Biodiversity Net Gain Oxfordshire: Understanding BNG

Oxfordshire is home to rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, including ancient woodlands, species-rich grasslands, and protected wetlands. To support these natural assets, developers are encouraged to work in alignment with the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

This helps to ensure projects contribute to local priorities like restoring wildflower meadows, enhancing hedgerows, or protecting habitats for species such as water voles and skylarks.

In cases where on-site biodiversity gains are limited by the nature of the development, Oxfordshire County Council and South Oxfordshire District Council permit the use of off-site biodiversity units. These can be purchased through registered habitat banks or biodiversity offset schemes, provided the enhancements are measurable, verifiable, and maintained for at least 30 years.

Woodland creation, wetland restoration, and hedgerow planting are among the popular approaches to delivering these gains across the county.

There are ten guiding principles that underpin successful BNG planning:

1. Follow the mitigation hierarchy to reduce biodiversity loss.
2. Avoid impacting irreplaceable priority habitats.
3. Work collaboratively and transparently with stakeholders.
4. Promote sustainability across ecological, social, and economic dimensions.
5. Engage with specialists and local communities throughout the project lifecycle.
6. Deliver measurable, long-term improvements to biodiversity.
7. Account for risks and changes over time.
8. Aim to exceed the 10% requirements when possible.
9. Use the latest biodiversity metric tools/
10. Ensure projects provide lasting value for nature.

At Collington Winter Environmental, our team of ecologists and environmental consultants works with developers across Oxfordshire to ensure BNG compliance. We assess habitats using the latest Statutory Biodiversity Metric and prepare detailed habitat management and monitoring plans.

With the certification of Natural England licences, our experts are familiar with local planning authorities policies and requirements, and we offer practical, tailored advice to support an application with your site habitats in mind.

Whether you’re planning a housing development near Oxford or a commercial project in Banbury, our team is here to help deliver ecological outcomes that benefit both people and surrounding nature.

To learn more or speak to an ecological consultant about how we can help your development site achieve BNG, contact us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or fill out the contact form below.