Ecus will be rebranded as Cura Terrae on the 6th January 2025.

Biodiversity Net Gain Services

We help you plan and achieve a quantifiable net gain in biodiversity, through the use of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. We provide integrated Biodiversity Net Gain Services, from baseline assessments to creation and maintenance of habitats, and advice and recommendations, delivered by seasoned, personable experts.

What are our Biodiversity Net Gain services?

Most planning applications in England are now required to demonstrate a quantifiable net gain in biodiversity, through the use of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.

In Wales and Scotland, there is other legislation and policy which requires developers to take a net gain in biodiversity into consideration.

This must be considered at the very beginning of a project as it can impact the design and the programme of delivery.

At Ecus, we offer comprehensive services to support clients in achieving Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) targets. Our team of qualified ecologists is skilled in conducting BNG baseline habitat type and condition surveys, as well as River Condition Assessments in line with the latest guidance. Using cutting-edge tools like Coreo and QGIS, we accurately map baseline habitats and export the data into the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.

We provide ongoing support throughout the project lifecycle, from preliminary design to post-development stages, ensuring habitats are mapped and recorded in accordance with BNG standards. Our experts can also conduct options appraisals and explore opportunities for incorporating BNG into project designs, enabling clients to achieve a net gain. In addition, we offer off-site compensation surveys, liaise with local planning authority (LPA) ecologists, and work closely with our Landscape and Habitats teams to deliver habitat creation, enhancement, and maintenance. Ecus is here to guide clients through every phase of BNG, from initial surveys to the long-term stewardship of habitats.

Menu of Services

From feasibility through to operation, we cover your project’s environmental needs.

What to expect and key benefits

Biodiversity Net Gain Feasibility Report

Clients can expect the use of a baseline survey and baseline biodiversity metric, along with masterplans or outlines plans of the proposed developed to determine whether it will be feasible to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain within the red line boundary. This process includes applying QGIS functions to analyse the site and converting landscape plans into SBM habitat types.

Proposed planting schemes are used to determine the likely habitat condition, which will be exported into the statutory biodiversity metric. Then the likely proposed Habitat, Hedgerow and Watercourse units of the site are determined. We conduct a River Condition Assessment, if required, and offer an options appraisal where there are multiple ways of achieving BNG. You then receive a report of the BNG Feasibility study and advice and recommendations for how a gain or increase in units can be achieved. Finding the ‘easy’ wins such as enhancing existing habitats, removal of invasive plant species etc.

Biodiversity Net Gain Design Stage Report

Clients can expect the use of the baseline biodiversity metric, along with masterplans or outlines plans of the proposed development. This process includes applying QGIS functions to analyse the site and converting landscape plans into SBM habitat types.

Proposed planting schemes are used to determine the likely habitat condition, which will be exported into the statutory biodiversity metric. Then the likely proposed habitat, hedgerow and watercourse units of the site are determined. We conduct a River Condition Assessment, if required, and produce a report of the Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment. You then receive advice and recommendations for appropriate management and monitoring. We provide you with Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans for the long-term success of your project.

Biodiversity Net Gain Landscape Proposals

We work closely with our ecology and habitat teams to produce landscape proposals that address the necessary BNG targets as well as developing proposals that include habitat enhancements that can be delivered on site.

Biodiversity Net Gain Baseline Survey

  • We conduct Preliminary Habitat Surveys of a red line boundary to determine the habitat type and condition. We map findings into QGIS and export them into the statutory biodiversity metric.
  • This allows the determination of baseline Habitat, Hedgerow and Watercourse units of the site.
  • We provide a River Condition Assessment, if required
  • You receive a Report of the BNG Baseline
  • You receive advice and recommendations on how a gain or increase in units can be achieved. We help find the ‘easy’ wins such as enhancing existing habitats.

Biodiversity Net Gain delivery

Biodiversity Net Gain & Habitats

Our habitats team will deliver BNG on your site. We create, restore and manage diverse habitats to offset ecological impacts from development projects and support and enhance natural environments. Our services cater to a wide range of needs, including habitat creation for protected species, biodiversity enhancement, and ongoing management plans. We work with developers, planners, national parks, national infrastructure holders and local authorities to deliver solutions that both meet regulatory standards and enhance biodiversity.

Biodiversity Net Gain & Landscape

We work closely with our ecology and habitat teams to produce landscape proposals that address the necessary BNG targets as well as developing proposals that include habitat enhancements that can be delivered on site.

During the early stages of the design process, our Landscape team will collaborate with the ecologist to establish opportunities for planting and the best outcome on site for BNG. In addition, we work with ecologists to periodically check and update the approved landscape details with the onsite establishment of the planting.

Biodiversity Net Gain & Arboriculture

We work alongside our Arboriculturists to ensure that the right trees are incorporated into landscape proposals to be consistent the local landscape and habitats. We also actively consider climate resilience in our choice of trees to ensure your schemes have the best chance of success.

Strategic BNG services

Beyond BNG requirements our integrated ecology, landscapes and habitats teams can support you with a range of strategic planning services. Including integrating BNG into Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and wider Green and Blue Infrastructure requirements, supporting habitat bank creation and providing bespoke advice for planning applications. We can also assist with Biodiversity Action Plans, Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) delivery and providing independent review services. We believe in a more joined-up approach to support cost effective planning and maximise benefits for people and nature.

View our BNG lifecycle.

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