Biodiversity Net Gain
What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Developers in England are legally required to deliver at least 10% “Biodiversity Net Gain” (BNG) on new housing, industrial or commercial developments and small sites. This means that each development must leave nature in a better state than it was found by creating or improving wildlife habitats and maintaining them for 30 years. This should be delivered on-site within developments where possible, but if it isn't developers can "offset" their BNG by paying nearby landowners to deliver habitat creation and enhancement works on their land instead.
Working with us means you can play your part in delivering Kent Wildlife Trust's Wilder Kent 2030 strategy to restore healthy ecosystems across 30% of Kent's land by 2030.
BNG units available to purchase
Explore our catalogue of available BNG offset units in Kent and beyond.
Our Principles
With a 20+ year track record of designing and delivering biodiversity enhancements for clients across Kent, our BNG solutions can be trusted to reliably deliver significant long-term biodiversity uplift. Our BNG offsetting solutions are underpinned by Kent Wildlife Trust Group's high integrity principles, ensuring that maximum benefits are delivered for nature and protected in the long term.
the LNRS provides strategic guidance to help ensure that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) measures are delivered in offsite locations where they will contribute most effectively to wider nature recovery objectives. Aligning habitat creation or enhancement with the LNRS helps ensure that BNG delivers long-term, joined-up benefits for wildlife and supports Kent’s wider environmental priorities.
To find out more, or to sign up to our register of offset buyers and sellers, get in touch via the enquiry form below.
The right habitat in the right place
We choose the most appropriate habitat interventions to ensure our BNG offsetting solutions strategically support local nature recovery priorities and contribute to wider landscape-level conservation goals. This approach integrates the latest environmental research and is aligned with the conservation vision of the Kent Nature Partnership, which calls for a bigger, better and more joined up network of natural spaces across the county.
Maximising benefits for nature
Our BNG solutions go above and beyond to deliver 20% minimum uplift, and we avoid offsetting for irreplaceable or high distinctiveness habitats, or those important for local species populations. Where possible, we aim to create offset solutions that have recognisable wildlife value, with potential to become designated Local Wildlife Sites.
Sustainability
Our habitat management plans are developed with climate resilience in mind, and we consider how sites can deliver wider benefits to communities, such as reduced flood risk, air pollution barriers, and recreational opportunities.
Delivering a bespoke service
We consider the local nuances of each project and tailor our service to match each development with the best offset solution. BTF’s knowledge of rural land ownership in Kent and the Southeast is second to none, while our work with farmer clusters gives us a strong understanding of land management across the farmed landscape
Case Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Responsible Body?
A Responsible Body is an organisation approved by Government via Defra to enter into and hold Conservation Covenants.
Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants is a Responsible Body, meaning we are legally authorised to work with landowners, developers, and other partners to secure long-term conservation outcomes through Conservation Covenants.
In practice, this means we can:
- Enter into legally binding Conservation Covenant agreements with landowners
- Take on legal responsibility for ensuring conservation commitments are delivered and maintained over time
- Provide long-term oversight, monitoring, and enforcement of agreed environmental outcomes
- Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), habitat banks, and other nature market schemes with legal certainty
What happens after I buy units?
Once you've purchased Biodiversity Net Gain units from us, we formalise the sale through a certificate of purchase. The units are then allocated to your development and a biodiversity gain plan will need to be completed and registered, under the off-site landholding, giving you the evidence you need for your planning application or discharge of conditions.
Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants can act as a broker for this process, finding the most appropriate off-set inline with your requirements and further increasing the potential for wider strategic landscape scale conservation value.
How long is the management agreement?
Under the Biodiversity Net Gain regulations, habitats must be secured and managed for a minimum of 30 years. This is set out in either a Section 106 agreement with the local planning authority or a Conservation Covenant with a Responsible Body and registered with the appropriate organisations (DEFRA, Land Registry).