BNG
MADE
SIMPLE.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a UK planning requirement that makes sure development leaves nature in a measurably better state than it was before. Most developments in England now need to show at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value, calculated using the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric. This can be achieved on-site by improving existing habitats, or, where that isn’t possible, by purchasing off-site BNG units from registered habitat banks. Both on-site and off-site habitat improvements have to be legally secured through a Section 106 agreement or a conservation covenant for at least 30 years to ensure that habitat improvements last.

In most cases, you'll need to demonstrate at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for your development and secure that gain for 30 years. The typical process starts with commissioning a baseline assessment, where an ecologist assesses the site’s existing habitats and completes the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. You then design and evidence any on-site habitat creation or enhancement and update the Metric to show the projected uplift. If on-site measures don’t achieve 10% (or don’t meet the trading rules), you may need to address the shortfall by purchasing off-site BNG units from a habitat bank (most common) and/or using statutory biodiversity credits (typically a last resort). Finally, your BNG information is submitted through the planning process, usually including the Metric, a BNG Plan and supporting information showing how the gain will be delivered, monitored and maintained. If you’re not sure where to start, visit our consultancy page to speak to a member of our support team for free.

You submit your BNG requirement (including your Statutory Biodiversity Metric) and we verify the information to ensure it’s accurate and legitimate. Your listing is then made visible to habitat banks on the platform, allowing them to submit quotes for you to compare in one place- not just on price, but also on factors like location and added benefits. Once you’ve selected your preferred option, we run through the quote with you, confirm it meets the trading rules, and introduce both parties to proceed with the agreement and unit allocation.

Yes, although in most cases BNG is a requirement there are a few exemptions. Mandatory BNG in England does not apply to householder developments (works to an existing house and its curtilage) and small developments with de minimis impacts, where no priority habitat is impacted and less than 25m² of non-priority onsite habitat and less than 5m of non-priority onsite linear habitat such as hedgerows are affected. Small scale self-build and custom housebuilding are also exempt, the criteria for this is up to 9 dwellings and a site no bigger than of 0.5 hectares, where all homes are self/custom build. In December 2025, The government announced plans for a new exemption on smaller sites (up to 0.2ha), however the implementation date has not yet been confirmed.

We cannot guarantee that planning permission will be granted. However, with support from our expert team and access to trusted habitat banks, we help you put in place a robust, fully compliant Biodiversity Net Gain solution. This ensures your BNG requirements are met and reduces the risk of delays to your planning application due to BNG.

Supporting both buyers and sellers of biodiversity units, the platform is designed for: • Developers • Planning consultants • Ecologists • Land agents • Local authorities • Landowners / habitat banks offering biodiversity units

The platform is free to use for both developers and habitat banks. Developers can post requirements and receive quotes at no cost. Habitat banks can join, view live opportunities, and submit quotes for free. We only charge once a quote is accepted: a fixed admin fee of £325.00 + VAT to the developer, and a commission payable by the habitat bank when a transaction completes.

The platform brings buyers and sellers of BNG units together in one place, making it quicker and easier to find the right solution. Instead of lengthy searches and email chains, submit your requirement once, sit back and let the sellers come to you. You can easily compare prices, locations and benefits all in one simple platform.

Yes. ReVerte's platform is backed up by an in-house consultancy team providing end-to-end BNG support. We help developers understand what they need, prepare the right planning documents, and secure off-site units. We also work with landowners to turn land into habitat banks, handle registration, deliver the habitat works, and manage sales administration.

Our platform is accessible to all registered habitat banks across England - so if a unit type is available to purchase, it can be sourced through our platform. On the rare occasion a development has a niche habitat requirement or a trading rule constraint, our consultancy team can provide a suite of bespoke, compliant solutions.

Our platform is designed to be fast, but you stay in control. Posting a requirement takes less than 5 minutes and you can choose how long it stays live for quotes - from 48 hours up to 30 days. Quotes can start coming in within hours, and keeping the listing open longer typically results in more options to compare.

Yes. We ensure that our sellers our fully compliant and have registered their site on the Government Register to ensure developments will be able to have units allocated as soon as they require them.

Yes. Your development can stay anonymous while you’re making early enquiries. Details are only shared once you decide to move forward with a provider and legal agreements are being put in place, helping to keep your commercial information protected.

Yes. If you would like to link your consultants or other team members to your platform account, both habitat banks and developers can have multiple users and set viewing permissions for easy access to quotes.