BNG is Gaining Ground: What We Learned at UKREiiF 2025
Earlier this month, the ILM team spent three days at UKREiiF, and biodiversity was firmly on the agenda.
We spoke to developers, planners, and consultants all navigating the evolving landscape of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). From insightful conversations to honest reflections on what’s still unclear, one message came through loud and clear: BNG is moving up the priority list - but it still feels complicated for many.
Here’s a quick roundup of what we heard on the ground and how ILM is helping.
Off-site delivery is gaining serious traction
Many developers told us they’re actively looking for off-site biodiversity units. They recognise that off-site delivery can reduce risk, simplify compliance, and offer more strategic outcomes for biodiversity.
The challenge? Finding the right sites and a partner they can trust.
That’s where Integrated Land Management comes in. We manage a growing portfolio of registered Gain Sites across England, giving developers access to the habitat types and locations they need, with flexible unit quantities and responsive support throughout.
BNG is better understood - but the process still causes confusion
There’s growing awareness of what BNG is and what’s required. But many teams still feel unsure about:
“BNG is now a well-established part of the planning process but many developers find it challenging to navigate. We’re here to simplify the process and help projects move forward with confidence.”
How the Biodiversity Metric actually works
When and how to secure units
What counts as “like for like” or “like for better”
Whether off-site units need to be local
At Integrated Land Management, we offer more than just units. Our team provides tailored support, from interpreting metric outputs to matching sites and managing the legal process.
ILM’s approach stands out - and we’re proud of that
Something we heard again and again: developers are looking for partners who are responsive, well-informed, and practical in their support.
As a smaller, specialist team with a background in land management and development, ILM offers a personal and solution-focused alternative to larger, less agile platforms. Our clients speak directly to the people delivering the work, whether that’s interpreting metric outputs, navigating planning requirements, or securing units quickly.
Biodiversity Units Available Now
ILM has a growing portfolio of Gain Sites across England - many of which are now live on the Biodiversity Gain Site Register, with units ready for purchase today.
Some of our key sites include:
Dingley Park (Northants) – Wood pasture & parkland, traditional orchards, and various hedgerow unit types
Midloe Grange (Huntingdonshire) – Ponds, modified grassland & mixed scrub
Masketts Farm (Wealden) – Mixed scrub, rural trees & other neutral grassland
Prospect Hill (Northumberland) – Lowland meadows & species-rich native hedgerows
Bridge Farm (East Suffolk) – Wet woodland, traditional orchards & lowland meadows
“After hearing so much positive feedback from last year’s UKREiiF, we knew we had to be there this year and it didn’t disappoint. The demand for BNG units was clear, and we had productive conversations throughout the three days. It reinforced the vital role ILM plays in delivering off-site units across England, and we’re excited to continue those discussions in the months ahead.”
Looking for Biodiversity Units? Talk to Us Today
If you’re a developer in need of off-site biodiversity units, we’d love to hear from you.
ILM works directly with planning teams to secure the right habitat types and locations - with registered Gain Sites across England and no minimum unit quantities. Whether you're in early design stages or finalising your Biodiversity Gain Plan, we’re here to support your next steps.
Ready to make your land work for nature and for you? Speak to our team today. Contact ILM.
