BNG is not perfect, but a statement of ambition

BNG is not perfect, but a statement of ambition

BNG feels like a policy with the requisite ambition to help respond to our biodiversity crisis. While economic pressure has led to U-turns on a range of environmental targets, seeing this policy come into force is exciting. Its potential to reshape the impact of housing development on natural habitats nationwide is both promising and necessary. 

BNG is not a silver bullet

Of course, BNG can’t be our only response to the nature crisis. Habitat loss is just one facet of a complex array of environmental challenges impacting wildlife, including pollution and climate change. While BNG is a crucial tool in mitigating biodiversity loss, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the interconnected issues driving the broader nature crisis. 

ITERATION AND EVOLUTION

Those of us involved in BNG still have lots of questions about implementation. In fact, there is much that we will only know as this policy is rolled out and delivered. The bravery of the BNG policy is to recognise that policy makers can iterate and evolve requirements as we track implementation and delivery. 

Action, even imperfect, is paramount.

ENSURING ‘PERFECT’ isn’t a barrier to ‘good’

An iterative approach could not be more appropriate for the situation we face. The nature and climate crises are both urgent and severe, meaning we don’t have time to cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’ before we act. Exhaustive planning is a luxury we can’t afford. Action, even imperfect, is paramount. 
 
Of course details matter. Current gaps in guidance must be attended to and responses to unforeseen consequences will be needed. But attempting to attend to every issue upfront is out of step with the urgency required to tackle the biodiversity crisis. The delays have been lengthy enough already, so we welcome the bias for action. 

Interested in BNG? Read our thoughts about onsite vs offsite BNG delivery.