Exemption of small sites from Biodiversity Net Gain a regressive move that will stifle a growing nature market
Statement from The Rivers Trust in response to speculation that the government will make small developments exempt from rules on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Matthew Woodard
11/12/25
Reports that Government could exempt all small sites from Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) are extremely worrying - this regressive move would remove essential protections, undermine nature recovery, and stifle a growing nature market.
Now is the time to back BNG, build market confidence, and increase investment in nature’s recovery.
The new Environmental Improvement Plan reaffirms Government’s ambition to restore nature and scale up private investment. BNG should therefore be protected and strengthened in the upcoming consultation response, not watered down.