Reptile populations are in decline globally, driven primarily by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. In England, where only six native reptile species exist, these challenges are particularly critical. Thoughtful habitat design could play a crucial role in reversing these declines, but only if these habitats are specifically designed and managed with reptiles' unique needs in mind.

Habitat Design and Reptiles

When reptiles are considered in habitat design, efforts to create and enhance habitats for biodiversity can simultaneously support reptile conservation. This integrated approach ensures that biodiversity net gain initiatives contribute meaningfully to the preservation of these vulnerable species.

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a government-led mechanism aimed at ensuring that biodiversity is left in a measurably better state following development. Currently operating in England, with similar initiatives being explored in Scotland and Wales, BNG supplements conventional habitat and species protections.

The process involves assessing the biodiversity value of a development site using a "biodiversity metric." Developers must then demonstrate that their plans will result in at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value. This improvement can be achieved by creating or enhancing habitats within or beyond the development boundary. The Government has provided extensive guidance on how BNG operates, offering a structured framework for implementation.

Addressing Gaps in the BNG Process

While the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain represents a positive step toward mitigating development’s environmental impacts, its implementation faces significant challenges. One critical limitation is the absence of explicit consideration for individual species. The current process focuses on the biodiversity value of habitats but does not directly account for species-specific needs or monitor conservation outcomes for particular species.

This oversight has raised concerns among conservationists and researchers. Species conservation is undoubtedly impacted by BNG’s delivery, and the lack of explicit species focus risks undermining its effectiveness. Similar critiques have been echoed by partner organizations working on other species groups and supported by research.

Integrating Reptile Needs into BNG

To address these species-related gaps, ARC has collaborated with a group of ecological consultants specializing in reptiles. Together, they have developed a proposed system for integrating reptile needs into Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. This initiative was presented and discussed at a workshop hosted by ARC during the Herpetofauna Workers’ Meeting in February 2024.

The proposed method has since been refined, providing a practical approach to incorporate reptiles into BNG planning. A full explanation of the methodology is available on the ARC website: Considering Reptiles in BNG.

Advocating for Improved Species Consideration

ARC continues to urge Natural England and Defra to enhance the BNG framework by explicitly considering species conservation needs. In the interim, ARC supports third-party initiatives, such as the reptile-focused methodology, which aim to address these gaps. Such efforts are vital to bridging the divide while official processes are reviewed and improved.

ARC is delighted to promote the trialling of this reptile-focused methodology. * By addressing these limitations, we can ensure that Biodiversity Net Gain truly benefits all facets of biodiversity, including the often-overlooked reptile species that are essential to our ecosystems. Tony Gent, ARC CEO

For queries about the method and its application, please contact the ecological consultants involved. For more information visit www.arc-trust.org/considering-reptiles-bng

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Note : *ARC do not take responsibility for outcomes resulting from its use.