Lunch & Learn: The BNG Blueprint
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Units
At Biodiversity Units UK, we work exclusively on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) - and we’ve built one of the UK’s largest networks of habitat banks to help you secure the right off-site units, fast.
This post is a summary of our recent Lunch & Learn session, where our founder Ian Hambleton walked through the full BNG buying process - from legislation to paperwork to pricing - using what we call the BNG Blueprint.
Whether you’re tackling BNG for the first time or need a refresher, here’s how it works:
Why We Exist: A Quick Recap
BNG became mandatory for most developments in February 2024 (and for small sites in April 2024). But even now, around 95% of developers are dealing with their very first BNG transaction.
We created Biodiversity Units UK to solve this problem. Our mission:
👉 Clear, commercial, common-sense advice
👉 Fast access to registered habitat banks
👉 Seamless, hands-on guidance from start to finish
Today, we represent around 85% of registered providers on the Defra register and continue to grow our pipeline of new habitat banks across England.
Meet the Team Behind the Blueprint
Ian Hambleton – Founder & Sales Lead
Sam – Business Development
Jen Stott – Operations Manager (keeps every deal on track)
Richard Dean – Commercial Director (handles major clients)
Bindi Mason – In-house Habitat Specialist (reviews metrics and reports)
The 6-Stage Process of Buying BNG Units
1. Initial Contact & Due Diligence
You (or your ecologist/planner) come to us with:
A Defra metric
Site address and postcode
Estimated planning and construction dates
We may refer you to a qualified ecologist if you don’t yet have one - our site lists recommended BNG specialists.
2. Search & Shortlist
We identify suitable habitat banks based on:
Proximity to your site (to reduce the spatial risk multiplier)
Unit availability and timing
Whether the provider is registered or registering soon
We’ll present options in a simple format, and help you choose the right one.
3. Pre-Planning Documentation
We prepare:
A Letter of Support confirming availability
A Solution Methodology (shows your search process and rationale)
This helps Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) understand your strategy.
4. Reservation Post-Planning
Once planning is approved and you have a BNG condition:
A 10% deposit reserves the units for up to 12 months
We issue a Letter of Reservation, draft the Option Agreement, and refresh the methodology
Most BNG conditions are pre-commencement, so plan for at least 4 - 6 weeks before starting on site.
5. Purchase & Documentation
When you’re ready to buy:
We issue the final invoice
Units are confirmed with the provider
We register the transaction on the BNG Register and get your unique reference code
You complete the Biodiversity Gain Plan, which includes your Defra metric and site details
We’ll handle Section 7.1 of the BGP; your planner handles the rest.
6. Submit to LPA & Condition Discharge
With all documents in hand - including your signed Option Agreement and Habitat Management Plan from the off-site provider - you can submit to your LPA and discharge your BNG condition.
BNG Pricing: What You Should Know
Every quarter, we publish the BNG Pricing Report, covering:
Average prices per habitat type
Price fluctuations over time
Regional supply and scarcity (e.g. mixed deciduous woodland = rare)
It’s based on real, live pricing data from 50+ habitat banks, and is exclusive to our developer and landowner clients. You can download the latest version or subscribe via our website.
How We Help Beyond Transactions
Negotiation Support – Because we work with every major habitat bank, we can negotiate best value for you
LPA Liaison – We support conversations with LPAs when conditions or expectations seem unusual
End-to-End Partnership – Many of our clients loop us in early - even when acquiring land- to help budget for BNG properly
Need Help on Your Next Project?
We act as your outsourced BNG team. You can pick up the phone and get real advice, fast - whether you’re just exploring sites or halfway through planning.
📧 info@biodiversity-units.uk
📞 Or drop us a line via the contact form on our website.