“We Can Build Homes and Boost Nature – It’s Not Either/Or”

Keir Starmer’s comment about prioritizing building homes over the environment feels like it’s stuck in the past. The idea that we have to pick between housing and nature just isn’t true anymore.

BNG, a landmark policy supported across the political spectrum, ensures that development contributes a 10% net improvement in biodiversity. It’s not a barrier to progress—it’s a blueprint for a brighter future. This legislation provides a framework where housing developers can deliver the homes the UK so desperately needs while leaving nature better than they found it.

For developers, BNG is an opportunity to lead the way, rewilding the UK one house at a time. By integrating green spaces, planting trees, creating wetlands, and improving local habitats, every new development becomes not just a place to live but a contribution to reversing the decline of our natural environment. Imagine a housing estate where alongside homes, you see thriving wildflower meadows, pollinator corridors, and bird habitats—this is no utopia; it’s what BNG makes possible.

The UK faces intertwined crises of housing and biodiversity loss. BNG ensures that every planning decision improves both, addressing urgent needs for homes while restoring our natural heritage. This is not just compliance; it’s an extraordinary opportunity to build communities where people and nature coexist and thrive.

Developers should embrace this vision, not resist it. They can become champions of regeneration, demonstrating that building homes can go hand in hand with replacing and enhancing nature. With every brick laid, every tree planted, and every habitat restored, we can rewild Britain and house its people.

This is a moment to unite housing and environmental priorities—not pit them against each other. It’s time to build a future where homes and habitats flourish side by side. Let’s not waste it.

About Biodiversity Units UK:

Biodiversity Units UK Ltd helps property developers and their consultants to source Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Units.

With our experience and understanding of the property development landscape, along with strategic connections in the UK rewilding industry, we’re well-equipped to understand the needs of developers, whilst ensuring the acquisition of  ‘Best in Class’ BNG units at competitive prices.

For more information and to access the full report, visit Biodiversity Units UK.