Improved Datasets for Biodiversity Net Gain Across England
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) compliance just got a whole lot easier.
The Xylo Systems platform has developed a major update to help companies looking to comply with the new BNG law, making it easier and clearer to visualise key biodiversity datasets across England - alongside our existing metrics to understand their biodiversity loss and action plan.
These latest datasets will improve the way developers, consultants, and corporates assess their project's baseline biodiversity, comply with regulations, and make data-driven decisions for nature-positive outcomes.
What’s New?
You can now explore and overlay the following datasets directly on our interactive mapping tool, helping you understand and act on:
- Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) - Protected sites to safeguard habitats and species of importance.
- Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – Protected habitats for bird species of conservation concern.
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) – The UK’s best wildlife and geological sites, supporting rare and endangered species and habitats.
- National Nature Reserves (NNRs) – Flagship conservation sites protected under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
- Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) – Protected areas with wildlife and natural features that are of special interest locally.
- Ancient Woodland – Historic woodlands with unique ecological value.
- Priority Habitats Inventory – Critical terrestrial and aquatic habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Why These Datasets Are Critical for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
With BNG now mandatory in England, developers must deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity when undertaking projects. This means understanding existing habitat values and planning for enhancements that result in measurable ecological improvements.
How These Datasets Support BNG Compliance
Baseline Assessments – Knowing whether a site intersects with designated conservation areas (e.g., SSSIs, SACs, SPAs) is crucial for early feasibility assessments. Our platform enables developers to instantly see biodiversity constraints and opportunities before planning begins.
Habitat Value & Impact Analysis – The Priority Habitats Inventory helps assess existing biodiversity value and the need for habitat retention or compensation. Developers can identify whether their site contains important habitats such as ancient woodlands, ponds, and river headwaters, which may require mitigation or enhancement strategies.
Scenario Modelling for Net Gain – By overlaying these datasets with other biodiversity indicators, users can model different development scenarios and understand how to optimise habitat creation, restoration, or offsite BNG solutions.
Efficient Decision-Making – Access to these datasets streamlines ecological assessments, reducing costly delays and ensuring projects align with planning regulations while supporting positive outcomes for nature.
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Strategic Advantages for Developers & Consultants
By integrating these datasets, Xylo Systems provides an early-warning system for biodiversity risk and an opportunity framework for net gain delivery. Whether you're a:
- Developer – Avoid costly redesigns by ensuring BNG-friendly site selection and planning from day one.
- Environmental Consultant – Improve efficiency in impact assessments and mitigation planning.
- Corporate Sustainability Team – Strengthen nature-positive commitments with more robust biodiversity intelligence.
What’s Next?
At Xylo Systems it’s our goal to make biodiversity compliance, measurement and actions as easy as possible for businesses. We’re continuously adding more datasets and refining our biodiversity intelligence tools to make BNG compliance easier and more effective.
Sign up to our email subscription for further updates, and if you’re keen to see how these new datasets can enhance your projects, get in touch here for a free demo or to speak with our team.
Keen to learn more? Here are some other relevant articles:
- How the UKs Biodiversity Net Gain Law Impacts Business
- What is Biodiversity Loss
- How to Effectively Communicate Biodiversity Data to Stakeholders
- Our Favourite Biodiversity Reports from 2024
- Press Release: Xylo Systems & EnviroDNA Join Forces to Revolutionise Biodiversity Monitoring with AI & DNA Tech
- The 3+30+300 Rule: Transforming Urban Landscapes for Biodiversity
- Is Singapore Setting the Standard for Biodiversity in Urban Planning?
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