Biodiversity Net Gain is designed to ensure that nature is restored alongside the delivery of new developments.
But in practice it isn't delivering what it should or could.
Happy #WorldPeatlandsDay! 😍
Great to present the RSPB’s Patterns of Persecution report in Westminster yesterday, hosted by Curlew Champion @joemorrismp.bsky.social
The message was clear: England needs a licensing system for gamebird shooting to protect our birds of prey.
www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wi...
The Government is considering planning loopholes that could strip nature from England’s most deprived communities. ❌
RSPB
RSPB Action
Thanks to all who joined in the discussion, including the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Northern England Raptor Forum, and @werahobhouse.org.uk!
Currently, as many as 86% of residential development applications avoid Biodiversity Net Gain.
This is through the de minimis exemption, which allows developers to opt out of BNG entirely by classifying their own impacts on nature as ‘very small’, often without providing detailed evidence.
There are proposals to make changes, though not for better.
They involve even more exemptions, meaning more developers will be able to avoid contributing back to communities and wildlife through Biodiversity Net Gain.
