Challenges and opportunities in the industry
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a critical concept for developers that’s becoming an increasingly significant challenge in outdoor FM and grounds maintenance. Tony Robinson, Senior Ecologist at OUTCO describes the challenges and opportunities surrounding BNG in outdoor FM and grounds maintenance. He sheds light on the complexities of implementing BNG initiatives and describes how OUTCO is helping organisations simplify their legal obligations.
In its simplest sense, BNG is the idea that if you build on a site, you must make sure that habitats for wildlife are left in a better state than they were beforehand. However, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Since 2021, there has been a legal obligation on developers in England to make their improvements measurable and to deliver a biodiversity net gain of 10%. But 10% of what? Despite the clear-cut obligation and concrete targets, understanding how to assess and quantify the existing level of nature on a site and measure improvements is still an emerging science. And this isn’t just a challenge for developers: Landowners are not only responsible for creating or enhancing habitat, but also legally obliged to manage that habitat for at least 30 years to achieve that 10% target. As a result, achieving this goal will continue to fall into the remit for any outdoor FM teams or grounds maintenance providers responsible for a site for years to come.
The Challenge of Quantification
The law provides guidance as to how to measure biodiversity. Biodiversity Net Gain was made mandatory in England by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021 which described statutory biodiversity units and a process of calculating these using a standard set of tools to calculate and quantify biodiversity. This allows for ecologists to assess a habitat before a development and determine what would be needed to replace and improve on any habitat loss. This credit system also makes it possible for developers to compensate for any biodiversity loss on site by developing other sites or by buying off-site credits. Indeed, at OUTCO, we’re working alongside several clients with significant property portfolios seeking to achieve biodiversity net gain not just to compensate for onsite developments but also to provide credits elsewhere in the country.
Putting Theory Into Practice
Despite the growing emphasis on biodiversity, there is widespread confusion in the industry and even ecologists can struggle with the complexity of BNG reports. A key issue is the time required to replace lost habitats. For instance, the re-establishment of an oak woodland could take significantly longer than the stipulated 30-year timeframe, while the transformation of grassland into wildflower meadows could have unintended consequences for existing wildlife. There’s considerable diversity in the environments too: adding 10% biodiversity to a relatively sterile London suburb could be achieved simply through modest levels of planting, whereas achieving 10% in the Dorset countryside is a far bigger challenge. Factors such as local ecology, surrounding landscapes, and existing wildlife must be carefully considered.
To take on this complexity outdoor FM and grounds maintenance providers need to bring new skills to bear. For our clients, OUTCO works closely with expert BNG specialists and ecologists to provide detailed surveys and BNG reporting that helps to provide essential baseline measurements of onsite biodiversity. That baseline can then be used to develop plans for enhancing sites and for improving overall sustainability. That process of ongoing improvement also requires a different way of thinking.
As each location can present unique challenges, there’s no one-size fits all solution but an exciting diversity of challenges.
On one of our sites, improving biodiversity involves placing mats down to attract reptiles seeking out warmth. These survey techniques help us count levels of native species and maintain the right habitats. A less exotic intervention is how we look at urban spaces like retail parks: OUTCO is moving away from non-native, low-biodiversity plant species e.g. the ubiquitous, red-berried Cotoneaster microphyllus shrub, a popular planting option that actually negatively impacts local ecosystems while sheltering unwelcome creatures like rats. Instead, we aim to introduce native species that enhance biodiversity while still improving site aesthetics and consider the uses of the site. For instance, in food areas, a good option might be less flowery, bee and wasp-attracting shrubs, that still attract nocturnal moths. More vibrant bedding plants can instead offer a burst of kerb appeal in other locations. Herbaceous beds can offer a biodiverse alternative to traditional hedges: these can be planted once, flower at different times throughout the calendar and only need cutting back at the end of the year.
Solutions like this prove that biodiversity isn’t always a luxury but can also be cost-effective and lower-maintenance. Working to become more biodiverse can also help meet broader sustainability objectives: for example, less hedge cutting or fewer grass cutting visits can also drive down carbon emissions.
Bringing People With You
Grounds maintenance has always involved a balancing act between beauty and budgets. However, when you add biodiversity and sustainability into the mix, there’s a bit more complexity to consider. You can increase the number of pollinating insects by swapping a lawn with a wildflower meadow, but site users or residents might balk at the less-manicured appearance of these areas at times of the year when the plants aren’t flowering. Similarly, while initiatives like ‘No Mow May’ are helping some of the public understand that longer grass is good for wildlife, others may just see neglect.
One of the key challenges in biodiversity improvement is the balance between client/public expectations for well-maintained landscapes and the reality of biodiverse environments, which are often perceived as "messy." There are ways to effectively strike this balance - for example, mowing pathways through meadows can make these easier for site users to access and enjoy while keeping a well-maintained appearance. Educating stakeholders on the ecological benefits of more natural landscapes is crucial for changing perceptions. At our reptile survey site, signage with QR codes has been a great way for the site owner to engage people with the initiative, while providing positive marketing. The key is to take people with you on the biodiversity journey.
Embracing Biodiversity Opportunities
Biodiversity Net Gain is a complex but necessary aspect of modern development and environmental stewardship. While challenges exist—ranging from quantification difficulties to industry-wide confusion — companies like OUTCO are leading the way in providing clarity, education, and actionable solutions. By transforming biodiversity requirements into opportunities, businesses can achieve ecological benefits while realising cost savings and regulatory compliance. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing biodiversity as a strategic asset rather than a compliance hurdle will be crucial for long-term sustainability and success.
For more information on how OUTCO can support your organisation make the most of its outside spaces, contact us on 0800 0432 911 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.outco.co.uk
About OUTCO
OUTCO protect, maintain and improve outdoor estate infrastructure providing specialist, end-to-end estate maintenance solutions powered by award winning technology. OUTCO provide winter, grounds, and asset maintenance services for commercial properties across the UK.
OUTCO effectively manages over 7,500 sites and is a trusted partner to organisations including BP, B&Q, Savills, BT, the NHS and most of the UKs major supermarket chains.