The UK National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA), published in 2011, found that 40% of priority habitats and 30% of priority species are declining in the UK, with at least eight species having become extinct since 2002. Biodiversity loss must be addressed in order to safeguard the huge value that nature contributes towards the UK economy and well-being of the population.

The Dasgupta Review (2021) reinforced this point by emphasising the interdependence of nature and economics. To safeguard the future of our critical natural environment, the principle of biodiversity net gain will be embedded in planning policy. Biodiversity net gain is defined as “an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand”. In this way, “any damage from human activities and development to biodiversity need to be balanced by a least equivalent gains for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Net Gain Briefing Note