Overview
As of February 2024, biodiversity net gain is now mandatory in England, with developers expected to deliver a biodiversity net gain of 10%. Following the passing of the Environment Improvement Plan in 2023, it is expected that 140,000 ha of wildlife-rich habitats will be restored or created by 2028, highlighting the important role that local authorities can play in successfully delivering biodiversity net gains. However, there is still much work to be done, with the Environment Agency reporting that biodiversity continues to decline across the country. Through sharing best practice councils can build on existing strategies for integrating green infrastructure and working in partnership to successfully deliver biodiversity net gain.

  • State of Nature, the most comprehensive report on UK wildlife published in 2023, shows that species studied have declined by 19% in the UK since monitoring began in 1970
  • Currently, there is also no let-up in the decline of our wildlife, with one in six species at risk of being lost from Great Britain (State of Nature, 2023)
  • Nature England’s new Green Infrastructure Framework aims to increase the amount of green cover to 40% in urban residential areas

Join us at Enabling Biodiversity Net Gain in the Planning System 2024 to hear the latest guidance and best practice in enabling biodiversity net gain. High-level keynotes will provide insights into the latest national updates and strategic guidance on working in partnership to deliver biodiversity net gain. Topics of best practice include insights into integrating green infrastructure into the development process and implementing strategies to provide a sustainable solution to woodland and habitat conservation. A breakout networking session offers the opportunity to share your experiences whilst networking with other senior colleagues from a variety of sectors.

Why Attend:

✓ Hear the latest policies and strategies for implementing and delivering biodiversity net gain

✓ Best practice examples of integrating green infrastructure into the delivery process

✓ Engage with selected case studies addressing key challenges including woodland and habitat conservation

✓ Network with speakers and senior colleagues from across the biodiversity sector

✓ CPD (gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota)
Agenda

  • Online Registration 

  • Chair’s Opening Remarks 

     

  • Keynote: The Multi-Agency Approach: Working in Partnership with Key Stakeholders to Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain

     Abstract:This session outlines efforts to collaborate with the private sector on biodiversity net gain projects, secure funding for long-term success, and improve public education on sustainability. It also addresses using environmental conservation to aid regeneration in deprived areas and leveraging natural resources to gain public support for sustainable development.

    • Working with the private sector to overcome the challenges of the regulations and deliver onsite and offsite biodiversity net gain projects
    • Insights into funding opportunities to secure long-term deliverability of biodiversity net gain
    • Tips on improving public education in subjects relating to sustainable development and the protection of the environment
    • Reflections on addressing areas of economic and social deprivation through the promotion of regeneration by the conservation of the environment, as set out in the recently launched Tomorrow’s World report.

    Alan Carter, Chief Executive, The Land Trust (CONFIRMED)

  • Case Study: Best Practice on Integrating Green Infrastructure into the Development Process

     Abstract: This case study provides guidance on promoting people-centric, eco-friendly street designs through the “Healthy Streets for Surrey” initiative. It outlines common national funding streams for green infrastructure and emphasises fostering community engagement by maintaining local green spaces. Additionally, it highlights the importance of collaborating with local stakeholders to integrate active lifestyles into future transport and infrastructure planning.

    • Healthy Streets for Surrey: guidance on encouraging a shift towards more people-centric and environmentally friendly street designs
    • Outlining the most common national funding streams towards green infrastructure provisions and advice on accessing funding
    • Fostering community engagement in the natural environment through the maintenance of local green spaces
    • Collaborating with local stakeholders to embed active lifestyles into the heart of future transport and infrastructure planning

    Carolyn McKenzie, Director for Environment, Surrey County Council (CONFIRMED)

  • Questions and Answers 

  • Comfort Break

  • Case Study: Implementing Strategies to Provide a Sustainable Solution to Woodland and Habitat Conservation

     Abstract: This session explores the Wilder Blean project, focusing on how introducing bison can reduce hands-on woodland conservation. It provides tips for extensive consultation and engagement with local stakeholders and co-producing informative leaflets to keep residents updated. Additionally, it offers advice on integrating technology, data, and innovation into monitoring woodland and habitats.

    • Wilder Blean project: understanding how the presence of bison will allow a step back from hands-on conservation management of woodland
    • Tips on developing extensive consultation and engagement with local stakeholders who know and love the area
    • Co-producing information leaflets with local partners to educate and inform the local residents on updates of the project
    • Advice on how to integrate technology, data and innovation into the monitoring of woodland and habitats

     Kora Ross, Wilding Evidence Ecologist, Kent Wildlife Trust (CONFIRMED)

  • Case Study: Establishing Community Engagement in Biodiversity Net Gain Plans

     Abstract: This case study stresses the importance of involving local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts. It recommends appointing a tree warden, promoting wildlife-friendly practices, and collaborating with landowners. Community buy-in is crucial, achieved through inclusive approaches like resident input. This highlights the significance of grassroots action in preserving local biodiversity.

    • Outlining the importance of informing the local community of the biodiversity value of the local area
    • Recommendations on appointing a tree warden or volunteer who could monitor any actions to improve biodiversity
    • Key tips on encouraging the local community allotment holders to use wildlife-friendly techniques, or asking landowners to create areas of long grass
    • Gaining community buy-in by asking local residents what they would like to be done to conserve biodiversity in the local area

    Lucie Hoelmer, Career Grade Planner, Leicestershire County Council  (CONFIRMED)

  • Questions and Answers

  • Lunch Break

  • Breakout Networking: Working in Partnership to Protect and Enhance Biodiversity

     This session will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the main challenges you face when working in partnership to protect and enhance biodiversity. This session will allow you to share your experiences and encourage cross sector collaboration between colleagues.

  • Case Study: Securing a Coordinated Response to Strengthening the Impact of Local Action for Nature Recovery

     Abstract: This session provides guidance on establishing successful community-led nature recovery partnerships, focusing on integrating the needs of nature, people, and the economy. It discusses strategies for gaining community support by ensuring access to high-quality green spaces for all and emphasises co-producing reviews to address key issues and recommend improvements in local biodiversity net gain legislation.

    • Guidance on cultivating a successful community-led nature recovery partnership
    • Instilling positive outcomes that integrate the needs of nature, people and the economy
    • Gaining community buy-in through facilitating access to high-quality green space for all
    • Co-producing reviews to highlight key issues and offer recommendations on local biodiversity net gain legislation

    Dr Simon Lyster, Chair, Essex Local Nature Partnership (invited)

  • Case Study: Delivering Biodiversity Net Gains: Enacting Policy Changes at a National Level

    Abstract: This panel offers insights on optimising national biodiversity conservation by effectively sharing expertise and resources. It provides key tips for achieving biodiversity net gain and highlights the importance of regular training to upskill staff and enhance their knowledge in this area.

    • Sharing insights on effectively sharing expertise and resources to optimise national biodiversity conservation
    • Upskilling staff through regular training to enhance knowledge around biodiversity net gain
    • Enhancing biosecurity: strengthening measures to safeguard against biological threats

    Nick White, Principal Advisor, Natural England (CONFIRMED)

     

  • Questions and Answers

     

  • Chair’s Closing Remarks

    *programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend

Who Should Attend?

Delegates who will have an interest in this event will be people who work in planning and sustainability.

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

Sponsorship

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IMPORTANT: There are only a small number of sponsorship opportunities available to ensure maximum exposure and ROI – contact us today to secure your place.

Virtual vs F2F

Whilst F2F provide better options for networking, there are many distinct advantages of sponsoring our online conferences including:

  • Wider geographical reach of delegates and a different audience who prefer online to f2f
  • Lower sponsorship package costs
  • No travel/accommodation
  • Less time out of the office
  • No stand materials required (lower costs)
  • 1 of only 2 sponsors involved – less competition on the day
  • Prime speaking slot in the morning of the conference including Q&A – less distractions and easier for delegates to hear/absorb information
  • Receive all delegate data after the conference to follow-up directly with those who attend and don’t attend (small % but still key stakeholders)
  • Ongoing exposure via OnDemand access (coming soon)

To find out more and discuss your specific objectives, please contact us below:


Pricing
  • Public Sector Rate incl. GE Insights: £360.00+VAT
  • Voluntary Sector Rate incl. GE Insights:: £330.00+VAT
  • Private Sector Rate incl. GE Insights:: £499.00+VAT

Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you access to all of the following including 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource, and the easiest way for you to prepare for the conference and then stay engaged all year with the ongoing discussions and best practice:

✓ High Level Keynotes

✓ Case Studies Showcasing Best Practice

✓ Panel Discussions

✓ Live Chat and Networking Opportunities

✓ Q&A

✓ 8 Hours of CPD

✓ Speaker Presentations and Videos OnDemand

✓ 12-Months FREE access to GE Insights (RRP £199)

 – 100s of exclusive case study focused videos and articles

 –  CPD Dashboard

 –  Personalised Homepage

 – 30+ new uploads each month