Land for Nature: BNG & Environmental Land Assembly for Major Projects
The introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for NSIPs is changing the way infrastructure and regeneration projects are planned, consented and delivered. With increasing regulatory requirements and complex land assembly considerations, promoters need practical strategies that connect ecology, land and consenting.
Ardent’s BNG & Environmental Land Assembly for major projects provides the vital link between ecology and land (or unit) assembly for nature, including BNG and EIA requirements, helping projects develop strategies that are deliverable, cost effective and aligned with programme requirements.
We operate in the complex policy matrix of BNG, EIA and compulsory purchase, giving practical strategic advice based on experience. We are market leaders in negotiating land and units for nature, leveraging our knowledge and creative thinking, so that compulsory purchase is a last resort. However if needed we can build the compulsory purchase justification. 
Bridging the gap between ecology, land assembly and consenting
BNG is not simply an ecological exercise. For infrastructure and regeneration projects, BNG and EIA delivery must also consider land rights, compulsory acquisition, programme risk, stakeholder requirements and long-term management obligations.
Ardent connects these disciplines through practical strategies that support project delivery.
We work collaboratively with project teams, ecologists, solicitors and promoters to develop BNG approaches that:
- Are deliverable in practice
- Support DCO and consenting strategies
- Align with wider project requirements and policies
- Reduce consenting and programme risk
- Are commercially and operationally viable
- Support efficient land and biodiversity unit assembly
Our expertise in land assembly, consents management and infrastructure delivery means we understand how BNG requirements interact with complex legal and consenting regimes.
Our BNG / EIA Land Assembly services
Ardent provides strategic and delivery support throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure and regeneration projects.
Strategic advice on BNG optioneering and delivery
We help clients assess practical BNG delivery options, considering land availability, biodiversity unit requirements, consenting implications, programme constraints and cost.
Mapping and spatial support
Our GIS and mapping capabilities support the identification, assessment and management of BNG opportunities and land requirements.
Preparing Net Gain Information and Net Gain Plans
We support the preparation of ‘Net Gain Information’ and ‘Net Gain Plans’ for DCO applications in collaboration with specialist ecological partners.
Land Assembly strategies and implementation
We devise and implement land and biodiversity unit assembly strategies that support efficient project delivery and long-term compliance. We apply our cumulative decades of experience negotiating and securing ‘win-win’ deals with landowners.
Advising on BNG and compulsory purchase
Our team advises on the interaction between BNG requirements and compulsory purchase powers, helping projects understand legal, practical and delivery implications.
DCO Examination and hearing support
We provide support throughout DCO Examinations and hearing stages, helping clients respond to land, consenting and BNG-related matters.
Pete Crowther
CEO
Tatton Estate appointed Mark Warnett to act in a sensitive and consequential negotiation with a statutory authority. The negotiation involved a complex mix of issues including; statutory land rights, commercial considerations, natural capital / BNG opportunities and an urgent need to prevent harm to protected habitat. Mark worked hand in glove with the Tatton team, and his knowledge of statutory land rights, commercial acumen, and passion to deliver for nature and the environment were evident and invaluable. Mark helped establish a partnership with the other party and an agreement that has delivered very substantial investment and improvement in the local environment. We can highly recommend Mark to advise on any matter involving land and the environment.
BNG, Land Assembly
BNG & Environmental Land Assembly for major project
How innovative land assembly helped meet a project’s complex Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain requirements.