15 April 2026: Defra confirms three BNG reforms. Mandatory BNG for NSIPs starts 2 November 2026. A new 0.2-hectare exemption comes into force before 31 July 2026, removing BNG from roughly half of small residential schemes previously in scope. A consultation on a brownfield residential exemption is now open until 10 June 2026. Read the full update →
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Plain-English guides covering every aspect of Biodiversity Net Gain, from first principles to the latest 2026 reforms.
What is BNG?
The 10% requirement, who it applies to, and why it existsThe biodiversity metric
How habitat value is calculated using DEFRA Metric 4.0The mitigation hierarchy
On-site, off-site, and statutory credits: the three delivery routesLegal agreements
Conservation covenants vs S106: which to use and whenTrading rules
Habitat matching, distinctiveness tiers, and geographic rulesExemptions
Current thresholds and the new 0.2ha exemption coming before 31 July 2026Statutory credits
Last resort pricing from £42k per credit, the 2x SRM explainedNSIPs & major infrastructure
BNG for Nationally Significant Infrastructure from 2 November 2026Gain sites register
What the register contains, how to search it, and how to register2026 reforms
Everything changing this year: exemptions, NSIPs, LNRS, NPPFMake better BNG decisions
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Defra confirmed three reforms on 15 April 2026 — NSIP go-live, new exemptions, and a brownfield consultation. Get the weekly digest of policy changes and market insight.
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