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Development

Providing guidance to protect habitats and threatened native species

A Barbastelle bat

By James Marshall, Deputy Director for Norfolk and Suffolk As the government’s advisers on the natural environment, Natural England’s role is to ensure our environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of people and wildlife. Recent media reports …

Securing off-site Biodiversity Net Gain: Expert legal perspectives

Sun setting over a biodiverse field, with trees in the background and flora in the foreground

In our third Natural England instructional Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) guest blog, legal professionals offer helpful insights into securing off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Our guest bloggers are: Penny Simpson, Partner at Freeths Grace Pinault, Associate at Dentons David Short, …

Expert insights: top tips for Biodiversity Net Gain stewardship

Good condition other neutral grassland

Welcome to our second Natural England instructional Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) guest blog. We are pleased to have distinguished experts share their 3 top tips on Biodiversity Net Gain stewardship. They are: Claire Wansbury, FCIEEM FLS, Technical Director at AtkinsRéalis …

Get ready for new Biodiversity Net Gain legislation

A wildflower meadow at the Iford Biodiversity Project, East Sussex

The introduction of biodiversity net gain (BNG) today (12 February 2024) will see the biggest change to planning regulations in decades. This new law as part of the government’s Environment Act will make sure wildlife habitats are left in a …

An awakening: the creativity of science through nature

Image shows Clare Warburton when she was younger leaning over to touch some pink flowers

By Clare Warburton, Deputy Director for Sustainable Development at Natural England International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is an annual UN event, which aims to highlight the work and achievements of women and girls in science, both now …

Natural England welcomes Government's commitment to Nutrient Mitigation

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Development, Environment Act, Nature-based solutions, Nutrient Neutrality
A river flowing through the countryside

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enabling sustainable development by investing in schemes to reduce nutrient pollution in England’s rivers and estuaries. Read more on GOV.UK. Natural England welcomes the announcement which provides the certainty needed for all providers …

Charting a BNG course: Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities in Biodiversity Net Gain implementation

A pond in a field, part of a wetlands creation project in Buckinghamshire

As we set foot on the path to implement one of the important nature recovery policies outlined in the Environment Act, a spectrum of emotions washes over us – from excitement to the daunting task of navigating this new terrain. …

New area added to licensing scheme to protect great crested newts and promote sustainable development

One of the restored ponds in Hertfordshire

Natural England has launched a new licensing scheme in Hertfordshire to help conserve local populations of great crested newts, while promoting sustainable development. Since Natural England launched District Level Licensing (DLL) in 2019, the scheme has expanded to cover 21 …

Natural England to publish updated nutrient budget calculators, and Tees Round 4 rescheduled

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Development, Natural England, Nature Recovery Network, Nutrient Neutrality
Image shows a view of the Tees, looking out across the water. There is a grassy bank in the foreground, and buildings and machinery in the distance.

Image: Natural England The government passed the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill into law on 26th October 2023, making it the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act. This creates a legal requirement for certain wastewater treatment works designated by the Defra Secretary of …

Green Infrastructure: creating habitable towns and cities fit for the future

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Development, Green Infrastructure, Natural England
Image shows an urban park with lots of trees and greenery surrounding the buildings There is a canal running through the centre of the image, and tall buildings in the background. A blue sky hangs overhead.

  This week is Green Infrastructure week, a celebration of green infrastructure design and best practices. Green infrastructure is a network of natural spaces designed to deliver benefits for people and the planet. The below video details green infrastructure in …