Use our online map to find offsite Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) provider sites in Greater Cambridge.
BNG is a legal requirement in England that ensures new developments leave the natural environment in a better state than it was before. From 2024, most developments must deliver at least a 10% gain in biodiversity, measured using a government-mandated tool (the Biodiversity Metric). This can be achieved by enhancing habitats on-site, nearby, or by investing in approved offsite locations
While on-site improvements should be explored first to bring nature closer to where people live and work, many sites do not have the space or conditions to create meaningful habitat. That’s where offsite provision plays a vital role.
Offsite BNG means creating or restoring habitats in other locations to make up for what’s lost during development. When planned well, this can provide bigger and better spaces for nature, supporting habitat creation on a larger scale, in areas where it is likely to have a significantly positive ecological impact.
Strategic offsite provision
This type of site establishment directs habitat creation to the places where it’s needed most—such as nature recovery networks, areas supporting rare species, or locations that link existing habitats and protected sites. This targeted approach helps build more resilient ecosystems and supports national and local nature recovery goals.
Getting offsite BNG right, especially in strategic locations, means we can go beyond just balancing losses. It’s a real opportunity to deliver meaningful, long-term gains for nature, while allowing sustainable development to move forward. By thinking bigger and planning smarter, we can ensure BNG delivers benefits for wildlife, people, and the places they share.