High-Integrity Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Units

Supporting Sustainable Development

When achieving a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on-site isn’t feasible, developers can purchase BNG units from accredited off-site habitat banks. Ground Control currently offers high-integrity BNG units through our award-winning habitat banks in England, with plans to expand this service to Ireland in the near future.

What Is Biodiversity Net Gain?

BNG became a legal requirement in the UK in February 2024. It mandates that all new developments must measurably improve biodiversity, leaving the natural environment at least 10% better than it was before. This includes protecting existing habitats and creating new ones, such as woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands, or ponds.

What Is a BNG Unit?

A BNG unit is the standard metric used to measure biodiversity improvements. It reflects the ecological value of a habitat, considering its type, size, and condition. Units are categorised into three main types:

  • Habitat Units
  • Hedgerow Units
  • River Units

For a unit to be valid, it must be of high integrity—meeting strict quality and ecological standards, with the capacity to deliver meaningful biodiversity benefits for at least 30 years.

Purchase BNG Units from Ground Control

Ground Control provides developers with access to verified, off-site BNG units, enabling them to meet their legal requirements while supporting meaningful biodiversity enhancements. Units are sourced from our own professionally managed habitat banks in England, and we’re working to bring this service to Ireland soon.

Available habitats include:

  • Woodland
  • Scrub
  • Grassland
  • Hedgerows
  • Ponds

Our experienced team ensures all units meet regulatory standards and contribute to long-term environmental resilience.

Lease your land for BNG habitat creation

Turn underused land into a biodiversity asset

If you’re a landowner with underutilised land, you can partner with Ground Control to establish a habitat bank and generate income by leasing your land for BNG unit creation.

Our BNG specialists work closely with you to:

  • Identify high-potential areas for habitat enhancement
  • Design and manage the habitat creation process
  • Secure long-term income through biodiversity unit sales

Join us in building a greener future while diversifying your land’s income potential.

Talk to us about off-site BNG units

Buy BNG Units
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Case studies 

Ground Control habitat banks for BNG units

caseStudy

Devana. A BNG habitat bank in South Cambridgeshire

The Devana Centre for Environmental Recovery is a Section 106 approved habitat bank for BNG Units and nature recovery.
Read more
caseStudy

Wildfell. A BNG habitat bank in North Essex

Creating habitats for Biodiversity Net Gain since 2021
Read more
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Talk to us about off-site BNG units

Buy BNG Units