The Biodiversity Metric
Understanding what it means for your development
The statutory biodiversity metric assesses biodiversity value using a range of ecological and spatial factors. While the methodology may evolve over time, its core purpose remains the same: to deliver measurable, lasting gains for nature.
What the assessment considers
-
The distinct habitat present on a site.
-
The quality and ecological health of the habitat.
-
The area or length of habitat being assessed.
-
Whether the habitat contributes to local nature recovery priorities.
-
Where habitats are created or enhanced, and their relationship to existing ecological networks.
-
How long it is expected to take a habitat to reach its intended ecological value.
-
The level of risk and complexity involved in delivering the habitat successfully.
How much biodiversity needs to be created for my development?
Understanding the Biodiversity Metric early helps you make better planning decisions, identify the right opportunities and avoid unnecessary costs later in the process.
At Biofarm, we help developers understand what the Biodiversity Metric means for their project, then create and manage the habitats that deliver it.
What is the Biodiversity Metric?
The Biodiversity Metric is the standard approach used in England to measure biodiversity before and after development.
It compares the biodiversity value of existing habitats with the value that will remain or be created once a development is complete.
The difference determines whether Biodiversity Net Gain has been achieved and how many biodiversity units are required.
It is more than a calculation. It helps ensure the places we build today continue to support nature for generations to come.
What influences the Biodiversity Metric?
Every site is different. The Biodiversity Metric considers several factors when calculating biodiversity value.
-
Some habitats naturally support more biodiversity than others. Broadleaved woodland, species rich grassland and wetlands all carry different ecological value.
-
Healthy habitats are worth more than degraded habitats. Protecting and restoring existing habitats can therefore play an important role in Biodiversity Net Gain.
-
The size of a habitat influences the biodiversity value it can support. Larger, connected habitats generally provide greater ecological benefits.
-
Habitats that support local priorities, including Local Nature Recovery Strategies, may carry greater value within the Biodiversity Metric. This encourages biodiversity to be created where it will have the greatest impact.
-
Habitats take time to establish. Some can be created relatively quickly. Others take decades to reach their target condition. The Biodiversity Metric reflects this through the Temporal Risk Multiplier.
Biofarm insight
The Biodiversity Metric is about more than numbers. It helps guide where habitats should be created, how they should be managed and how development can leave nature in a better state than before.
Why location matters
One of the most misunderstood parts of the Biodiversity Metric is location.
Biodiversity is generally more valuable when it is delivered close to the development it supports. The Biodiversity Metric recognises this through the Spatial Risk Multiplier.
Where biodiversity is created further away, additional biodiversity units may be required.
That is why Biofarm is building a growing network of habitat banks across England. Creating habitats closer to developments helps support planning, reduce unnecessary costs and strengthen local nature recovery.
Time matters too
Habitats do not appear overnight. Woodlands mature over decades. Wetlands take time to establish. Species rich grasslands need careful management.
The Biodiversity Metric recognises this through the Temporal Risk Multiplier, which reflects the time needed for habitats to reach their target condition.
What is the Spatial Risk Multiplier?
The Spatial Risk Multiplier encourages biodiversity to be delivered as close as possible to the development it supports.
Choosing a locally appropriate Biofarm Habitat Bank can help reduce additional biodiversity unit requirements while creating better outcomes for nature.
Planning confidence starts with the right habitat, in the right place.
30+ years
Every Biofarm Habitat Bank is managed for at least 30 years, giving developers confidence that habitats will continue to improve long after planning permission has been granted.
How Biofarm helps
01
Understand your Biodiversity Metric
We’ll help you understand what the results mean for your project.
04
Long term stewardship
We create, manage and monitor every habitat for at least 30 years.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
-
The Biodiversity Metric is normally completed by a suitably qualified ecologist. Biofarm works alongside ecologists, planning consultants and developers to help interpret the results and identify appropriate off site habitat options where required.
-
Strategic significance recognises habitats that support local ecological priorities, including Local Nature Recovery Strategies. Creating habitats in these locations can contribute more effectively to wider nature recovery.
-
The Spatial Risk Multiplier reflects the importance of creating biodiversity close to the development it supports. Choosing locally appropriate habitat banks can help reduce additional biodiversity unit requirements.
-
The Temporal Risk Multiplier recognises that habitats take time to establish. Habitats that take longer to reach their target condition carry greater delivery risk, which is reflected within the Biodiversity Metric.
-
Most developments subject to Biodiversity Net Gain will need the Biodiversity Metric to demonstrate how biodiversity has been assessed and how the required uplift will be achieved.
-
Where sufficient Biodiversity Net Gain cannot be delivered on site, developers may need to secure off site biodiversity units from professionally managed habitat banks.
Understanding the Biodiversity Metric is only the first step.
We’ll help you interpret the results, identify the right opportunities and create habitats that support both your development and nature.
Better decisions create better places.
Let’s make the Biodiversity Metric work for your project
Your success is ours too
Our transparent model is built for mutual commercial benefit.
Secure
investment
We ring-fence funds to protect your investment and habitats.
Leave your own legacy
Shape the landscape in a way that truly matters.
Pushing for progress
More than responding to policy, we have a seat at the table.