Just over 15 months since Biodiversity Net Gain became mandatory in England, we're pleased to publish the first comprehensive industry report examining the scale, investment, and real-world impact of the BNG market.

The BNG Industry Report July 2025 draws insights from 33 habitat bank businesses across England - from major national organisations like Environment Bank and The Wildlife Trusts to smaller, independent family-run operators.

Together, these businesses represent over 21,000 acres of land dedicated to biodiversity enhancement and nature recovery.

The BNG Industry Report 2025 demonstrates:

Nearly £3 billion market emerging by 2035
Over 200 habitat banks in development
Diversified supplier ecosystem balancing national businesses with independent operators
Over £320 million privately invested proving genuine market confidence
Extremely high environmental impact rated 8.6/10 by operators
Farmers positioned to benefit most from new revenue streams

The report features beautiful photography from the Habitat Banks themselves - a unique insight into the habitats being restored and enhanced throughout England.

Read our key takeaways below, or download a copy of the report for free here.

Thank You

This report simply wouldn't exist without the time, insight, and generosity of the habitat bank businesses who contributed to it. A huge thank you to every one of the partners and operators who took the time to respond to our survey.

This isn't promotional material for our company. We aim to showcase the genuine scale and ambition of the businesses driving England's growing BNG sector.

A Market Coming of Age

The data reveals a market that's rapidly maturing. Habitat bank operators currently manage 93 operational sites, with an additional 154 new habitat banks in development.

What's encouraging is the diversification of the supplier base. While established multi-site operators continue to play important roles, we're seeing significant growth from independent firms and smaller landowners entering the market.

The geographic spread is expanding, with habitat banks now operating across England from Norfolk and Staffordshire to the South Downs and County Durham.

Investment and Economic Impact

The financial commitment to BNG is substantial. Habitat bank businesses have now attracted over £324 million in private investment to date.

Looking ahead, the economic potential is significant. Habitat banks expect to generate over 41,000 BNG units by 2030, rising to more than 91,000 units by 2035. Based on current market pricing, this represents a retail value approaching £3 billion by 2035.

This represents real jobs and economic activity. The surveyed habitat banks have directly employed over 450 full-time staff, with an additional 800+ contractors and suppliers engaged across the sector.

Environmental Confidence

Those working in the sector express strong confidence in BNG's environmental effectiveness. On a scale of 1-10, habitat bank operators rated BNG's ability to deliver meaningful environmental impact at an impressive 8.6 average score.

The 21,000+ acres now committed to BNG represent a significant commitment to habitat creation and enhancement across England.

These aren't just compliance exercises - they're genuine nature recovery projects designed to deliver biodiversity improvements over 30-year periods.

Opportunities for Farmers

The report highlights particular opportunities for farming communities. With changes to agricultural support schemes and new inheritance tax rules, BNG is emerging as an important diversification option for landowners.

When asked whether farmers will successfully monetise their land through BNG, 23 out of 33 respondents answered yes. As one respondent noted: "With the loss of revenue streams such as SFI, as well as new tax rules, BNG is now important for farmers."

Another highlighted how BNG provides "alternative revenue streams from non-productive land" and enables farmers to "diversify their income streams."

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, habitat bank operators expect continued growth, rating future demand at 6.75 out of 10 on average. They also express confidence in the financial viability of habitat banking as a long-term business model, scoring it 7.5 out of 10.

However, the report also identifies areas for improvement. Public understanding of BNG remains limited, with operators rating general awareness at just 3.1 out of 10. This suggests an opportunity for better communication about how BNG works and its benefits for both development and nature recovery.

Ian Hambleton, Founder & Director of Biodiversity Units UK, commented:

"This first industry report reveals the genuine scale and ambition behind England's BNG market. With over £320 million in private investment, 200+ habitat banks in development, and strong confidence in environmental outcomes, we're seeing a market that's moved well beyond early adoption. The diversity of operators - from major institutional players to family farms - shows this is creating opportunities across the board whilst delivering real benefits for nature recovery."

What This Means

The BNG Industry Report 2025 demonstrates that Biodiversity Net Gain has evolved from regulatory requirement into a functioning market supporting genuine environmental improvement. With strong financial backing, growing supplier diversity, and confidence in long-term viability, the foundations appear solid for continued growth.

For developers, this translates to greater choice, competitive pricing, and confidence in project delivery timelines. For the environment, it represents one of the largest commitments to habitat creation and enhancement in recent English history.

As always, we welcome your questions about BNG. Whether you're planning your first BNG purchase or managing multiple developments, understanding these market dynamics helps inform better decisions.

You can download a copy of the report for free here.

*The report features photography from the Habitat Banks themselves*

You can download a copy of the report for free here.

Did you know that every 90 days we do a review of the pricing of BNG across England?

Get the latest copy: click here

Revealed: The BNG Industry Report July 2025