New guidance has been set out to help sports clubs, schools and developers deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) while protecting the land for future sport use.
Introduced under the Environment Act 2021, BNG requires most developments in England to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity.
Sport England and environmental consultancy LUC has commissioned guidance that translates this legislation and policy into a step-by-step guide through the process. It takes organisations through site selection and consultation, establishing a biodiversity baseline, planning, legal securement and long-term monitoring.
It suggests specific measure that can be taken such as native planting, wildflower habitats, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), rain gardens and green roofs and walls.
Jacqueline Whitworth-Allan, Associate Director of Landscape Architecture at LUC, said: “Playing fields are not static spaces. Pitches may need to be rotated, repositioned or expanded over time, while safety, drainage and maintenance all need to be considered.
“A biodiversity intervention that looks positive today can create problems in future if those requirements are not factored in.”
LUC say that considering BNG early will provide opportunity for “nature and sport to work alongside one another” instead of competing for space.
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