We ran a series of workshops for local authorities with a focus on biodiversity net gain and nature recovery from October through to December 2022. Recordings and slides are available for all the events on this page, along with a summary of key insights from the BNG and nature recovery events.
A summary of key insights from our biodiversity net gain and nature recovery events is available to download as a PDF at the bottom of this page.
Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: update for LPAs (officers)
This workshop set out essential information for local authorities on Biodiversity Net Gain and Nature Recovery. Presentations from Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Bath and North East Somerset Council highlighted experiences of current practice on biodiversity net gain (BNG) and nature recovery. The workshop provided an update on recent progress (both nationally and locally), focusing on “no regrets” actions that LPAs can take now and preparations that are needed for the introduction of mandatory net gain in the future. It was aimed at a wide range of local authority officers (development management and policy planners, ecologists, environmental strategy, etc).
Recording of the BNG and Nature Recovery Update for Officers
Slideshow of the BNG and Nature Recovery Update for Officers
Slide pack of the BNG and Nature Recovery Update for Officers
Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: update for LPAs (members)
Recording of the Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: update for LPAs (members) event
Slideshow of the Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: update for LPAs (members) event
Slidepack of the Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: update for LPAs (members) event
Biodiversity net gain: the essentials
This workshop, aimed at DM planners and ecologists, looked at what LPAs will need to do to fulfil the essential requirements of BNG net gain when it becomes mandatory (currently expected to be in November 2023). It focused on the development management process and look at how the BNG requirement interacts with this at various stages. The workshop contained presentations from Sutton Council and Wiltshire Council to provide examples of the issues facing LPAs and how solutions have been found.
Recording of the Biodiversity net gain: the essentials event
Slideshow of the Biodiversity net gain: the essentials event
Slidepack of the Biodiversity net gain: the essentials event
Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: policy and strategy
This workshop looked at how LPAs address BNG in their local plans and policies, including the type of evidence needed to support this and how to link to local priorities. It looked at best practice in terms of current local plans as well as the importance of addressing linked issues, particularly nature recovery and sharing what we know about the relationships between local plans and local nature recovery strategies. It included an update from Defra and Natural England and also contains presentations by Salford Council and Buckinghamshire Council.
The recording of the workshop will be particularly useful for policy planners, environmental strategy managers and planner ecologists.
Recording of the Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: policy and strategy event
Slideshow of the Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: policy and strategy event
Slidepack of the Biodiversity net gain and nature recovery: policy and strategy event
What does nature recovery mean for local authorities? The opportunities, challenges and the journey ahead.
As part of the Natural England Funded Nature Recovery Network Project PAS engaged with a number of early adopter local authorities to gain useful insights into the starting position for delivering nature recovery and the journey that lies ahead.
This workshop provided an overview of the key findings from this engagement together with an opportunity to share local authority thoughts on delivering nature recovery including purpose, process, opportunities, challenges and support required.
It also showcased good work that is already being delivered by local authorities as well as a a keynote speech from Natural England on the Government’s ambition for the national Nature Recovery Network, links to nature as part of local plans and the types of support available to get started.
Slideshow of the “What does nature recovery mean for local authorities? The opportunities, challenges and the journey ahead” event
Slidepack of the “What does nature recovery mean for local authorities? The opportunities, challenges and the journey ahead” event
Summary of what we heard at our BNG and nature recovery events
In November 2022, we hosted six events for local planning authorities on Biodiversity Net Gain and Nature Recovery. A total of 631 officers and 52 members took part in these events, representing 251 councils.
The following key issues were raised through all the events:
- Linking approach to BNG and LNRS
- Resourcing (employment of ecologists, new burdens funding)
- How the national BNG credits scheme will work
- The viability of going over 10% BNG
- Baseline monitoring
- Publication of secondary legislation and guidance
How prepared are LPAs for BNG and nature recovery?
BNG
- The majority of attendees feel neutral in their confidence in their authority's ability to deliver BNG in November 2023
- However, the majority of LPAs who attended the events have begun to determine planning applications with BNG. This is mostly being achieved through draft policies.
Nature Recovery
- Most LPAs have not developed local policies for Nature Recovery
- However, many are now beginning work on policies and preparing evidence to inform their approach to nature recovery
We received some great feedback from the events, particularly the usefulness of inviting other LPAs to share their experiences:
- “Thanks for organising the webinar this morning it was a very useful session particularly the case studies”
- “I found the LBS [London Borough of Sutton] presentation especially insightful given their progress”
The emphasis on including different experiences was also frequently expressed in recommendations for future events:
- “Thanks for organising this. Actual examples of how pilot areas are implementing this would be good”
These insights are summarised in this PDF along with graphics illustrating the information.