Biodiversity Net Gain: a policy worth protecting for people, nature, and the economy
Simon Towers, Co-Chairman
| Green Earth Developments Group
From regenerating brownfield sites to improving community wellbeing, Biodiversity Net Gain is delivering measurable benefits for nature and people. Continued political support is crucial to secure its long-term success.
The UK faces a stark reality: decades of habitat loss and urban expansion have left us among the most nature-depleted nations in the world. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), introduced in February 2024, is a bold response to this challenge, a policy that ensures development actively contributes to nature recovery rather than accelerating its decline. In less than two years, BNG has already proven its worth, unlocking private investment and creating a new marketplace for environmental restoration. It is a policy that works, and one that must be supported for the long term.
At Green Earth Developments Group (GEDG), we see the transformative potential of BNG every day. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to regenerate disused and contaminated brownfield sites into thriving habitats, renewable energy hubs, and community green spaces. These are sites that cannot otherwise be developed for housing, yet they hold immense potential for nature recovery and climate resilience. By restoring these landscapes, we not only deliver biodiversity gains but also create spaces that improve physical and mental health for communities, bringing nature back to urban areas in line with the government’s Nature Towns and Cities Accreditation Scheme.
Our approach is rooted in innovation and circularity. Surplus soils from construction sites are repurposed to cap toxins on legacy land, enabling safe habitat creation. These restored sites become biodiversity banks, generating measurable gains for endangered and protected species while providing developers with off-site BNG units. We also work alongside developers to deliver on-site habitat creation, ensuring ecological integrity and long-term success. This model minimises waste, maximises environmental benefit, and demonstrates that sustainability can be commercially viable.
BNG is not just a compliance exercise, it is a catalyst for change. Developers are now factoring BNG into land acquisition costs, and the marketplace is maturing rapidly. Globally, the concept is gaining traction, positioning the UK as a pioneer in urban environmental regeneration. With consistent governance and supportive policy, the UK can lead the way in showcasing how innovation and investment in regenerative activities should be protected and championed.
The benefits are clear. BNG delivers more than biodiversity, it creates healthier, greener communities. Our projects show how degraded land can become vibrant ecosystems and community assets. These habitats provide flood resilience, urban cooling, and carbon sequestration, while offering public access to nature, a win-win for people and nature.
But nature takes time to recover. GEDG and other BNG providers commit to 30-year agreements to restore and manage habitats. Disrupting this policy now would destabilise a growing industry and undermine progress. We urge all political parties to maintain support for BNG, uphold regulatory integrity, and create conditions for private sector innovation. This is not a short-term initiative; it is a cornerstone of the UK’s environmental and social future.
BNG is working. It is delivering measurable gains for nature, communities, and the economy. With continued commitment, the UK can lead the world in regenerative development. Let us ensure this policy is protected and strengthened for generations to come.
You can find more information on the great work we are doing at www.greenearthgroup.co.uk.
