A Landscape Approach to Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now embedded in planning in England. Unless exempt, schemes must demonstrate at least a 10% uplift in habitat value through the statutory biodiversity metric. Considered too late, BNG becomes a costly retrofit and a scramble for off-site units - or worse, statutory credits. Brought in early, it becomes a design driver that shapes better places and a clearer route through planning.
BNG as a design parameter
BNG is frequently considered only after key decisions have locked in the site layout. By that point, the pathway to compliance is already constrained. Appoint landscape architects in the early RIBA Stages (0-2) and we can protect higher-value habitats, apply the mitigation hierarchy from first principles and avoid unnecessary losses so clients aren’t paying later for off-site units or premium-priced credits intended as a last resort.
Early involvement typically delivers:
Layouts aligned with the mitigation hierarchy, reducing avoidable habitat loss.
A credible BNG strategy that informs the brief, budget and programme.
Fewer late-stage redesigns, with measurable gains planned in rather than retrofitted.
Translating ecology into buildable space
Landscape architects sit at the intersection of ecology and delivery. We take the ecologist’s baseline and translate those findings into space-efficient proposals that keep the biodiversity metric front-and-centre while balancing other client requirements. Because the metric classifies habitats using UKHab, we can select planting typologies and management regimes with confidence that what’s designed will be countable in the final calculation.
Design is iterative
Urban schemes evolve. As footprints, cores and servicing shift, so does the BNG score. Landscape architects work within that churn: testing options against the metric, visualising trade-offs and guiding the team toward choices that lift biodiversity gains without compromising viability, architecture or user experience. In London, the Urban Greening Factor (UGF) adds another lens. Used together from the outset, BNG and UGF can steer projects toward greening that is both qualitative and quantifiable, supporting planning outcomes without eroding viability.
From concept to construction
We don’t stop at strategy. Landscape architects turn intent into buildable packages that deliver measurable gain on site. That means leading the design and specification of green roofs and walls; selecting substrate types and depths; specifying planting; and coordinating with architects, façade engineers, roofing system suppliers and M&E teams on load, drainage, irrigation and maintenance. Aligning each component with UKHab typologies and the metric supports long-term management and maximises measurable biodiversity gain.
Reduce risk by starting early
Waiting until layouts are fixed is often when costs bite. Credits are deliberately priced not to undercut the off-site market, and late changes rarely create enough on-site units to close the gap. Bringing landscape architects in early helps you avoid that bind and builds a more persuasive planning narrative.
At Landscape Ally, we make it easy to start early. Our flexible support plans let developers and planning consultants tap specialist input without committing to full delivery fees. We can be involved from first principles, shaping the BNG strategy, setting realistic priorities and testing options, then scale our involvement when you’re ready. The result is a masterplan that treats BNG as a genuine design parameter, avoids unnecessary credit exposure and moves through planning with a clearer, evidence-led story.
BNG is here to stay. Bring landscape architects in at the start, and it becomes a lever for better places, not a line-item headache.