How does BNG affect Landscape Architects?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is transforming how Landscape Architects approach design. The policy provides both new opportunities and challenges. Here’s how BNG impacts your practice:

“You have to do right by the landscape” – Luke. M, Landscape Architect.

Collaboration is Key: Achieving a 10% biodiversity uplift demands closer collaboration with Ecologists and Architects. Integrating BNG into all design elements, including buildings, requires a more unified approach. You’ll also work closely with clients and Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to identify key habitats and species, influencing design decisions.

Long-Term Thinking: Species selection and management plans must consider a 30-year timeframe. For a project to thrive, it is crucial to collaborate with clients, understanding their maintenance capabilities and environmental challenges, such as climate change.

Balancing Access & Protection: While safeguarding some habitats may be vital, so is user access to green spaces. You may need to strike a balance between providing access to green spaces and protecting sensitive areas from human impact. The challenge lies in creating designated habitats while allowing for user enjoyment. Existing on-site habitats may need protection and user behaviour might need to be nudged towards responsible interaction.

In housing developments, communal spaces can be factored toward achieving the BNG units, however, private gardens are not considered significant due to individual management variations and therefore should not be included within your design plan to achieve 10% BNG.

Budgeting for Success: Cost is a natural concern for clients. Extensive softscaping, which might have been value-engineered in the past, will now be a crucial element from the outset. Ensuring BNG is budgeted for from project inception is vital for project success and client satisfaction.

Guardianship of the Landscape: Traditionally, Landscape Architects provide a design and management plan, then move on to a new project. BNG introduces a new concept: guardianship. The 30-year mandate means Landscape Architects may need to provide ongoing oversight and input to ensure the site thrives and maintains its net gain, generating ongoing opportunities for Landscape Architects.

For more information, call us on 01256 771222

How can Wildflower Turf Ltd support you?

Effortless Access to Product Specs: Our online Resource Hub provides instant access to the latest product specifications and technical information for all our offerings. This ensures you make confident design decisions with all the details at your fingertips.
>> Register to access the Resource Hub here.

 

Bespoke, Native Seed Mixes: The expertise of our in-house scientists enable us to create bespoke mixes for all our product ranges to form native enriched wildflowers that are perfect for the natural habitat of the site. Crafted within our laboratory, we are able to produce mixes that meet the soil types, provenance and aesthetic requirements of your site. All to the highest quality and purity, helping to restore, build and enhance natural environments.
>> Discuss your projects requirements and BNG goals with our experts.

 

UKHab Classification: The terrestrial habitats listed within the Statutory Biodiversity Metric are based on the UK Habitat Classifications (UKHab). Many of the wildflower mixes from Wildflower Turf Ltd contain wildflower species listed on the UKHab classification.
>> Contact us for more information on our UKHab species and BNG.

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPDs): Deepen your knowledge of wildflowers, our products, and their environmental benefits with our CPD programs. Learn how wildflowers contribute to biodiversity, aesthetics, as well as ESG solutions such as SUDs and erosion control.
>> Book a free CPD session with Wildflower Turf Ltd here.

 

Consultation Services: With over 20 years of experience, Wildflower Turf Ltd holds a wealth of expertise in all things wildflower. From site visits, to laboratory tests, to pre-site evaluations, or support with BNG requirements, we can help as your BNG delivery partner.
>> Discuss your projects requirements and BNG goals with our experts

 

Become an Accredited Partner: Expand your network and join over 400 companies already signed up and reaping the benefits of our Accredited Partner programme. You can also enjoy up to 20% OFF trade prices, industry-leading training, job referrals, marketing exposure, seasonal advice and much more.
>> Discuss the benefits of becoming an Accredited Partner
For more information on your BNG journey call us on 01256 771222

Frequently Asked Questions about BNG

How can I use wildflower seeds to enhance existing baseline grassland space?

You can oversow your existing grassland with wildflower seeds to diversify the number of species the space contains – an efficient way to gain more BNG units. 

 

This also adds wildflowers to your space without needing to remove and replace the existing grassland area.

How much maintenance do wildflower spaces require over 30 years?

Regardless of the wildflower installation method used, once established, wildflower spaces and meadows are very low maintenance! Compared to traditional lawn that needs mowing every 6-8 weeks, wildflowers only require one cut per year in the early Autumn – saving you significantly in maintenance costs.