Natural England have published an introductory guidance note on delivering biodiversity net gain ("BNG"). 

The most relevant section for developers,  entitled 'Perspectives on how to prepare for BNG', offers some initial high-level guidance on how to pre-empt the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 coming into force (expected November 2023). 

Developers are encouraged to consider net gain at the site selection and design phase of projects and to focus on collaborative working to find opportunities for on-site and off-site BNG delivery. 

For landowners who want to explore the possibility of delivering net gain on their land, undertaking a baseline assessment of the land could help start conversations with local authorities, developers and brokers at this early stage.

For developers who are looking at acquiring sites for longer-term/phased delivery, or where a planning application will be submitted after the BNG legislative provisions come into force, the earlier BNG can be addressed and built into site selection, design and costings, the easier it will be to satisfy the mandatory requirements and minimise delays at the application/delivery stage. 

We await the outcome of the government consultation on the Environment Act 2021 and the practical implications for delivery of BNG, as well as how the gain will be secured over the minimum 30 year required period.