Report Reveals Evolving Biodiversity Net Gain Market

BIODIVERSITY Units UK has today published its latest Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Pricing Report.

It provides a snapshot of England’s fast-developing BNG market. This market is for housing developers to offset the environmental impact of new sites by purchasing ‘biodiversity units’ of environmentally and nature-managed land. This satisfies BNG planning requirements for new developments and supports habitat restoration and maintenance to promote biodiversity in England.

Biodiversity Net Gain Market

Drawing on verified pricing data from 77 habitat banks, the report tracks regional trends, supply dynamics, and pricing shifts across 17 distinct habitat types.

It also introduces newly added unit categories – including Watercourses, Open Mosaic Habitat, and additional Hedgerow types – reflecting growing habitat diversity and supply maturity across the market.

“We’re seeing a more structured, stable market begin to emerge,” said Ian Hambleton, Founder & Director of Biodiversity Units UK. “This quarter’s report highlights how pricing is settling, the supplier base is diversifying, and developers are starting to plan with greater confidence.”

Key Insights from the June 2025 Report:

• 77 habitat banks now inform the dataset – up from just 43 in February 2025.
• Watercourse units remain extremely scarce, often forcing developers to buy out-of-area and incur a 2x Spatial Risk Multiplier.
• Pricing remains relatively stable, but habitat banks are beginning to offer discounts on distant units to offset spatial penalties.
• Wet woodland saw the largest price increase in the North (+42%) while traditional orchards and neutral grassland saw decreases in the South.
• Regional differences persist, with woodland and grassland units slightly more expensive in the South, and ponds significantly more expensive in the North.
• The supplier market is maturing, with a mix of large operators and small-scale landowners creating broader access to units.

The report also includes a directory of recommended ecologists working on BNG projects across England, helping developers connect with professionals.

This marks the fourth quarterly edition of the BNG Pricing Report, part of Biodiversity Units UK’s mission to bring transparency, reliability, and support to developers and suppliers navigating the BNG landscape.

Download the full report here.

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