Ecology

Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments

Minimum of 15% Biodiversity Net Gain onsite

Since becoming statute at the end of 2021 through the introduction of the Environment Act, BM3 has gained significant experience in designing biodiversity net gain schemes, and can work with developers to carry out both the analysis and design using their in house landscape design team and ecologist.

Over the past two years, larger projects that stand out where BNG was a specific requirement include the Donnington Wood Way in Telford, where the development site comprised a formally locally designated nature reserve, making adoption of a sensitive yet robust approach crucial. We worked with the local authority ecologist to create a strategy that was complementary to the rich and biodiverse context of the development.
Since becoming statute at the end of 2021 through the introduction of the Environment Act, BM3 has gained significant experience in designing biodiversity net gain schemes, and can work with developers to carry out both the analysis and design using their in house landscape design team and ecologist.

River Condition Assessments

With Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) now mandatory for most new developments, assessing the condition of rivers and streams is essential where watercourses fall within your site boundary, or within 10 metres of it.

Our ecologists and landscape architects provide an integrated approach:

1. Our accredited ecologists carry out River Condition Assessments and complete the watercourse element of the Statutory BNG Metric. We can deliver the full BNG metric for your site, or just the watercourse element in collaboration with other ecological consultants.
2. Once the baseline condition and development impacts are understood, our landscape architects work closely with clients, local authorities, and the wider design team to develop a viable, pragmatic strategy that maximises watercourse units delivered on site.

This joined-up approach ensures a robust planning submission and enhances your site’s biodiversity value, while also supporting placemaking, sustainability, and overall scheme quality.