Helen Newman

Accelerating growth and nature recovery, delivering nature positive development – an evolving approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). A new report from a group of rural experts led by David Hill CBE, former Deputy Chair of Natural England and Founder of the Environment Bank, and supported by Rural Solutions and others, provides a detailed analysis of learnings from the first year’s application of BNG. Focusing on the relative benefits of off-site vs on-site delivery, the report ‘The comparative value of on-site vs off-site biodiversity net gain for restoring nature’ identifies a range of positives for off-site delivery – suggesting that in many instances off-site delivery of BNG will create greater societal benefits. It remains important however that developers do all they can to integrate green spaces within a newly built environment. Where on-site BNG can deliver both access to greenspace and real and long-term gains for nature this remains a valid and valuable approach. Our research suggests however that the tension between ensuring viability and getting best value from a development site (in terms of housing, new premises, or infrastructure) and creating sufficient space to enable meaningful nature gains over 30 years means that successful on-site delivery is likely to need both scale (in terms of site area) and committed nature positive design. I was delighted to be involved in the conversation and share my thoughts on this important topic alongside David Hill CBE, and ffinlo Costain on the Farm Gate podcast. Listen or watch now (links in comments). Great working on this also with Nina Pindham Jason Beedell Neil Beamsley Find out more in our recent news article Unlocking the full potential of biodiversity net gain or visit the Foundation for Nature website (links in comments). #BNG 👉 LISTEN: https://lnkd.in/eFQJHEVf 👉 WATCH: https://lnkd.in/exmCXZpT 👉 DOWNLOAD: https://lnkd.in/eEb8kihQ 👉 READ: https://lnkd.in/eQ-tMrAH

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Introducing Impact Futures. A new sustainability consultancy helping clients tackle emerging issues around zero carbon futures; biodiversity and biophilic design imperatives; and human experience and comfort within the building environment.​ ​ Managing projects to deliver our clients' commitments, goals, and regulatory obligations within tight budgets and timeframes, our team brings experience in architecture, engineering, building physics and regenerative design to a collaborative approach across a project.​ Learn more at https://impactfutures.co/ #ImpactFutures #Sustainability #WorldsAhead #Consulting #Strategy #Design

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Earlier this year, Purcell brought together leading voices from across the built environment to explore how lessons from heritage can shape a low-carbon future. High-profile figures from heritage, policy and industry shared insights on how centuries-old stewardship principles can inform the transition to a circular economy. The Nothing New initiative is the result of those conversations. It is the latest step in Purcell’s mission to drive discussion and systemic change across the construction industry. Read more on our website or access the publication directly:

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As sustainability moves higher up the housing agenda, how can we better integrate biodiversity and green infrastructure into new developments? At the Unlock Net Zero Stage (Exhibition Hall), we're exploring how to meet biodiversity net gain requirements while balancing cost, efficiency and resident needs. Hear from: - Kunle Barker - Delia Garratt, THE WILDLIFE TRUST FOR BIRMINGHAM AND THE BLACK COUNTRY LTD - James Glass C.Env.Cln, MTPI, Notting Hill Genesis - Oliver Harmar, Natural England - Alan Stenson MIoD, neutral carbon zone #Housing2025 #Housing25 #UnlockNetZero #Biodiversity #SustainableHousing #GreenInfrastructure

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How are new standards shaping the future of UK nature markets? Clear and trusted standards are essential for building market confidence, improving consistency, and supporting investment in nature. Join us on 25 March for the latest developments for nature investment standards, how they’re being applied in projects across the UK, and supporting assessment guidance. You'll hear from policymakers, standards authors, early adopters, and market practitioners. 👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4cyNwew Dr Will Lockhart OBE | Peter Phillips | Kerry ten Kate | Phoebe Tucker | Tom Ashton | Amy Coulthard | Owen Middleton | Tom Butterworth | Gregor Neeve | Matthew Hannon | George Sethia #NatureMarkets #Sustainability #GreenFinance #NetZero #BSIStandards #InvestingInNature

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As housing demand grows, so does the need to prove that developments deliver more than just units they must deliver impact 🏡 Our latest guide explores how articulating social value can accelerate housing delivery, build trust with stakeholders and make developments more resilient. 🔍 Inside you'll find: • The most used social value metrics in housing • Why better metrics mean better decisions • A developer’s take on embedding value • How to avoid 'social-washing' • Tips on robust analysis and much more! #SocialValue #HousingDelivery #SocialValueMatters #BuiltEnvironment

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Creating and managing places gives us a great opportunity to enhance nature, benefitting both people and the environment. Federated Hermes Real Estate team’s new Nature & Biodiversity Strategy sets out its approach to prioritising the integration of nature and biodiversity principles. It also sets specific targets throughout its development, investment and asset management activities, featuring NOMA as a case study. Read the Strategy here👉: https://lnkd.in/eS6yGqbi Pictured below: Plant Co-operative CIC is a multi-award-winning gardening initiative rooted in the heart of NOMA in Manchester. For professional investors only. Capital at risk. #realestate #realestatedebt #nature #biodiversity Katerina Papavasileiou Ellie Stonestreet

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🌿 Biodiversity Net Gain: what’s changing and what it means for you Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is reshaping the planning and development landscape - and further changes are on the horizon. Join TLT LLP for an in‑person panel discussion exploring how the BNG regime is evolving, what we’ve learned so far, and what upcoming changes could mean for town and country planning and infrastructure projects. Our expert speakers, Angus Walker, nick white, and Henry Rossiter, will share insights on: • The impact of BNG to date - successes, challenges and lessons learned • Proposed changes to the BNG regime • The extension of BNG requirements to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) • A landowner’s perspective on delivering BNG 📍 TLT LLP, 20 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7JE 📅 17 March 2026 | 16:00 - 18:30 If you’re a developer, consultant, landowner, ecologist or planner working with BNG, this session is designed for you. 👉 Register your interest here: https://lnkd.in/eAKaDY8r

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Join the collective effort of our industry to combat biodiversity loss and the negative impacts on the natural environment. As programme partners for the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s Framework Definition for a Nature Positive Built Environment project, we are supporting their goal of establishing a common understanding of nature positive, ensuring clarity, rigour, accountability and impact in the built environment and beyond. Daniel Petts, from our sustainability team, has been involved in the task group. ✅ Please read and give feedback on the newly published Framework. The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) is seeking responses from stakeholders across the sector. 🖥️ Access the Framework here: https://lnkd.in/eVngeP3N Tetra Tech High Performance Buildings Group Cosentini Associates | Glumac | NDY | Hoare Lea

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CBRE Investment Management’s Ann Xu offers an institutional perspective on how disciplined investment and management practices can help the sector to continue to raise standards. https://lnkd.in/eetHKGwf #UKhousing #HousingFinance #SocialHousing

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This week we’re sharing a new podcast series where we speak to experts from across the housing and regeneration sector. 🏠🎙️ HomingIn is a 5-part series that explores key challenges, practical considerations and best practice in unlocking the delivery of more homes and regeneration across the sector. In episode 2, we’re joined by Kate Smith, Chief Executive of Connexus and Matthew Dodd, Housing Lead at Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority to discuss what’s needed to deliver more affordable homes and thriving communities in rural areas. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6eSRK-c #HomingIn #HousingAndRegeneration 

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Great to be part of Homes England's HomingIn podcast series, which brings together voices from across the housing and regen sector to explore how we unlock more homes and build stronger communities. In this episode, our CEO, Kate Smith, joins Matthew Dodd from Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority to talk about some of the realities of delivering affordable homes in rural areas, something Connexus is deeply committed to. There's some really thoughtful discussion on the challenges our communities face, as well as some of the practical steps needed to turn ambition into delivery. Well worth a listen! 🎶🔊

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Why Biodiversity Net Gain Matters for UK Development Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is no longer optional—it’s mandatory. All new developments in England must deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity. At Nature Capital Partners, we make this simple. Our high-integrity BNG units help developers meet legal requirements and investors achieve ESG goals—with measurable results. 🔍 Want to know how it works? Here’s a quick guide. 📈 Market potential: The UK BNG market is projected to reach £135m by 2030. 💡 Let’s build a greener, compliant future—together. 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eX5Jk-qQ #BNG #NatureRecovery #SustainableDevelopment #ESG #Biodiversity #UKPlanning

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Our Sales Director, Greg Lukasiewicz, has written a useful guide to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Units for developers. This is worth a read if you are interested.

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Our Housing Lead, Matthew Dodd, met with Homes England colleagues to discuss what's needed to deliver more affordable homes and thriving communities in rural areas 🏠 Listen to the full episode below 🎙️

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How can LPAs turn Biodiversity Net Gain into more than a compliance challenge? At UKREiiF 2025, we’re bringing together some of the country’s leading voices in planning, policy, and delivery to explore how BNG can unlock real value — from revenue and resilience to better outcomes for communities and nature. Join us on day 2 for a panel on: “Unlocking Biodiversity Net Gain: How LPAs Can Plan Smarter and Generate Revenue” Featuring: 🎙️ nick white – Principal Advisor, Net Gain, Natural England Driving policy and standards around biodiversity net gain across government, Nick brings a national perspective on how BNG can deliver environmental, social, and economic outcomes — especially in urban and infrastructure contexts. 🎙️ Krista Patrick – Natural Capital Coordinator, Greater Manchester Combined Authority With 25+ years of experience in environmental planning, Krista offers practical insight into how Greater Manchester is implementing BNG on the ground — including new tools, shared platforms, and lessons from early adoption. 🎙️ Belinda Gordon – Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Landscape Institute A strategic leader in environmental policy, Belinda brings a broader landscape view — sharing how BNG fits into the bigger picture of multifunctional land use and nature-positive planning. 🎙️ Steve Quartermain CBE – Former Chief Planner for England Bringing deep planning system experience, Steve will chair the session and reflect on how LPAs can lead confidently — using BNG to shape long-term value, not just tick boxes. Don’t miss this conversation if you work in or with local government — especially in planning, policy, or environment teams looking to make BNG work locally. But that's not all. Attendees can also receive an advance copy of our new whitepaper with insights from the session (and beyond) on how LPAs can unlock revenue through BNG. If you can't make it, sign up here to get it: https://lnkd.in/eSjN3c34 #UKREiiF #BiodiversityNetGain #Planning #LocalGovernment #NaturePositive #BNG #Infrastructure #EnvironmentalPolicy #LPA

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