BNG for developers
From Biodiversity Gain Plans to off-site units, we have you covered.
01 What We Offer
Natural Capital Partners delivers legally compliant Biodiversity Gain Plans and affordable off-site BNG units tailored to your project. Backed by expert ecologists, transparent pricing, and nationwide service.
Our specialist team has successfully delivered BNG across England.
Strategic Biodiversity Gain Plans
Our tailored Biodiversity Gain Plans clarify whether off-site or on-site BNG delivery is optimal for your development.
- Smooth planning submissions
- Reduce early-stage project risks
- Determine your most cost-effective solution
Made-to-Order BNG Units
Our experienced team supports you at every stage, from partial units to full, nationwide BNG supply.
- Seamless Planning Alignment: Secure BNG units that align with your development timelines, enabling early-stage certainty and smoother planning approvals.
- Comprehensive Habitat Coverage: Access a full range of legally compliant units—grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, scrublands, and hedgerows—tailored to your site’s needs.
- Risk-Free, Fully Funded Solutions: Eliminate liability with units secured for 30 years through our escrow partnerships with Goldman Sachs, UBS, and other top-tier investment houses.
- Strategic, Flexible Procurement: Pre-reserve units for just 2.5% upfront using innovative financial tools—minimising capital outlay and integrating BNG into your project from the start.
02 Our Simple Process
01
Request a Quote
Submit your project details via our online form and receive a tailored quotation quickly.
02
Review Your Options
We identify the most cost-effective and compliant solutions from our existing Habitat Banks or Bespoke BNG sites.
03
Reserve Your BNG Units
Secure your BNG units early, aligning with your planning and development timelines.
04
Complete Your Purchase
Receive all necessary documentation to discharge planning conditions and formalise your BNG compliance.
Our 4 step process keeps BNG as streamlined as it can be.
03 Why Choose Us
We deliver expert-led, commercially focused BNG services for developers. Our approach combines technical depth with practical delivery, ensuring you meet obligations and maximise long-term returns. Here are 6 reasons to partner with Natural Capital Partners:
01
Unmatched Natural Capital Expertise
Our team includes specialists in BNG regulation, environmental & planning law, ecology, arbology, hydrology, hydrogeology, natural capital taxation, environmental insurance, corporate finance, and data modelling. This multi-disciplinary knowledge allows us to navigate complex projects, optimise site potential, and ensure all legal, ecological, and financial aspects are managed to the highest standard.
02
All-in-One Environmental Solutions
Our services include access to a full range of natural capital credits to meet your regulatory needs: • Woodland, Peatland and Soil Carbon Credits • Nutrient Credits • Water Credits • See our additional natural capital services page for more. Whether you're focused on biodiversity or wider environmental markets, we help you secure what you need, when you need it.
03
Strategies for Maximum Impact
We never offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Every development site and every developer is unique. Our team tailors a strategy that aligns with ecological, financial, and regulatory realities, ensuring your development delivers maximum value over time.
04
Full-Service, Zero-Burden Delivery
We use our established landowner relationships to source your units efficiently, giving you access to planning-ready BNG unit supply pipelines. We handle every aspect of project delivery so you don’t have to—from legal structuring, Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans and escrow solutions to implementation, management and monitoring.
05
Guaranteed Legal Compliance
All units are secured through binding 30-year agreements using Conservation Covenants. Our in-house legal team works directly with our Partner Responsible Bodies to expedite approval. No intermediaries. No delays. Just trusted, compliant outcomes.
06
Minimise Cost
We go beyond traditional models to optimise profitability. Our expert insights, proprietary software and site analysis tools reduce BNG unit costs. Plus, our landowner network ensures your units are sourced locally to your development sites, so you can buy fewer units versus if you purchased BNG units from sites further afield, due to the metric multiplier effect reducing their value.
04 FAQs
What is BNG?
BNG is a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021. It means all new developments in England must leave biodiversity in a measurably better state—at least 10% better—than before development. This uplift must be maintained for at least 30 years.
What are BNG units?
BNG units are a measurable way of capturing the gains in biodiversity from habitat improvements.
What must developers deliver to satisfy BNG requirements, and how can off‑site units help?
Residential and commercial developers must deliver at least 10% BNG per project. If on‑site delivery isn’t practical, we offer tailored off‑site units that can be pre‑reserved at the very early pre‑planning stages, providing certainty from the outset.
Will I always need to buy off‑site BNG units?
Not always. We can prepare a Biodiversity Gain Plan early in the process to assess your on‑site potential. This gives you clarity on whether off‑site units are needed, helping you plan, budget, and avoid delays.
What is the typical price range for BNG units?
Unit prices vary based on habitat type, location, and availability. Costs typically range from £20,000 – £50,000 per unit. We provide transparent pricing and help you find the most cost‑effective units, ideally located near your development.
What are the consequences if my development fails to achieve BNG?
Failure to comply can result in planning permission delays, financial penalties, or being unable to proceed with the project. Early planning and expert advice are essential to avoid costly issues.
Is BNG mandatory for every development project?
Yes. BNG is now legally mandatory for developments in England, although certain exemptions apply. For Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, the requirement will become effective in November 2025.
How is BNG assessed?
The Statutory Biodiversity Metric, a DEFRA‑approved tool, is used to assess habitat value before and after development. This metric is applied by qualified ecologists to calculate the number of BNG units gained or lost.
What is the Mitigation Hierarchy, and how does it relate to BNG?
The Mitigation Hierarchy is a strategic framework guiding biodiversity management, giving the order in which BNG delivery should be prioritised. The order is as follows:
On-site. By avoiding impact in the first place, enhancing existing habitats or creating new habitats.
Off-site. Purchase of off-site BNG units as close to the development as possible. (as close to impact as possible – should 100% speak to developers before developing the plan)
Statutory. Purchase Statutory BNG units from Natural England. This is actively discouraged by Natural England with them charging double the market price.
What BNG services does Natural Capital Partners provide for developers?
We help developers meet their BNG obligations through BNG Gain Plans and high‑integrity off‑site units.
What happens once I have purchased BNG units?
Once units are purchased, we handle all reporting, legal agreements, and ecological delivery. You’ll receive formal documentation confirming your BNG contribution, which can be submitted to the planning authority to discharge your BNG planning condition.