in two phases spanning several years.
Corylus Ecology undertook an initial assessment with a particular focus on bats and nesting birds. Evidence of, and potential for, roosting bats was recorded and led to a recommendation for further surveys.
Dartmoor Moorland Nature Recovery
During 2022 and 2023, Corylus Ecology was commissioned by Dartmoor National Park Authority to undertake a habitat assessment of five moorland areas.
The surveys were carried out to inform Dartmoor’s vision for nature recovery and contribute to wider Devon and national Nature Recovery Network objectives.
Hogmoor Inclosure
Corylus Ecology was commissioned by The Land Trust to prepare a 5-year management plan for the Hogmoor Inclosure Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG).
The SANG was created to reduce the potential for recreational pressure resulting from the growth of the Whitehill & Bordon New Town, on sites of international nature conservation value, including the Woolmer Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Heather Wood
An area of fragmented woodland and arable land at Heather Wood, Hawkhurst acquired by the Woodland Trust for habitat restoration, creation and conservation.
The Woodland Trust required full baseline habitat surveys, protected species surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, calculation and Habitat Management and Maintenance Plan to be undertaken.
Joyden’s Wood
Working with the Woodland Trust for the restoration of an area of heathland at Joyden’s Wood, Dartford, Kent.
Including baseline habitat and protected species assessment and surveys with UK Habitat Classification and mapping of the heathland, Biodiversity Net Gain condition assessment of all habitats present and breeding bird assessment of the heathland and wider Joyden’s wood site.
Bulland Farm
Ecological appraisal and detailed bat surveys for a homeowner seeking to extend their Grade II Listed farmhouse.
We helped them achieve planning permission and ensure that the appropriate licences and works monitoring were in place.