Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Strategic BNG Options for NSIPs
Overview
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is due to be introduced for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in England from May 2026. This will require NSIPs to deliver and demonstrate a minimum 10% net increase in biodiversity post-development. For such vast and complex projects, this will present unique challenges to ensure successful compliance, but also huge opportunities for nature recovery in England.
With over 200 industry delegates in the room, we heard from renowned industry experts, including specialists already providing strategic biodiversity solutions for significant projects alongside key representatives from notable NSIPs and leading consultancies.
Our expert speakers explored all the major challenges likely to arise from BNG for NSIPs, discussed early strategies for effective delivery, and considered potential avenues for NSIPs to capitalise on the new policy.
Panel 1 – Matters of scale: Preparing for large Biodiversity Unit requirements
NSIPs are set to have significant and complex BNG requirements to account for unavoidable habitat impacts across such vast areas of land. Biodiversity Unit sourcing and delivery is likely to become a key consideration in the early planning stages. Panellists will explore why proactive approaches to BNG will be essential for ensuring compliance while minimising costs and risks.
- Keynote: Toby Perkins MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee
- Alan Kirby, Technical Director (Ecology), Logika Consultants
- Neil Harwood, Associate Director, Arup
- Nick White, Principal Advisor, Net Gain, Natural England
- Richard Gowling, Technical Director, Nature Advisory, WSP
Panel 2 – Custom compliance: Building flexibility into BNG delivery options
As NSIP plans must account for complex variables and uncertainties, so too must BNG delivery approaches. Requirements and specifications are likely to change throughout the planning process and NSIPs will need flexible options to avoid either a shortfall or excess in Biodiversity Units. Panellists will discuss how BNG support and supply solutions can be tailored for NSIPs.
- Nina Pindham, Environmental and Planning Law Barrister, Cornerstone Barristers
- Sam Bower, Head of Natural Environment, Balfour Beatty
- Imogen Dewar, Senior Associate, Pinsent Mason
- John Harris, Senior Ecologist, Anglian Water
Panel 3 – Beyond the limits: Considering complementary BNG approaches
There are opportunities to create BNG delivery approaches with the potential to complement, support, and even satisfy other project considerations simultaneously. This includes things such as species protection, education, public access, and flood mitigation. Panellists will compare and reflect on the risks, opportunities, and potential benefits of multifaceted BNG approaches.
- Julia Baker, Technical Director, Nature Services, Mott MacDonald
- Beth Motley, Director of stakeholder engagement, Dalcour Maclaren
- Jean-Michel Bellas, Strategic Relationship Lead, E.ON
- Anna Sutherland Bamber, DCO and Planning Director, Strategic Planning, Iceni