Guest Blog: Meadowmania
Biodiversity Net Gain – Promoting BNG with British Wildflower Seeds
What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
From January this year (and April for small sites) The Environment Act of 2021 makes it mandatory in England for developers to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain on all new developments.
So, if a new road, or commercial development, or housing estate encroaches upon natural habitats, measures must be taken to mitigate this impact and to ensure that the habitat is left in a better state than it was found.
For BNG, biodiversity is measured in standardised biodiversity units which take factors such as a habitat’s size, distinctiveness, and location into consideration. These units can be lost through development or generated through work to create new habitats or enhance existing ones. BNG can be achieved on site, off site or through a combination of both on- and off-site measures.
The UK government has recognized the importance of BNG marking a significant step forward in conservation efforts, as it prioritizes the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment even in the face of urban expansion and infrastructure projects.
As well as providing more and better habitats in which wildlife can thrive, BNG contributes to climate change mitigation, and creates opportunities for people to connect with nature, promoting general health and well-being.
The Role of British Wildflower Seeds in BNG.
Wildflowers are not just beautiful additions to our landscapes; they are essential components of healthy ecosystems. A typical wildflower area can have up to 60 species per few square metres providing food and shelter for insects, birds, and other wildlife; and contributing to soil health and playing a crucial role in pollination.
Wildflowers provide an easy-to-establish, cost-effective and measurable solution to meeting BNG requirements. They are low-maintenance (requiring just one annual autumn cut) and can be used on a wide variety of sites and projects, including green roofs.
By incorporating native wildflowers into Biodiversity Net Gain initiatives, we can create vibrant, biodiverse habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species. British wildflower seeds are particularly well-suited for this purpose because they are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring successful establishment and long-term sustainability.
Meadowmania BNG wildflower solutions
At Meadowmania, we’re not just in the business of selling wildflower seeds; we’re advocates for biodiversity. Our commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural world aligns perfectly with the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain.
We offer a diverse range of British wildflower mixes tailored to different habitats and purposes; and can create bespoke seed mixtures for BNG projects on request. We work closely with our British wildflower seed growers, to ensure high germination rates and species diversity. With our wildflower seed, we can meet biodiversity metrics in areas such as type of habitat, species diversity and plenitude.
We are passionate about promoting biodiversity, and our knowledgeable team is always available to provide advice and guidance on seed selection, sowing techniques, and habitat management.
Let’s work together to make a positive impact on our environment. Contact us on 0800 0854399 or info@meadowmania.co.uk for help and advice with your BNG project.
