Biodiversity Net Gain: Why the Future of Our Landscapes Depends on What We Plant, Create and Maintain

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As Biodiversity Net Gain requirements extend to major infrastructure projects from 2 November 2026, the role of professional landscaping and long-term grounds maintenance has never been more important.

Across London and the South East, our landscapes are being asked to work harder. From residential developments and commercial premises to public spaces and major infrastructure projects, there is growing recognition that the land surrounding our buildings has a much greater purpose than simply looking attractive.

Well-designed and professionally maintained landscapes can support wildlife, improve biodiversity, help manage rainfall, provide natural cooling and create healthier environments for people.

At DB Landscape Management, we believe the real value of a landscape lies not only in how it looks when a project is completed, but in how it develops, performs and thrives over time.

And with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) becoming an increasingly important part of the planning and development process, that long-term perspective matters more than ever.

What is changing with Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain is a statutory requirement designed to ensure that qualifying developments leave the natural environment in a measurably better condition than before construction begins.

Mandatory BNG has applied to most qualifying developments in England since February 2024.

From 2 November 2026, the requirements will also extend to qualifying nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), bringing major infrastructure developments into the framework.

Under the legislation, developments within scope must deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value, calculated using the government’s Statutory Biodiversity Metric.

The government’s guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects explains the requirements and how they apply to major developments.

Not every development is subject to BNG, and exemptions apply. However, for those projects within scope, biodiversity is now a measurable planning requirement rather than simply an environmental aspiration.

The important role of soft landscaping and tree planting

Soft landscaping has a significant role to play in creating and enhancing habitats within developments.

Carefully considered planting schemes can help transform relatively low-value areas into more diverse landscapes that provide food, shelter and connectivity for wildlife.

Depending on the site’s existing habitats, ecological objectives and approved design, opportunities may include:

  • Tree planting: Introducing appropriately selected trees to provide habitat, improve canopy cover and contribute to greener urban environments.
  • Species-rich grassland: Creating wildflower meadows and diverse grassland habitats that support pollinators and other wildlife.
  • Hedgerows and shrub planting: Establishing connected planting that provides shelter, nesting opportunities and movement corridors for wildlife.
  • Habitat enhancement: Improving existing planted areas through appropriate species selection, soil management and changes to maintenance practices.
  • Sustainable landscape features: Integrating planting within rain gardens, swales and other landscape features where appropriate to the site’s design.

These interventions can contribute towards a development’s biodiversity objectives, but their value must be assessed through the statutory metric.

The metric considers habitat type, size, condition and other factors, meaning that planting more trees or introducing additional vegetation does not automatically equate to achieving the required 10% gain.

The government’s guidance on creating on-site biodiversity gains emphasises the importance of considering soil conditions, suitable planting, access for maintenance and the practical feasibility of establishing habitats.

For landscape contractors, this reinforces the importance of working closely with ecologists, landscape architects and developers from the outset.

Why successful BNG depends on long-term landscape management

There is an important distinction between installing a landscape and establishing a successful habitat.

A newly planted tree, for example, needs appropriate care to become a healthy, established feature of the landscape. Similarly, a wildflower meadow requires a very different maintenance approach from a conventional amenity lawn.

Biodiversity Net Gain places greater emphasis on the long-term condition and management of habitats.

Under the statutory framework, significant on-site habitat enhancements and off-site biodiversity gains must generally be secured and maintained for at least 30 years.

The government’s guidance on Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans sets out how habitat objectives, management responsibilities and monitoring arrangements should be documented.

This creates an important role for professional landscape management contractors.

Maintenance programmes may need to consider:

  • Establishment care for newly planted trees, hedges and shrubs.
  • Appropriate mowing regimes for species-rich grasslands.
  • Management of invasive and undesirable plant species.
  • Soil health, mulching and moisture management.
  • Replacement planting where establishment has been unsuccessful.
  • Practical maintenance records to support the wider monitoring programme.

The objective is not simply to keep landscapes tidy. It is to manage them in ways that support their intended ecological function.

A landscape designed for biodiversity should also be maintained for biodiversity.

What does BNG mean for property managers?

For property managers responsible for residential developments, commercial premises and shared landscapes, Biodiversity Net Gain introduces another important consideration.

Where a development has approved habitat management commitments, the ongoing maintenance of those areas needs to reflect the ecological objectives established during planning.

A landscape containing species-rich grassland, for example, may require seasonal cutting and removal of arisings rather than frequent close mowing.

New tree planting may require structured establishment care, while hedgerows and other planted habitats may need carefully timed maintenance to protect their ecological value.

These approaches can sometimes look different from traditional grounds maintenance practices.

For property managers, understanding why a landscape is being managed in a particular way can be just as important as the maintenance itself.

It also means that continuity matters. When responsibility for a development passes from the original developer to a property management company, the relevant landscape management requirements need to be understood and carried forward.

Not every existing property is subject to a statutory BNG obligation. However, biodiversity-focused maintenance can still deliver meaningful environmental and social benefits across established sites.

At DB Landscape Management, we see considerable value in helping property managers balance attractive, accessible shared spaces with planting and maintenance practices that support biodiversity.

Turning landscape designs into living, thriving spaces

For developers, the practical delivery of a landscape scheme is an important part of meeting ecological objectives.

The best biodiversity strategies are those that consider not only what is proposed on a drawing, but how the landscape will be installed, established and maintained.

This is where experienced landscape contractors can make a difference.

At DB Landscape Management, our soft landscaping and tree planting services can support the delivery of landscape schemes designed around ecological objectives.

Working alongside the project’s ecological and design professionals, our role can include the practical implementation of planting specifications, ground preparation, tree and shrub installation and the establishment of planted habitats.

Our ongoing grounds maintenance services can then help manage those landscapes in accordance with agreed maintenance specifications and habitat objectives.

By bringing installation and maintenance considerations together, developers and property managers can take a more joined-up approach to the long-term performance of their landscapes.

Biodiversity and the social value of shared landscapes

Although BNG is measured through ecological outcomes, the benefits of greener, more diverse landscapes can extend well beyond wildlife.

Across residential and commercial developments, shared green spaces provide opportunities for people to spend time outdoors, connect with nature and enjoy their surroundings.

Thoughtful planting can introduce seasonal interest, improve the character of developments and make outdoor spaces more inviting.

For property managers, this creates an opportunity to consider both the ecological and social value of the landscapes under their care.

A well-maintained landscape should work for the people who use it, while also providing opportunities for nature to thrive.

These objectives need not be in conflict. With the right design and maintenance approach, shared landscapes can deliver both.

How DB Landscape Management can support your development

As Biodiversity Net Gain becomes embedded in the development process, the relationship between ecological planning, landscape installation and long-term maintenance will become increasingly important.

DB Landscape Management works across London and the South East, providing professional soft landscaping, tree planting and grounds maintenance services for residential developments, commercial premises and managed landscapes.

We can support developers, main contractors, landscape architects and property managers by delivering planting and landscape works in accordance with agreed specifications, followed by appropriate ongoing maintenance.

Where BNG obligations apply, we can work alongside the appointed ecologist and project team to help implement and maintain the landscape elements of an approved biodiversity strategy.

The 10% BNG requirement is a measurable target. Achieving lasting results depends on what happens on the ground, and how those landscapes are cared for in the years that follow.

Let’s talk about your landscape

Whether you are planning a new development, delivering an approved landscape scheme or reviewing the management of an established site, DB Landscape Management can help.

Our team understands the importance of professional installation, careful establishment and reliable ongoing maintenance.

If your next project includes biodiversity objectives, talk to us about how we can support the landscape installation and maintenance programme.

www.dblandscapemanagement.co.uk

 

 

Winter Is Coming. Is Your Landscape Ready?

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Extreme weather, El Niño and why proactive landscape management matters more than ever.

By Darren Bosworth, Managing Director, DB Landscape Management

The most expensive landscape maintenance problems we encounter in spring can often be traced back to the work that wasn’t done in autumn.

As we head towards another British winter, that’s something I believe every property manager and managing agent should be thinking about.

For many people, winter signals a quieter period in the garden. Growth slows, leaves fall and outdoor spaces receive less attention.

For those of us responsible for maintaining residential developments, communal gardens, podium landscapes and roof terraces, however, winter is anything but quiet.

In fact, some of the most important landscape maintenance work we undertake happens before the worst weather arrives.

Our priority isn’t simply to keep landscapes looking good throughout winter. It’s to protect them from avoidable damage and ensure they emerge in the best possible condition come spring.

And with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, that responsibility is becoming more complex.

What could El Niño mean for our landscapes?

You may have heard discussions about El Niño and its potential influence on winter weather.

El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It can influence atmospheric circulation and weather patterns around the world.

Its effect on the British winter is less straightforward. Although El Niño can alter the likelihood of certain weather patterns, it doesn’t guarantee a particularly wet, cold or stormy winter in the UK. Other factors, including conditions over the North Atlantic, play an important role.

But there’s a much bigger issue we should be considering.

The Met Office’s UK climate projections indicate that our winters are expected to become warmer and wetter on average, with heavier rainfall events presenting an increasing challenge.

For those managing landscapes, that means preparing for a combination of risks: saturated ground, intense rainfall, strong winds, sudden frosts and fluctuating temperatures.

We cannot predict every weather event, but we can make sure our landscapes are better prepared to withstand them.

What does extreme winter weather actually do to a landscape?

The damage isn’t always immediately obvious.

Prolonged rainfall can saturate soils, reducing oxygen around plant roots and increasing the risk of disease, deterioration and plant losses.

Waterlogging can damage lawns, planting beds and established shrubs. Blocked drains can turn otherwise attractive communal spaces into areas of standing water, while poorly drained paths can become slippery and unsafe.

High winds bring another set of challenges, particularly where trees are growing in saturated ground or where planting is exposed on roof terraces and podium gardens.

Then there are sudden freezes.

Repeated freezing and thawing can contribute to the deterioration of paving, joints and other hard landscape elements. Container-grown plants and exposed planting schemes may also be particularly vulnerable.

Across the developments we maintain, these are the types of issues that need to be anticipated, monitored and addressed.

And importantly, the effects can be cumulative.

A landscape that has experienced weeks of heavy rainfall may be less resilient when the next storm arrives.

Why winter preparation matters to property managers

For managing agents and property managers, the consequences of winter damage extend well beyond horticulture.

There are resident safety considerations, potential repair costs, disrupted access routes and the impact that poorly maintained communal spaces can have on the appearance and enjoyment of a development.

Landscaping is often one of the first things residents and visitors notice.

It’s also a valuable asset that requires year-round care.

In my experience, the best results come when landscape contractors and property managers work together to identify potential problems early, rather than waiting until something fails.

That might mean investigating a recurring drainage issue, reviewing the condition of a tree, adjusting seasonal maintenance priorities or identifying planting that needs additional protection.

Not every problem can be prevented, but many can be managed before they become significantly more expensive.

Preventative maintenance is not an additional luxury. It is an essential part of protecting a property’s landscape investment.

How we’re preparing at DB Landscape Management

Our winter approach is based on understanding the individual requirements of each site.

A mature communal garden has very different needs from an exposed roof terrace or a newly established landscape, so a one-size-fits-all maintenance programme simply isn’t appropriate.

As we move through autumn and into winter, these are the areas we’re prioritising across our maintenance planning.

Drainage and leaf management

Leaf clearance isn’t simply about presentation. Keeping vulnerable drainage areas free from leaves and debris helps reduce the risk of surface water accumulating during heavy rainfall.

Our teams pay particular attention to pathways, gullies, surface drainage points and areas where water has previously collected, identifying concerns that may require further investigation.

Tree and planting inspections

Winter storms can expose weaknesses in trees, shrubs and supporting structures.

Regular monitoring helps us identify visible signs of damage, instability or deterioration, and recommend specialist inspections where necessary.

We also review vulnerable planting and consider whether additional seasonal protection or maintenance adjustments are required.

Roof terraces and podium gardens

These landscapes deserve particular attention.

Exposed locations, container planting, engineered drainage systems and limited soil volumes can create challenges that aren’t always present at ground level.

Checking drainage outlets, reviewing irrigation requirements and monitoring the condition of planting are all important aspects of winter preparation.

Hard landscape safety

Paths, steps, paving and communal access areas need to remain safe and usable.

Identifying drainage problems, damaged surfaces and potential slip or trip hazards before conditions deteriorate can help property managers plan appropriate remedial works.

Communication and forward planning

Perhaps the most important part of our approach is working closely with the people responsible for the properties we maintain.

We believe clients should understand not only what maintenance work is being undertaken, but why it matters.

Where our teams identify emerging concerns, we want those conversations to happen early, with practical recommendations and clear priorities.

The false economy of cutting back in winter

I understand why winter landscape maintenance budgets can come under scrutiny.

Growth slows, gardens may be used less frequently and there can be a perception that less needs to be done.

But the reality is that winter maintenance is about much more than mowing lawns or keeping borders tidy.

It’s about protecting trees, planting, drainage, hard landscaping and the overall condition of a site.

A drainage problem left unresolved in November can become a much larger issue by February.

A damaged tree left unchecked can create unnecessary risks during a storm.

And neglected planting may require costly replacement when spring arrives.

Of course, maintenance programmes should adapt to the seasons. That’s sensible management.

But reducing maintenance without properly assessing seasonal risks can ultimately cost far more than it saves.

Building resilience into our landscapes

I also believe the landscape industry has an important role to play in a much wider conversation about climate resilience.

We are creating and maintaining increasingly complex green spaces within our towns and cities.

These landscapes do far more than provide visual appeal. They support biodiversity, contribute to wellbeing, help manage rainwater and make residential developments more attractive places to live.

But if they are to continue delivering those benefits, we need to think carefully about how they perform in changing weather conditions.

Are the right plants being specified for exposed locations?

Are drainage systems being maintained and functioning as intended?

Are landscape maintenance budgets realistic?

And are the people responsible for long-term maintenance being consulted early enough in the design and management process?

I would like to see more collaboration between developers, landscape architects, contractors and property managers on these questions.

Because the true test of a successful landscape isn’t simply how it looks on completion.

It’s how well it performs five, ten or fifteen years later, through everything the British weather throws at it.

Our commitment for the winter ahead

At DB Landscape Management, we’re approaching the coming months with a focus on preparation, preventative maintenance and communication.

Our teams understand the landscapes they look after, and that site knowledge is invaluable when identifying areas that may be vulnerable to seasonal weather.

We’ll continue to review maintenance priorities, monitor conditions and work with our clients to address issues before they escalate wherever possible.

We cannot control the weather, whether that’s an unusually wet winter, a prolonged cold spell or an unexpected storm.

But we can control how we prepare, how quickly we identify problems and how effectively we respond.

And that is what good landscape management should be about.

Is your landscape ready for winter?

If you’re a property manager, managing agent or developer responsible for residential or commercial landscapes, now is the time to review your winter maintenance arrangements.

At DB Landscape Management, we help clients take a proactive approach to protecting their outdoor spaces, reducing avoidable risks and maintaining the long-term quality of their landscape assets.

If you’d like to discuss how your sites are being prepared for winter, we’d welcome the conversation.

Darren Bosworth
Managing Director
DB Landscape Management

 

 

CONTACT DETAILS

dB Landscape Management Ltd.

T: 0203824 8762

E: enquiries@dblandscapemanagement.co.uk

90 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1LL

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