Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become a cornerstone in the design and execution of sustainable development projects. Meeting the legal requirements for BNG involves much more than simply completing the metric calculations; it requires an approach where ecologists and landscape architects work hand-in-hand from the beginning. This article explores the design-led approach to BNG and highlights key elements that contribute to successful biodiversity-rich projects.
The Role of the Mitigation Hierarchy
Applying the mitigation hierarchy is fundamental to achieving BNG. This hierarchy involves the following steps:
- Avoidance: Where possible, avoid impacts on existing biodiversity.
- Minimisation: If avoidance isn’t feasible, reduce the impact on biodiversity.
- Restoration: Restore any impacted biodiversity as much as possible.
- Compensation: If impacts cannot be restored, compensate by creating new habitats elsewhere.
By applying this approach, developers can ensure that they are respecting and preserving existing ecosystems while paving the way for new ones.
Creating Wildlife-Rich Habitats
A key part of BNG is the creation of new habitats. This involves a collaborative effort between ecologists and landscape architects to design spaces that are both functional and rich in biodiversity. Wildlife-rich habitats can range from simple green spaces to complex ecosystems with diverse plant and animal life.
Habitat Design and Management
Effective habitat design requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of ecological principles. A landscape architect brings design expertise, creating layouts that are both aesthetically pleasing and conducive to wildlife. Meanwhile, the ecologist provides insights into species diversity, natural behaviors, and ecosystem dynamics.
Once the habitat is designed, a management plan must be developed to ensure long-term success. This plan should include:
- Maintenance schedules to ensure habitats remain viable.
- Monitoring programs to track biodiversity.
- Adaptive management strategies to address unforeseen challenges.
Beyond the Metric: A Design-Led Mindset
While the BNG metric is a valuable tool for quantifying biodiversity gains, the most successful projects embrace a design-led mindset. These projects involve ecologists and landscape architects from the outset, allowing for integrated planning and creative solutions. A design-led approach encourages innovation and leads to more cohesive and effective outcomes.
Meeting BNG Goals
To achieve BNG, developments must demonstrate a minimum 10% gain in biodiversity in ways that comply with the Metric rules. However, focusing solely on the metric can lead to missed opportunities for creating thriving ecosystems. By prioritising design and involving multidisciplinary teams early on, developers can exceed these requirements and contribute to a sustainable future.
Conclusion
A design-led approach to BNG offers a path toward sustainable development that balances human needs with environmental stewardship. By combining the expertise of ecologists and landscape architects, projects can create habitats that are not only compliant with BNG regulations but also enrich our natural world. This collaborative effort can lead to beautiful, functional, and ecologically sound developments that benefit both people and nature.
