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BNG explained from first principles

Plain-English guides covering every aspect of Biodiversity Net Gain in England, from the basics to the latest 2026 reforms.

01

What is BNG?

The 10% requirement, who it applies to, and why it exists

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02

The biodiversity metric

How habitat value is calculated using DEFRA Metric 4.0

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03

The mitigation hierarchy

On-site, off-site, and statutory credits: the three delivery routes

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04

Legal agreements

Conservation covenants vs S106: which to use and when

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05

Trading rules

Habitat matching, distinctiveness tiers, and geographic rules

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06

Exemptions

Current thresholds and the upcoming 0.2ha exemption

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07

Statutory credits

Last resort pricing from £42k per credit, the 2x SRM explained

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08

NSIPs & major infrastructure

BNG for Nationally Significant Infrastructure from May 2026

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09

Gain sites register

What the register contains, how to search it, and how to register

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10

2026 reforms

Everything changing this year: exemptions, NSIPs, LNRS, NPPF

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