Biodiversity Net Gain? Most of us haven’t heard of it, apparently

If you’re building or renovating in England, you now face a new rule: your project must improve nature.

But according to the latest BNG Industry Report for July, most people don’t know that and how it can affect planning permission applications, or how they make money from the scheme.

The average public awareness of Biodiversity Net Gain, or BNG, scores just 3.1 out of 10 – a striking knowledge gap with major consequences for homeowners and small builders.

BNG is law, but still largely unknown

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory in 2024 for most developments in England.

It requires that any new housing or construction project must leave the natural environment better off than it was before - either by improving biodiversity on-site or by buying BNG units from habitat banks elsewhere.

The BNG Industry Report found that although the policy is in full force, public awareness remains extremely low. One of the survey questions asked participants: “On a scale of 1–10, how well do you think BNG is currently understood by the general public?” The average response was just 3.1/10.

This could pose a problem for homeowners and homebuilders, particularly those assuming that BNG is only relevant to large developers.

Awareness is low, but opportunities are high

While awareness is poor, the potential benefits for landowners and rural homeowners are increasingly clear.

The report includes multiple quotes from farmers and landowners now using their land for BNG: “It is a revenue stream I had not anticipated when we started our ‘rewilding’ project.”

“It has enabled farmers and landowners to diversify their income streams. Alternative revenue streams from non-productive land.”

BNG unit demand is also strong and growing, with 91,000+ BNG units forecast by 2035, and the retail value of the market estimated at £3 billion, according to the report.

“With the loss of revenue streams such as SFI, as well as new tax rules, BNG is now important for farmers,” said one respondent.

Homeowners need to catch up, fast

The report notes a disconnect between policy implementation and public understanding.

While developers, habitat banks, and land agents are already active in the BNG market, many private individuals remain unaware of their responsibilities – or opportunities.

The report warns that: “Public understanding remains low (3.1/10), underscoring the need for broader education and awareness.”

Meanwhile, the tone of the report urges action and engagement - not just for compliance, but for the benefits of being part of a greener building future.

Ian Hambleton, Founder & Director of Biodiversity Units UK, writes: “At Biodiversity Units UK, we’re proud to be part of this evolving movement – helping developers meet their obligations while also giving them a reason to talk proudly about the environmental improvements they’re enabling.”