Read time: 18 mins
If you are planning a glamping site in England, you may come across the term Biodiversity Net Gain, or BNG. It sounds complicated, but the basic idea is simple: certain developments need to leave nature in a better condition than it was before the development took place.
For glamping developments, BNG can influence where pods are positioned, how access roads are designed, which trees or hedgerows are retained and how much space needs to be kept for nature. It can also affect planning costs and timescales.
But BNG does not have to be bad news. If you think about biodiversity early, it can actually help you design a better glamping site. One that works commercially, fits naturally into the landscape and gives guests the countryside experience they are looking for.
In this guide, we explain what Biodiversity Net Gain means, how the 10% rule works and what glamping developers should look out for before submitting a planning application.
Summary
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) means certain developments in England must leave biodiversity in a better condition than before.
• Qualifying developments normally need to achieve at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value.
• BNG can affect site layout, access roads, parking, drainage, utilities and landscaping, not just the footprint of the glamping pods.
• Some small or temporary developments may qualify for an exemption, but the full planning site and existing habitats still need to be considered.
• An ecologist usually assesses the land and calculates its biodiversity value using the official biodiversity metric.
• The best approach is often to protect valuable habitats first, then improve or create habitat where needed.
• Biodiversity gains can be delivered on site, through registered off-site units or, as a last resort, through statutory biodiversity credits.
• Significant habitat improvements normally need to be maintained for at least 30 years.
• Choosing the right land early can reduce planning risk, redesign costs and ecological issues later.
• BNG does not guarantee planning permission, as other factors such as access, drainage, flood risk, landscape impact and protected species may still affect the application.
• Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland use different biodiversity and planning systems from England.
• For glamping developers, the key takeaway is simple: consider biodiversity before finalising the site layout.
What Is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity simply means the variety of nature in an area. That includes grassland, trees, hedgerows, ponds, wetlands, woodland, wildflowers and the habitats used by wildlife.
With Biodiversity Net Gain, the existing habitat on a development site is assessed before work begins. The proposed development is then reviewed to see what habitat will be lost, kept, improved or created.
The aim is to make sure the development leaves biodiversity in a measurably better condition than it was before. For qualifying developments in England, this normally means achieving at least a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
The Simple Version
Imagine you have a field that currently has a biodiversity value of 10 units. A 10% Biodiversity Net Gain would mean the finished development needs to reach at least 11 biodiversity units.
That extra biodiversity could come from protecting existing habitat, improving parts of the site or creating something new, such as:
• Restoring a hedgerow
• Creating a wildflower meadow
• Planting native trees
• Improving poor-quality grassland
• Creating ponds or wetland areas
The actual calculations are carried out using an official biodiversity metric, usually with the help of an ecologist. You do not need to calculate biodiversity units yourself.
The important thing for a landowner is understanding that the condition of the land before development matters just as much as what you plan to build.
Biodiversity Net Gain: The Key Numbers
There are a few figures worth remembering:
• 10%: The minimum Biodiversity Net Gain normally required for qualifying developments in England.
• 30 years: Significant habitat improvements normally need to be maintained for at least this long.
• 0.2 hectares: Some developments on sites of this size or smaller may qualify for an exemption.
• 25 square metres: Another exemption may apply where only a very small amount of habitat is affected.
• 5 years: Certain temporary developments may qualify for an exemption.
• 8 weeks: The normal period a planning authority has to decide a submitted Biodiversity Gain Plan unless another timeframe is agreed.
The exact rules depend on the development and planning application, so these figures should be treated as useful starting points rather than automatic exemptions. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
Why Does BNG Matter for Glamping Sites?
Glamping sites are often lower impact than large hotels or traditional holiday parks, but that does not automatically make them exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain.
When planning authorities assess a glamping development, they do not only look at the space covered by the pods. The overall development may also include access roads, parking, paths, decking, drainage, utility connections, landscaping, bin areas, saunas, hot tubs and other guest facilities.
All of these can affect existing habitats. For example, a new access road might require part of a hedgerow to be removed, while underground services could disturb grassland. Lighting positioned near a hedgerow could also affect wildlife using it as a movement corridor, and drainage works could affect nearby ponds, ditches or wet ground.
That is why BNG should be considered during site selection and site design, not after everything else has already been decided.
Natural England's 2026 evaluation of Biodiversity Net Gain found that the policy was already encouraging ecological issues to be considered earlier in the development process. (Biodiversity Net Gain Evaluation, Natural England, 2026)
Does Biodiversity Net Gain Apply to Every Glamping Site?
No. Whether BNG applies will depend on the individual project.
Some of the main factors include:
1. Where the site is located
2. The type of planning application
3. When the planning application is submitted
4. The size of the development site
5. The existing habitats
6. How much habitat will be affected
7. Whether an exemption applies
The statutory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain rule applies to England. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have different systems, which we cover later.
What About Very Small Sites?
From 6 August 2026, some developments on sites no larger than 0.2 hectares, or 2,000 square metres, may be exempt from BNG. However, the exemption comes with conditions, including rules around priority habitats. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
This is particularly important for glamping developments because you cannot simply measure the floor area of your pods. The planning site may also include parking, access, paths, drainage, landscaping, private outdoor areas and utilities.
A development with two small pods could therefore still cover more than 0.2 hectares once everything is included.
The Small Habitat Impact Exemption
This is sometimes called the de minimis exemption. In simple terms, it may apply where a development affects only a very small amount of habitat.
For example, it may apply where the development affects:
• Less than 25 square metres of qualifying habitat
• Less than five metres of linear habitat, such as a hedgerow
• No priority habitat
For many new glamping developments, this exemption may be difficult to use because roads, utilities, parking and groundworks can quickly affect more than 25 square metres.
What About Temporary Glamping Sites?
Certain developments that receive permission for no more than five years may also qualify for an exemption, but seasonal does not automatically mean temporary.
A site that closes every winter could still be considered a permanent development in planning terms. The whole development needs to meet the conditions of the temporary development exemption. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
Looking at land for a glamping development?
Explore GlampLaunch's guide to launching a glamping site to understand the wider development process before investing heavily in design and planning.
How Is the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain Calculated?
This is one of the parts that sounds much more complicated than it needs to.
In most cases, an ecologist will inspect the site and identify the habitats already there, such as grassland, hedgerows, woodland, trees, scrub, ponds and wet ground. Those habitats are then entered into the official biodiversity metric, which gives the site a biodiversity value.
Next, the proposed development is assessed. The ecologist looks at which habitats will stay, which will be removed, which will be improved and what new habitats will be created.
The result shows whether the finished development is likely to achieve the required Biodiversity Net Gain.
A Simple Example
Let's say your site is assessed at 10 biodiversity units before development. Your target after development would normally be 11 biodiversity units.
If the finished layout only provides 9 biodiversity units, there is a shortfall. You may then need to change the design or provide extra habitat elsewhere.
If the finished plan reaches 11 units or more, you have met the basic 10% target.
The real calculation is more detailed, but this is the basic principle behind it.
It Is Not Simply About Planting More Trees
One common mistake is thinking BNG means:
Remove one tree, plant two trees, problem solved.
Unfortunately, it is not that simple.
The biodiversity metric looks at the type and quality of habitat, not just the number of plants or trees. For example, removing an old species-rich hedgerow and replacing it with a few new shrubs may still result in biodiversity loss.
Older habitats can take years or even decades to replace, which is why protecting good habitat from the beginning can make the planning process much easier.
The Best BNG Strategy Usually Starts With Avoiding Damage
Before thinking about what habitat you can create, look at what can be protected.
For a glamping site, that might mean:
• Moving pods away from mature trees
• Keeping existing hedgerows
• Using an existing entrance
• Reducing the length of access roads
• Grouping pods closer together
• Keeping utilities away from sensitive areas
• Protecting ponds and ditches
• Keeping lighting away from wildlife corridors
Sometimes a small change to the site layout can avoid a much larger ecological problem. From a commercial point of view, retaining natural features can also make the glamping site more attractive.
Guests are unlikely to complain that their pod has too many mature trees, wildflowers or countryside views.
How Can a Glamping Development Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain?
There are three main ways a development can achieve its required biodiversity improvement.
1. Improve Biodiversity on the Site
This is often the most natural option. Improvements could include creating a wildflower meadow, planting native trees, strengthening existing hedgerows, creating ponds, improving grassland or linking existing habitats together.
For a glamping business, this can be a win-win. The habitat helps with BNG while also creating a more attractive and natural environment for guests.
Significant habitat improvements usually need to be managed for at least 30 years, so the long-term maintenance needs to be realistic. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
2. Use Biodiversity Units From Another Site
If you cannot achieve everything within the glamping development itself, it may be possible to use registered biodiversity units from another piece of land.
These units may come from another area of land you own or from a specialist habitat provider. The habitat must be properly registered and legally secured.
3. Buy Statutory Biodiversity Credits
Government statutory biodiversity credits exist as a final option where the required biodiversity cannot be delivered another way.
They are intended to be a last resort, rather than the first solution.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reported statutory credit income of £426,100. The relatively low level of credit sales suggests that statutory credits are continuing to be used as a back-up option rather than the main way developers meet BNG requirements. (BNG Statutory Credits Report, Defra, 2026)
Why Site Selection Matters So Much
BNG is one more reason why choosing the right land is so important when starting a glamping business.
Imagine you are comparing two fields. Site A is mainly low-quality grassland with plenty of room for habitat improvements, while Site B has mature hedgerows, valuable grassland, ponds and several areas that would be difficult to disturb.
Both sites may look equally attractive when you first visit them, but from a planning and biodiversity point of view, they could be very different.
Site B may require:
• More ecological surveys
• More layout changes
• More habitat protection
• More expensive mitigation
• Off-site biodiversity units
That does not mean you should automatically avoid land with good biodiversity. It simply means you need to understand what is there before committing to the project.
Biodiversity Questions to Ask Before Buying or Developing Land
Before progressing with a glamping site, consider:
• Are there mature trees or established hedgerows?
• Are there ponds, streams or ditches?
• Is there species-rich grassland?
• Could protected or priority habitats be present?
• Is the site close to a protected wildlife area?
• Could access be created without removing habitat?
• Could utilities be installed without major disturbance?
• Is there space for wildflower meadow or other habitat?
• Could future expansion affect land being used for BNG?
You do not need to become an ecologist yourself. The aim is simply to spot possible issues early enough to get professional advice.
Do Not Clear Vegetation Before an Ecological Survey
If you are considering developing land, avoid clearing trees, hedges or other vegetation simply to make the site appear easier to develop.
BNG rules include measures designed to prevent developers from lowering the site's biodiversity value before it is assessed. If habitat has already been damaged or cleared, an earlier biodiversity value may still be used as the baseline.
In some situations, this can actually make the planning process more difficult. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
The safest approach is simple: survey first and clear later, once you know what can legally and responsibly be removed.
The BNG Process for a Glamping Development
You do not need to memorise every planning rule. A typical process may look something like this.
Step 1: Check Whether BNG Applies
Confirm whether the development is in England and whether the planning application falls within the BNG rules.
Step 2: Speak to an Ecologist Early
An ecologist can identify habitats and flag any obvious issues before you finalise the layout. This is particularly useful because some wildlife surveys can only be completed at certain times of year.
Step 3: Map the Full Development
Look at the whole project, not just the pods. This should include roads, parking, paths, drainage, utilities, landscaping and guest areas.
Step 4: Measure the Existing Biodiversity
The ecologist records the existing habitats and calculates the biodiversity baseline.
Step 5: Design the Site Around Important Habitats
Once you know what is valuable, the layout can be adjusted. A pod could move slightly, a road could follow a different route or a hedgerow could be retained.
Small changes like these can make a big difference.
Step 6: Check the Proposed Biodiversity Value
The ecologist calculates what biodiversity will remain or be created once the development is finished.
Step 7: Deal With Any Shortfall
If the development does not reach its BNG target, you may need to create more habitat on site, improve existing habitat, use registered off-site units or use statutory credits as a last resort.
Step 8: Submit the Required Planning Information
Where BNG applies, biodiversity information needs to be included with the planning application.
Step 9: Submit the Biodiversity Gain Plan
After planning permission is granted, the Biodiversity Gain Plan normally needs to be approved before work begins.
Planning authorities generally have eight weeks to determine a submitted plan unless another timeframe is agreed. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
Step 10: Look After the Habitat
BNG does not finish when the pods arrive. Habitat may need to be maintained and monitored for decades.
That could include meadow management, hedge maintenance, replacing failed planting, managing ponds, controlling invasive plants and ecological monitoring.
What Is a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
A Biodiversity Gain Plan is the document that explains how the development will achieve its required Biodiversity Net Gain.
It normally covers:
• The site's biodiversity before development
• What habitat will be lost
• What habitat will be retained
• What new habitat will be created
• The expected biodiversity value after development
• Any off-site biodiversity units
• Any statutory credits
• How the habitats will be managed
• How long-term monitoring will work
If BNG applies, the plan needs to be approved before development begins. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
You will normally work with an ecologist and planning professionals to prepare it.
How Much Does Biodiversity Net Gain Cost?
There is no fixed cost, and there certainly is not a standard “BNG cost per pod”.
The cost will depend on the existing habitats, the number of units, the development layout, the amount of habitat affected, the ecological surveys required and whether off-site biodiversity units are needed.
Possible Professional Costs
You may need to budget for:
• Ecological surveys
• Biodiversity calculations
• Habitat plans
• Biodiversity Gain Plan preparation
• Planning advice
• Legal work
Possible Habitat Costs
You may also need to pay for:
• Wildflower planting
• Native trees
• New hedgerows
• Pond creation
• Habitat fencing
• Grassland improvement
• Off-site biodiversity units
Long-Term Costs
Remember the 30-year requirement. Long-term costs may include habitat maintenance, ecological monitoring, replacement planting, reporting and remedial work.
This is why the cheapest parcel of land is not always the cheapest glamping site to develop. A slightly more expensive site with fewer planning and ecological issues could save money later.
Once you understand the ecological constraints of your land, the next step is creating a layout that works around them. GlampLaunch's bespoke pod drawings package can help turn the opportunity into a clearer site concept.
Can BNG Actually Improve a Glamping Site?
Yes. BNG should not only be viewed as a planning requirement.
A good biodiversity strategy can also improve the guest experience. People often book glamping holidays because they want nature, privacy, wildlife, peace and quiet, beautiful views and a break from towns and cities.
Many of the things that help biodiversity can also make the site feel more premium. Wildflower meadows, native hedgerows, natural ponds, woodland walks and carefully positioned lighting can all improve the setting around your accommodation.
Instead of treating biodiversity as land that cannot be used, it can become part of the guest experience.
A well-designed glamping site should feel as though it belongs in the landscape rather than being dropped on top of it.
Common Biodiversity Net Gain Mistakes
1. Leaving BNG until the layout is finished: If an ecologist later identifies an important habitat where you planned a road or pod, the layout may need to change. Early advice is usually easier than redesigning everything later.
2. Only measuring the pod footprints: The development site may also include parking, roads, utilities, drainage and guest areas. These can all affect the BNG assessment.
3. Assuming a small site is automatically exempt: Small developments may qualify for exemptions, but the rules and thresholds still need to be checked.
4. Thinking BNG only means planting trees: Trees can help, but BNG measures whole habitats. Grassland, hedgerows, ponds, wetlands and other habitats may be just as important.
5. Clearing land before getting ecological advice: This could affect the biodiversity baseline and create additional planning problems.
6. Creating habitat that cannot realistically survive: A wildflower meadow may look good on a plan, but if guests walk across it every day or it is managed like a lawn, it may never reach the required condition.
7. Assuming 10% BNG guarantees planning permission: It does not. Planning authorities may still consider access, highways, flood risk, drainage, landscape impact, protected species, noise, heritage and local planning policy. BNG is only one part of the wider planning picture.
What About Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland?
The statutory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain system applies to England. The other UK nations and the Republic of Ireland have different biodiversity and planning systems.
Wales
Wales does not use England's statutory 10% BNG requirement.
Instead, developments are considered under Welsh planning and environmental policies, including the country's wider nature recovery approach. The Welsh Government published its updated Nature Recovery Action Plan in 2026, setting out its approach to restoring nature and strengthening ecosystems. (Nature Recovery Action Plan, Welsh Government, 2026)
Scotland
Scotland also has a different approach.
National Planning Framework 4 expects development to contribute to biodiversity enhancement. For certain larger developments, applicants need to show that biodiversity will be left in a demonstrably better state.
As of May 2026, NatureScot said work on a Scottish biodiversity metric was still developing. (Planning and Development: Enhancing Biodiversity, NatureScot, 2026)
Northern Ireland
England's 10% BNG requirement does not apply in Northern Ireland, which has its own planning and environmental framework.
Recent Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) data shows why biodiversity remains an important planning consideration. In 2025/26, 52% of features within Northern Ireland's protected marine and terrestrial sites were in favourable condition, while 37% were in unfavourable condition. (Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report, DAERA, 2026)
Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland also has its own planning system, alongside important EU environmental protections.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service reported in 2025 that 90% of Ireland's protected habitats were in unfavourable conservation status, with 51% showing deteriorating trends. (Status of Ireland's EU-Protected Habitats and Species, NPWS, 2025)
For glamping developers in Ireland, early ecological checks are especially important where the site is close to Natura 2000 areas or other protected habitats.
Final Thoughts: Plan for Biodiversity Early
Biodiversity Net Gain can sound intimidating when you first come across it, but for most landowners, the most important lesson is straightforward: think about biodiversity before you finalise your site layout.
Find out what habitats are already on the land, speak to an ecologist early and design around the strongest natural features where possible. You should also make sure there is enough room for both the development and the biodiversity improvements it may require.
Done properly, BNG does not have to work against a glamping development. It can help create a site that feels more natural, attractive and well considered, exactly the kind of environment many glamping guests are looking for.
From a planning point of view, understanding these issues early can also save a lot of redesign, cost and frustration later.
Thinking about developing a glamping site?
Book a call with our glamping expert to discuss your land, your ideas and the next steps.
FAQs
1. What Does BNG Stand For?
BNG stands for Biodiversity Net Gain.
It means improving biodiversity as part of a development so that nature is left in a better condition than it was before.
2. Does Biodiversity Net Gain Apply to Every Glamping Site?
No. Whether BNG applies depends on the planning application, site size, location, existing habitats and any relevant exemptions.
Some smaller or temporary developments may qualify for an exemption, but this should always be checked properly.
3. Are Glamping Sites Under 0.2 Hectares Exempt From BNG?
Some developments on sites no larger than 0.2 hectares, or 2,000 square metres, may qualify for an exemption for applications made from 6 August 2026.
However, the full development site needs to be considered, including access, parking, drainage, utilities and landscaping, not just the footprint of the pods.
4. How Is the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain Requirement Achieved?
The required gain can be achieved by protecting existing habitat, improving or creating habitat on site, using registered off-site biodiversity units or, as a last resort, purchasing statutory biodiversity credits.
For many glamping developments, the best approach is to avoid unnecessary habitat loss from the beginning and design the site around its strongest natural features.
5. How Long Do Biodiversity Net Gain Improvements Need to Be Maintained?
Significant habitat improvements normally need to be secured and managed for at least 30 years.
This means BNG should be treated as a long-term part of the development, with future maintenance and monitoring considered when planning the site. (Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, GOV.UK, 2026)
