Better Biodiversity Net Gain for the past, present and future: How the historic environment can improve Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery outcomes
Author(s): Nick J Overton, Anwen Cooper, Graeme Clarke
This report examines the relationship between the historic environment and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) habitat creation practices in England. It is currently unclear how the historic environment is included in ‘off-site’ BNG projects (used by developers to deliver a 10% uplift in biodiversity compared to the pre-development baseline) and what issues may arise if the historic environment is not considered. The current relationship between off-site BNG practices and the historic environment is established through a review of existing legislation, questionnaires with off-site BNG stakeholders, case studies. It also examines existing resources identifying the impacts of habitat creation on the historic environment, and the potential for the historic environment to contribute positively to off-site/nature recovery aims. This research demonstrates that the historic environment is not regularly included in off-site BNG practices due to legislation, difficulties in cross-sector working, and a lack of resources. Available resources are limited by knowledge gaps and issues of inaccessibility and unsuitable formats for all stakeholders. This report recommends new research to expand sector understanding, collation of all resources in a single accessible repository, and the production of guidance suitable for all stakeholders, to highlight the potential impact of habitat creation, and reinforce the positive contributions the historic environment can provide to nature recovery aims.
- Report Number:
- 8/2026
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 255
- Keywords:
- Historic Environment Development Species Impact Habitat Planning
