Biodiversity Net Gain Staffordshire: Understanding BNG

To meet BNG requirements in Staffordshire, developers should take proactive steps to:

• Enhance or protect habitat banks
• Support lowland hay meadows and priority habitats
• Invest in green infrastructure
• Safeguard vulnerable and endangered species

There are also opportunities to benefit from local woodland creation schemes and off-site biodiversity units as a way to meet net gain requirements where on-site options are limited. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust in particular are keen to get involved with developers to provide the best outcomes for nature by working alongside local authorities to make sure BNG funds are proactively made the most of.

Staffodshire is home to rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, including ancient woodlands, species-rich grasslands, and protected wetlands. These environments support rare and threatened species, making their protection and enhancement a key part of the planning system.

To support these natural assets, developers are encouraged to work with the Staffordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) in mind. This ensures developments deliver measurable biodiversity improvements that align with regional priorities, such as enhancing hedgerows, reconnecting wildlife corridors, and protecting habitats for key species like water voles, skylarks, and great crested newts.

In situations where on-site biodiversity enhancement is not feasible, whether it be due to space constraints or existing land use, Staffordshire County Council allows for the use of off-site biodiversity units. These can be purchased through recognised habitat banks or biodiversity offset providers, ensuring gains are delivered within ecologically relevant locations.

Popular off-site interventions include woodland creation, peatland and wetland restoration, and the rewilding of degraded farmland. All enhancements must be maintained for at least 30 years and be measurable and monitored over time to make certain they continue to deliver BNG units.

To effectively implement BNG in Staffordshire, developers should follow these 10 guiding principles:

1. Prioritise avoiding biodiversity loss through the mitigation hierarchy
2. Protect irreplaceable habitats
3. Ensure transparent stakeholder engagement
4. Consider long-term sustainability
5. Involve relevant stakeholders at all stages
6. Deliver real, lasting gains for nature and local communities
7. Anticipate and manage potential risks
8. Aim to exceed the 10% minimum
9. Use trusted metrics like the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
10. Focus on delivering the best possible outcome for biodiversity

If you’re planning a project in Staffordshire and are unsure how BNG affects your proposal, early engagement with the local planning authority is strongly advised. For complex projects, involving a qualified BNG consultant early in the design phase can streamline the process.

At Collington Winter Environmental, we support developers across Staffordshire and the wider midlands with expert guidance on biodiversity planning. Our team of licensed ecologists can:

• Survey and assess existing habitats using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• Produce compliant habitat management and monitoring plans
• Support planning applications with robust ecological documentation

For tailored advice on how to meet BNG requirements and promote environmental responsibility in your development, get in touch with us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or use the contact form below.