The new biodiversity net gain (BNG) rules could create more than 123,000 football pitches of natural habitat over the course of the next full Parliament, according to new research from biodiversity tech start-up Joe’s Blooms.
The research, based on analysis of the government’s Net Gain Impact Assessment, shows that if 300,000 new homes are built each year – a target both major political parties have committed to – it would create an additional 44,500 football pitches of natural habitat and avoid the loss of 78,500 football pitches of biodiverse land over the next five years.
Robin McArthur, chair of Joe’s Blooms advisory board, said: “This analysis clearly demonstrates the sheer potential of BNG, and how nature recovery can and will be a central part of housing development. It’s now time to focus on preparation, and there’s a host of digital tools like Joe’s Blooms available to support LPAs implement BNG to its fullest.
“Working together, communities will see wildlife enriched with more green space, improving residents’ health and well-being, and boosting long-term income opportunities through green investments.”
