Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for Rail
Under the Environment Act 2021, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became a legal requirement for most new developments from February 2024. Infrastructure projects, including rail developments, will be required to comply with BNG regulations from late 2025. This means that railway schemes must not only mitigate ecological impacts but also contribute to biodiversity improvements by achieving a minimum 10% net gain. Rail projects must incorporate BNG principles into planning and design to ensure compliance, which may involve habitat creation, enhancements to rail embankments and corridors, and long-term biodiversity monitoring.
Our Services
BNG Strategy Development: Our team develops comprehensive BNG strategies, using Defra’s biodiversity metric to assess baseline ecological conditions and identify enhancement opportunities. We provide tailored recommendations to ensure compliance with national BNG requirements while maximising biodiversity benefits along railway corridors.
Ecological Enhancements for Rail Networks: We implement practical biodiversity improvements along rail corridors, such as creating wildflower-rich embankments, enhancing woodland edges, and improving connectivity for wildlife through green corridors and habitat bridges. These enhancements support species movement, strengthen habitats, and contribute to a healthier natural environment..
Long-Term Monitoring and Compliance Reporting: We conduct ongoing ecological monitoring to track the effectiveness of BNG measures, ensuring that net gain commitments are met. Our team produces detailed compliance reports to support regulatory approvals and demonstrate the success of biodiversity enhancements over time.
