Plain-English guides to biodiversity net gain in England
Every guide answers its question in the first paragraph, carries dated key facts checked against gov.uk and links to the sources. Written by BNG Sourced by Green Acres BNG specialists, who run two registered habitat banks themselves.
Brokers, habitat banks and sourcing services
How each route charges, what each shows you and the questions to ask before you buy units.
Read the guide →BuyingHow to buy off-site BNG units
The full process from metric to allocation, with timings and what to check before you pay.
Read the guide →RulesDo I need BNG?
Who mandatory BNG applies to in England and the exemptions that changed on 6 August 2026.
Read the guide →RulesThe 0.2 hectare exemption
How the small sites exemption works, the priority habitat test and what it means for small schemes.
Read the guide →BuyingFractional BNG units
Buying part of a unit for small and minor developments and why it is often the fastest route.
Read the guide →RulesMinor development and off-site BNG
The equal footing rule for minor development and how to use it on sites of 9 or fewer homes.
Read the guide →MetricThe spatial risk multiplier
How local, adjacent and elsewhere multipliers change how many units you buy.
Read the guide →MetricThe planned LNRS change to spatial risk
What moving spatial risk to the 48 LNRS areas would mean for developers.
Read the guide →MetricBNG trading rules
Which habitats can replace which and the like for like rules for high distinctiveness habitat.
Read the guide →MetricBNG unit types explained
Area, hedgerow and watercourse units and why they cannot substitute for each other.
Read the guide →RulesBNG for NSIPs
Mandatory BNG for nationally significant infrastructure projects from 2 November 2026.
Read the guide →ProcessEcologist evidence checklist
The documents a BNG provider and planning authority need before an allocation.
Read the guide →BuyingForward allocation agreements
Reserving units ahead of a decision and how option arrangements work.
Read the guide →BuyingStatutory biodiversity credits
Why the government credit scheme is a last resort and priced to be avoided.
Read the guide →ProcessThe biodiversity gain plan
What the plan must contain and how off-site units are evidenced within it.
Read the guide →RulesBrownfield BNG exemption tracker
The status of the consultation on a residential brownfield exemption.
Read the guide →Guides are useful. Matched units are better.
Tell us your requirement and we will source supply from across England. Free for developers.
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