Watercourse Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain for Rivers & Streams
At FLOW CIC, we deliver specialist watercourse biodiversity net gain (BNG) services to help developers, infrastructure projects, habitat banks, and landowners meet emerging legal and planning requirements. Our work focuses on restoring and enhancing rivers, streams, and their associated habitats to achieve measurable improvements in biodiversity. From baseline habitat condition assessments to the design and implementation of river restoration measures, we support projects throughout the BNG process. With a deep understanding of river ecology and regulatory frameworks, we ensure that watercourse interventions deliver lasting environmental benefits while meeting statutory and policy objectives.
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What is watercourse BNG?
- Watercourse biodiversity net gain (BNG) involves improving the ecological condition of rivers, streams, and ditches to achieve a measurable uplift in biodiversity as part of planning or development projects.
- It is a legal requirement for many developments under the Environment Act 2021, and requires specialist river condition assessment and enhancement.
- FLOW CIC provides expert baseline assessments utilising River Condition Assessments, and the latest version of the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric.
- We design practical river restoration schemes tailored to the local ecology, hydrology, and land use.
- Our team works closely with regulators, landowners, and developers to secure planning approval and ensure long-term success.
- We specialise in river and stream habitats and can unlock off-site BNG opportunities to support strategic delivery across the wider catchment.
River Biodiversity Net Gain Baseline Assessment
- Our accredited River Condition Assessment surveyors will first conduct a desk-based assessment to understand the site and its broader reach/catchment. This will inform requirements for on-site surveys.
- River Condition Assessments begin with a site walkover, where watercourses within the red line boundary are divided into reaches and sub-reaches based on physical characteristics and encroachment.
- Representative MoRPh5 surveys are conducted to ensure sufficient coverage, both for habitat variation and to achieve the required 20% coverage.
- Riparian and watercourse encroachment is accurately mapped using our bespoke ArcGIS online tools.
- Where possible, drone imagery is collected to produce a high-resolution orthomosaic of the site, which helps with baseline validation.
- Depending on the requirements, we can either provide raw data, write up a summary report, or enter data into the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
Biodiversity Net Gain River and Stream Feasibility
- Utilising our extensive experience in river restoration and enhancement, we can provide optioneering and feasibility studies for improvements in watercourse distinctives, condition, and reduction in watercourse and riparian encroachment.
- Scenarios can be modelled to estimate likely BNG uplift, which can be provided along with estimated delivery costs.
- We examine both ‘easy win’ projects and more ambitious river and floodplain restoration projects.
Watercourse Biodiversity Net Gain Detailed Design and Consenting
- We produce a comprehensive, detailed design package that is sufficient to meet the requirements under The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
- All drawings are provided to inform the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan and to be issued to contractors as required.
- We can support with any consents required, including Flood Risk Activity Permits, Impoundment Licences, Felling Licences, Planning Permissions, and SSSI Consents.
Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP) for Rivers
- The Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) is a key document for any Biodiversity Net Gain project.
- HMMPs outline how restored or enhanced river habitats will be maintained and monitored to ensure a long-term biodiversity net gain.
- They typically include clear objectives, maintenance schedules, and success criteria aligned with the initial BNG assessment.
- FLOW CIC produces HMMPs that meet planning conditions and the Environment Agency’s expectations for watercourse interventions.
- We also offer ongoing monitoring services to track habitat condition, evidence outcomes, and adapt management where needed.
How can we add value to your Biodiversity Net Gain Project?
We’re river specialists with a genuine passion for protecting and enhancing watercourses. Our aim is to support your BNG goals while staying true to our core commitment – putting the health of watercourses first.
As specialists, we can identify watercourse-related risks from the early design stages through to the construction of enhancement or creation measures.
We offer a fully in-house service, covering everything from assessments and additional surveys to monitoring and design, all of which are focused on watercourse elements.
Related Services
Need help with something else? These are some services our clients often use alongside River Condition Assessments
