Government eyes introduction of biodiversity net gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects from May 2026
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation on the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).
Defra said: “The government is committed to achieving sustained economic growth to improve the prosperity of our country. The development of high-quality nature-positive infrastructure will support this mission.
“BNG is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. BNG makes sure development has a measurably positive impact (‘net gain’) on biodiversity, compared to what was there before development.”
On the proposed introduction of BNG for NSIPs from May 2026, Defra said this would provide “a clear framework to ensure new major infrastructure developments leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development took place.
“This will contribute to our legally binding Environment Act 2021 targets for biodiversity, and provide wider benefits for climate change adaptation and mitigation.”
The consultation closes on 24 July 2025.
