Future Homes Hub launches new guide to simplify Biodiversity Net Gain on-site

Navigating the complexities of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on-site just got easier.

The Future Homes Hub has launched its BNG Good Practice Guide, a vital new resource designed to cut through the noise and provide clear, actionable steps for the homebuilding sector.

This user-friendly guide offers a practical checklist and bespoke guidance, empowering individuals to understand exactly what they need to do and when in order to deliver BNG successfully.

Recognising the real-world challenges of implementing BNG, the guide goes beyond existing documentation by incorporating invaluable good practice narratives from industry professionals actively working on BNG delivery. This unique approach brings together relevant information into one accessible place, offering context and clarity on when and how to apply various guidance.

Krista Evans, Head of Place and Nature at the Future Homes Hub, said: "Navigating the intricacies of BNG can feel like a daunting task, Our new Good Practice Guide directly addresses this complexity, providing a clear roadmap and practical insights to ensure successful on-site implementation. It will also help SMEs to streamline BNG processes as well as avoid costly mistakes and delays. By putting essential information upfront, it eliminates the need to sift through numerous complex documents.”

The Future Homes Hub firmly believes that BNG has the potential to be a significant win-win for both homebuilders and biodiversity, fostering increased awareness of ecological impacts, driving habitat creation and enhancement, and contributing to strategic nature recovery. BNG actively works to restore and increase wildlife and ecology, leading to healthier and happier communities, better places to live and work, green jobs, resilient infrastructure, sustainable financing, and enhanced ecosystem services.

To further support the successful implementation of BNG, the Future Homes Hub has recently established a Biodiversity Net Gain Implementation Board. Co-chaired by Julian Harlow from Defra and Lorraine Fursland from Berkeley Homes, this board brings together industry leaders, key stakeholders, and government bodies to facilitate cross-sector collaboration, identify challenges, and work towards effective solutions. Government, including Defra and MHCLG, is actively engaging with the board to address industry feedback and ensure the policy's successful delivery.

The BNG Good Practice Guide is an interactive tool that eases navigation and brings the process to life through each stage. It incorporates the viewpoints of various professionals involved in BNG delivery, including a Local Authority Ecologist, a Developer, an Ecologist, a Legal Advisor, a Landscape Designer, a Managing Agent, a Stewardship Specialist, and a Maintenance Contractor. These "characters," aligned with the Future Homes Hub process flow diagram, share their experiences and insights into their specific roles, responsibilities, and outputs at each stage.

This invaluable resource is intended for anyone involved in delivering on-site BNG or creating internal good practice procedures. While applicable to sites of all sizes, it focuses specifically on the Statutory Metric.

The Future Homes Hub is committed to supporting the sector in embracing BNG, recognising its vital role in national biodiversity restoration. By fostering education and collaboration, the Hub aims to ensure the policy’s success for both development and nature.

Key highlights of the BNG Good Practice Guide:

• Simplifies Complexity: Provides a clear checklist and bespoke guidance on what needs to be done and when for on-site BNG implementation.
• Real-World Insights: Features good practice narratives from professionals actively delivering BNG.
• One-Stop Resource: Brings together relevant existing information with added commentary for practical application.
• SME Friendly: Offers easily accessible advice and a clear checklist to navigate the BNG process efficiently.
• Interactive and User-Friendly: Eases navigation and brings the process to life through relatable characters and stages.
• Focuses on On-Site Delivery: Specifically supports the design, construction, and management of BNG within development sites.