Biodiversity net gain lunch and learn – what HIDB members need to know

3 minute read

At our latest “Lunch & Learn” session, we were joined by Marc Wilcox, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) Project Manager at Hertfordshire County Council, who offered members a clear, practical overview of how BNG is unfolding and what it means for developers, landowners and local planning authorities across the county.

Here’s what we learned and what it means for you…

What is biodiversity net gain?

BNG is now a legal requirement. All developments in England (barring a few exemptions) must deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity compared to the baseline. This isn’t a soft target; developers must actively create or enhance habitat, on-site or off-site and maintain it for 30 years through binding legal agreements such as Section 106 or conservation covenants.

BNG is habitat-based (not species-based), and it’s underpinned by a strict metric that evaluates land by type, size and quality.

Why it matters in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire’s limited green space make it critical to deliver BNG within the county. That’s why Hertfordshire County Council, in support of the Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership, has developed a BNG Site Matching Service.

This tool helps developers locate and match with landowners offering BNG habitat units in Hertfordshire, avoiding the need to use expensive and less beneficial national biodiversity credits. As Marc put it, it’s “like ecology Tinder”; connecting the right habitat offers with the right development needs.

The matching service: how it works

Cost: £110 + VAT to list or search:
For landowners: you can list available land that could be enhanced for nature.
For developers: you can submit your BNG needs (location, habitat type, number of units).
The council team: reviews requests manually and shares top matches.
Direct contact: you handle agreements directly with the landowner—HCC is just the matchmaker.

The more information developers or landowners can provide—such as existing surveys or habitat types—the better the matchmaking.

Strategic nature recovery

By aligning the BNG delivery with strategic zones in the upcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) (which is due for consultation this summer), you could unlock a 15% uplift in your biodiversity unit score. Ultimately, HIDB members can do more for nature while reducing costs.

These LNRS zones are being carefully mapped across Hertfordshire as key opportunity areas for habitat restoration, helping to deliver both ecological and planning benefits.

Key takeaways for HIDB members:

BNG is here to stay… It’s a legal requirement with long-term responsibilities.
Local delivery matters: it keeps biodiversity benefits and development within Hertfordshire.
The site matching service reduces delays in fulfilling planning conditions.
Stay ahead of the curve: LNRS zones offer cost-effective and impactful opportunities for BNG.

Next steps for you

If you’re a developer, you can explore the BNG Site Matching Service on the Hertfordshire County Council website.

And, if you’re a landowner, you can consider how your land might host future BNG projects—and get it listed.

Watch out for the LNRS public consultation this summer, which will be key for aligning projects with strategic nature recovery goals.

Want to be part of the next Lunch & Learn? Our next session is coming soon—keep an eye out on our LinkedIn page for updates.