RTPI's Richard Blythe, Head of Policy Practice & Research is joined by Nick White, Principal Advisor - Natural England and Rachel Jones, Wiltshire Council to provide an update on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the upcoming mandatory BNG requirement in England, which commences from November 2023 and extends to include small sites from April 2024 onwards.

Details About the Webinar

This session will introduce the concept of BNG, highlight best practice and guidance and give an overview of the forthcoming mandatory biodiversity net gain requirement. The session will also highlight the differences between current BNG practice and the coming mandatory regime. The session will explore the opportunities, potential challenges and the next steps for BNG as a means of delivering outcomes for nature.

About the Speakers

R Richard Blyth


1682516087-44106bb973cda01e Dr Nick White
Principal Advisor – Net Gain, Natural England

I work across Government (national and local), and with developers, NGOs and academia to advance policy, practice and standards around net gain (biodiversity, natural capital and environmental). The current focus of my work is on biodiversity net gain legislation, the biodiversity metric and biodiversity net gain standards and guidance. I am also working on the evolving approach to marine net gain.
As a non-ecologist I am interested in how biodiversity and the natural environment can contribute towards wider social and economic benefits. I also have a strong interest in green infrastructure, especially in relation to urban areas and its ability to enhance wider (grey) infrastructure resilience.

I enjoy engaging with different sectors and seeking opportunities to help secure the delivery of shared outcomes. I have previously worked in the health, cultural and charitable sectors.

1682516188-26be428c9a7267b2 Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones, Ecology Manager, Wiltshire Council

Rachel is the Ecology Manager for Wiltshire Council where she manages a team of ecologists that advise on the local and neighbourhood planning and development management consultations. The team also delivers several strategic environmental mitigation projects such as new nature reserves and country parks to address issues such as nutrient neutrality and recreational disturbance. Rachel is leading the Council’s strategic work on Biodiversity Net Gain, and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Rachel is also on a part time secondment with the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) as a Principal Consultant specialising in nutrient neutrality. Her work at PAS convenes a national network with 74 Local Planning Authorities (LPA) to share knowledge, best practice and help develop strategic solutions that enable sustainable development.

J Joel Cohen


Contact Info

Lucy Barton
02079298403
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