Maximising the benefits of biodiversity net gain requires a community-centric approach

Originally published by BE News, 22 January 2024

By Ed Gritten, Engagement and Insights Officer

Thirty years – that’s the minimum any biodiversity net gain (BNG) initiative must be secured for and maintained. It’s fair to say that goes beyond the length of most landscape maintenance contracts. This timeframe reduces the risk of greenwashing and gives space for nature to mature.

However, success hinges on an intricate understanding of the context within which a natural space exists. It demands a genuine acknowledgment of the symbiotic relationship between nature and people. This involves ensuring that diverse voices continually shape design through lived experiences, fostering a connection for local residents to the space and the community it inspires.

A recent report from the Quality of Life Foundation highlights how developers, local authorities and consultants are supporting nature recovery in housing developments by managing the process of BNG. Crucially, the report emphasises that involving the public in the creation and maintenance of green spaces means they are more likely to flourish, will be protected, be more cost-effective in the long term, and will benefit the health of individuals and neighbourhoods.

Understanding BNG requirements

BNG legislation is evolving, with many local planning authorities seeking increases beyond the mandated 10%, reflecting a commendable ambition to elevate standards. Beyond regulatory compliance, BNG prompts broader reflections on the importance of nature, wildlife and climate. It also makes us think about green and blue spaces as critical infrastructure, vital to the health and wellbeing of societies and the planet.

Developers essentially have three choices when thinking about where to invest in and protect biodiversity: on-site investment, preferred for social value and community connection; off-site spaces, involving payments to landowners (and, let’s hope, planting more than a couple of trees); or the emerging net gain market or statutory biodiversity credit model, positioned as a last resort.

The role of community engagement in BNG

The holistic benefits of bringing nature on-site when developing land are increasingly acknowledged. The report by the Quality of Life Foundation features best-practice case studies in Glasgow, Leeds and London, showcasing the fundamental role of local communities in BNG and green infrastructure projects. It shows a commitment is needed from land managers so local people don’t feel alienated, and to foster care and pride in local areas.

Engagement should be the bridge connecting all the phases of a development; as the feedback loop is maintained, so too are the natural spaces. The report also suggests landowners have a direct responsibility to encourage participation and education, empowering local people to use and care for natural spaces. Over the 30-year timeline, community involvement not only aids on site care, but also offers potential cost savings. For example, a SUDs initiative that’s maintained by local residents could save on the cost of a regular maintenance contract. Of course, the role of the community should not be seen as free labour, but there are opportunities for savings to be made.

Challenges and solutions in implementing community engagement

Access to nature yields countless benefits. But we shouldn’t and can’t expect everyone to engage with their local green or blue space. Still acknowledging and addressing barriers to doing so is crucial for long-term success. Being able to engage with nature comes from certain privileges. Not many people have the time, money, ability and inclination to engage with nature consistently or at all.

So organisations should invest in comprehensive and adaptable engagement strategies that span the full lifecycle of a project. This approach provides a chance for a deeper connection between people and their local spaces, creating a win-win scenario for all involved. During engagement, a focus on establishing who the anchor organisations are in the community and collaborating with wider independent groups who can provide further knowledge and support, means a positive, flexible communal network will have the chance to flourish.

While BNG is a metric and a policy tool for supporting nature and the climate, we can’t ignore the fact that its success lies in whether people understand the importance of – and feel part of – their local natural environment. Viewed within a wider ecological agenda, BNG encourages us all to take a long-term view, to think differently about how we treat our natural world and, in turn, ourselves and our societies. In this way, BNG marks a significant step towards a better future, especially when implemented with local people.