Ferns

Developers: How to buy BNG credits in Lincolnshire

We are here to make the process straightforward.

Securing mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units is an essential step in the Town & Country Planning Act process, whether you are working on a small or large development.

BNG is also due to be mandatory for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, and Marine Net Gain policy is currently being developed. In addition, some developers and businesses are looking for voluntary biodiversity and water units for a range of reasons.

Insect

How we work

Connecting buyers with high quality BNG units

With our strong understanding of the local area — its land and seascapes, habitats,  ownership, and planning context – we connect buyers with trustworthy, high-quality biodiversity and water units.

Our local partnerships ensure these units contribute to meaningful, long-term improvements that support nature’s recovery and enhance biodiversity across Greater Lincolnshire, on land and at sea.

Wetland as dusk

How we work

Real, measurable biodiversity gains

On land, we work with landowners to ensure the units generated represent real, measurable biodiversity gains. This commitment guarantees that your participation directly supports nature’s recovery, enhances biodiversity, and creates lasting benefits. Where possible, we seek multiple benefits including delivering nature-based solutions to address issues in the local context.

Please use our contact form to tell us about your requirements, and we will work with you to find the right solutions for your needs, while supporting the people and wildlife of Greater Lincolnshire.

Benefits

How we support BNG Buyers and project developers

  • Straightforward Process

    We guide you through every step, making the process simple, transparent, and easy to navigate.

  • Local Partnerships

    We work with trusted Lincolnshire-based ecologists, unit providers, and planners to deliver meaningful outcomes.

  • Real, Measurable Gains

    Every project is designed by ecologists that meet GIGL’s professional standards framework, then tracked and verified to ensure genuine biodiversity improvements.

  • Legal Compliance

    Our approach is trusted by Lincolnshire’s Local Planning Authorities. It supports full compliance with legislation and planning requirements.

  • Restoring Greater Lincolnshire’s Natural Heritage

    We invest in habitats that support wildlife, improve ecosystem health, and connect communities with nature. We maximise the opportunities to deliver against Greater Lincolnshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and river catchment plans.

Field

How it works

The basic process is outlined below. We are happy to discuss any additional services.

Look for credits

Take a look at what we can offer in your area

Click on the map to show BNG Unitas available in that location. Use LPA Bookmarks or Zoom the map to your area of interest.

Ferns in a field

Take the next step and register your interest with us

Register to buy BNG credits

Frequently
asked questions

Under UK law, most new developments must deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity as part of the planning process. If your project can’t achieve this on-site, you may need to purchase offsite Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units.

These offsite units should be within the locality of the development, preferably the same local authority area or the same National Character Area. These units represent measurable improvements to natural habitats, created and maintained by landowners, and offer a way to meet your legal obligations while supporting local biodiversity.

We work with a growing network of landowners and habitat providers to help connect buyers with suitable BNG unit suppliers.

We have helped landowners identify what habitats and units to supply. We have considered in this process, the marketplace demand, local policy drivers, community need and environmental baselines. Therefore, it is highly likely that we can meet your needs, and we are here to help you explore the best options.

Prices depend on factors like habitat type, location, and marketplace demand. We offer guidance to help you understand pricing and to enable you to make an informed decision based on your needs. We also look to inform you of any added benefits of potential units identified and provide you with an estimated cost of supply.

We are not driven by making a profit, but we do need to cover our costs of the service. We are driven by ensuring the right habitat is being created in the right location, and looking for added benefits that improve situations for people and wildlife of Greater Lincolnshire.

Our units are underpinned by UK Habitats Assessments and other accepted methodology for water and marine environments.

These inform our discussions with the supplier, and with them we decide on their best option to take forward, including producing their Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP). We use ecologists that meet the professional standards set by GIGL.

Units are subject to detailed ecological assessment and must be registered with Natural England for mandatory BNG, so this also ensures they meet nationally recognised standards for quality, transparency, and long-term biodiversity gain.

If you're considering BNG credits for your development, please share a few details about your project using this form. Out team will review your requirements and we’ll be in touch to help you explore the options.