County of Herefordshire BNG

Herefordshire is a predominantly rural county located in the West Midlands, bordering Wales. Covering approximately 2,180 square kilometres, the county is characterised by rolling hills, river valleys such as the Wye and Lugg, market towns including Hereford and Leominster, and extensive agricultural and woodland landscapes. Herefordshire’s rich natural heritage includes important habitats and diverse wildlife, shaped by traditional farming and historic land use.

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Aligned with the Environment Act 2021, Herefordshire Council requires that most development projects secure at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This can be achieved through on-site habitat creation or enhancement, off-site biodiversity units, or contributions to wider ecological networks within the county.

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The Herefordshire LPA overlaps several National Character Areas (NCAs), including Clun and North West Herefordshire Hills, Herefordshire Lowlands, and Herefordshire Plateau. These NCAs influence the county’s ecological identity, supporting habitats such as ancient and semi-natural woodlands, hedgerows, floodplain grazing marshes, and species-rich meadows, many of which are priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

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The rural and agricultural landscape, combined with river corridors and woodland, presents both opportunities and challenges for effective BNG delivery. Careful habitat survey work, ecological planning, and integration with local biodiversity strategies are essential for meaningful outcomes.

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Our team offers comprehensive support for developers, landowners, and planners including BNG metric assessments, habitat mapping, and links to local biodiversity offsetting schemes.