Planning a development in Berkshire? Understanding the habitats on your site and how proposals may affect them is an important part of the biodiversity net gain process. ProHort supports developers, landowners and project teams with Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Berkshire, statutory biodiversity metric calculations and Biodiversity Gain Plans.
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The Berkshire LNRS provides a county-wide framework for identifying where nature recovery action could have the greatest benefit. It includes a Local Habitat Map showing existing biodiversity areas and opportunities for habitat creation, restoration and improved connectivity.
The strategy can help inform the wider context of a BNG proposal, particularly where a development could contribute to priorities such as:
Improving rivers, streams and water quality.
Restoring wetlands and floodplain habitats.
Connecting woodland, parkland and traditional orchards.
Improving the condition and extent of heathland and grassland.
Strengthening hedgerow and habitat networks.
Supporting priority species and the habitats they depend on.
The strategy is relevant to planning and development across Berkshire, but it does not replace the statutory biodiversity metric or determine the baseline value of an individual site. Its mapped opportunities should be considered alongside site-specific ecological information, the development design and the applicable BNG rules.
For developers, considering the LNRS during early site planning can help identify opportunities for habitat enhancement that complement wider nature recovery priorities, where those opportunities are suitable and achievable.
We operate across Berkshire, supporting schemes in Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Maidenhead and nearby communities.
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A Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment establishes the biodiversity value of a site before development and considers how the proposed works could change its habitats. It uses habitat survey information and the applicable statutory biodiversity metric to calculate the site’s pre-development biodiversity value and assess the potential for biodiversity gains.
A BNG assessment in Berkshire can help identify ecological constraints and opportunities while a scheme is being designed. This is particularly relevant where development proposals involve river corridors, floodplain land, woodland, heathland, grassland or established hedgerow networks.Â
Depending on the site and the information available, a biodiversity net gain assessment may involve:
Reviewing existing ecological information, site plans and relevant survey reports.
Identifying and mapping habitats within the development boundary.
Assessing habitat condition using the relevant metric criteria.
Recording the biodiversity value of onsite habitats.
Calculating the pre-development biodiversity value using the applicable statutory biodiversity metric.
Considering how the proposed layout may affect existing habitats.
Identifying opportunities to retain, enhance or create habitats as part of the development design.Â
The findings can be presented in a biodiversity net gain report for Berkshire, helping the project team understand the site’s baseline biodiversity value and the implications for the proposed development.Â
Berkshire has a varied landscape, with the River Thames and its tributaries, the Kennet Valley, the Loddon and Blackwater river corridors, historic parkland, woodland, heathland and agricultural land. These different settings can support a wide range of habitats that need to be considered during a site-specific assessment.
For example, a development near the Thames or Kennet may include floodplain grassland, wetland, reedbeds or water-associated habitats. Sites around the Loddon and Blackwater valleys may be close to gravel pit lakes and other standing water habitats, while development in south-east Berkshire may be closer to heathland and acid grassland.
Urban and previously developed sites should not automatically be assumed to have little biodiversity value. Former mineral workings, disused land, railway edges and established green spaces can support habitats that need to be identified and assessed.
A site-specific biodiversity metric assessment in Berkshire should therefore reflect the habitats actually present, their condition, the development proposals and the relevant metric rules. The wider landscape can provide useful context, but it cannot replace an assessment of the site itself.
The statutory BNG framework generally requires development to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain where the biodiversity gain condition applies. Statutory exemptions and transitional provisions mean that the requirement does not apply to every development, so the position should be checked against the application and permission details.
Berkshire is covered by six unitary local planning authorities: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham. Each authority is responsible for planning decisions within its area and applicants should check the relevant local validation requirements and planning guidance.
National minimum information requirements apply to relevant planning applications, and authorities may request proportionate additional information where it is material to the proposal. Considering BNG early can help identify habitat constraints, potential onsite enhancements and whether offsite provision may need to be explored.
Early planning biodiversity net gain support in Berkshire can help project teams consider these matters before the design is finalised and before the later Gain Plan submission stage.
A Biodiversity Gain Plan is a separate stage from the initial BNG Assessment. The assessment establishes the site’s existing biodiversity value and provides the baseline metric information. The Gain Plan explains how the development will meet the applicable biodiversity gain objective.
Where the statutory biodiversity gain condition applies, the Biodiversity Gain Plan must be submitted to and approved by the relevant planning authority before development begins. It sets out how the required gain will be achieved, including the role of onsite habitats, registered offsite biodiversity gains or statutory biodiversity credits where applicable.
ProHort can support the preparation of a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Berkshire, helping project teams bring together the relevant metric calculations, habitat proposals and supporting information for submission.Â
The information required will depend on the development and the approach being used to achieve biodiversity net gain. A Gain Plan will generally need to explain:
The pre-development biodiversity value of onsite habitats.
The post-development biodiversity value of onsite habitats, where applicable.
How the biodiversity gain hierarchy has been applied.
Any registered offsite biodiversity gains being relied upon.
Any statutory biodiversity credits being used, where applicable.
How the development will meet the biodiversity gain objective.
Supporting metric calculations, habitat plans and relevant evidence.Â
Where significant onsite habitat enhancements or offsite gains are involved, the arrangements for securing, managing and monitoring those habitats are also important. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a planning condition, Section 106 agreement or conservation covenant, together with a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan.
A biodiversity gain plan consultant in Berkshire should consider how the proposed habitat works, metric calculations and long-term management arrangements fit together. The information submitted needs to be consistent with the approved development proposals and the applicable statutory requirements.
The Gain Plan is normally prepared and submitted after planning permission has been granted. It is not the same as the biodiversity information that may be required with the initial planning application.
Where the statutory biodiversity gain condition applies, the developer must submit the plan to the relevant planning authority for approval before starting development. In most cases, this will be the local planning authority that granted the planning permission.
Berkshire’s six unitary authorities each have responsibility for their own planning functions. The planning authority’s decision notice and relevant guidance should be checked to confirm the requirements for the specific development, including any additional conditions or legal agreements relating to significant habitat enhancements.
A Biodiversity Gain Plan submission in Berkshire should be supported by the required metric calculation and plans showing the relevant onsite habitats. Where offsite units are used, the plan must include the necessary details to demonstrate that the gains have been registered and allocated to the development. Any statutory credits relied upon must also be supported by the required evidence.
ProHort can help prepare the biodiversity information and supporting documentation needed for a development biodiversity gain plan in Berkshire, with the aim of presenting a clear and consistent approach for the planning authority to review.
Berkshire’s ecological character is strongly influenced by its river systems, historic landscapes, woodlands, wetlands and heathland. These features are important context when considering how development can avoid unnecessary habitat loss and identify suitable opportunities for nature recovery.
The Berkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was published on 7 October 2025. It was developed under the leadership of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, with support from Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Wokingham and Natural England.
The strategy includes a description of Berkshire, a statement of biodiversity priorities, a species priorities list and a Local Habitat Map. The map identifies existing areas of biodiversity importance and locations where habitat recovery could be beneficial.
The River Thames is a defining feature of Berkshire’s landscape, with the Kennet, Loddon and Blackwater among the important river systems and tributaries across the county.
These corridors can support a mixture of habitats, including rivers and streams, wet grassland, floodplain grazing marsh, reedbeds, wet woodland and other water-associated vegetation. Former gravel extraction sites have also created lakes and wetland areas in parts of the Kennet, Loddon and Blackwater valleys.
For development near these waterways, the existing habitat baseline may include more than the watercourse itself. Bankside vegetation, ditches, floodplain areas, wetland margins and connecting hedgerows may all need to be considered as part of the assessment.
The Berkshire LNRS identifies rivers and streams as a particularly important habitat priority. It also highlights opportunities to improve water quality, habitat condition and connectivity through catchment-scale action.
Berkshire contains areas of floodplain meadow, grazing marsh, fen, reedbed and standing water. Some wetland habitats are associated with river valleys, while others have developed around former mineral workings and flooded gravel pits.
Examples of locally recognised wetland areas include Thatcham Reedbeds, Dinton Pastures, Lavell’s Lake and the Theale gravel pit areas. These locations illustrate the range of wetland and standing water habitats found across the county.
Where development is proposed near floodplains, lakes or wetland areas, the assessment should identify the habitats present and consider their condition and relationship with the wider site. Opportunities for wetland creation or enhancement may be relevant where the hydrology, land conditions and long-term management arrangements make them suitable.
Berkshire includes important areas of woodland and historic parkland, including Windsor Forest and Great Park. Mature trees, ancient woodland, wood pasture and traditional orchards can contribute to local habitat networks and support a variety of species.
The Berkshire LNRS identifies woodland and traditional orchards among its habitat priorities. It also recognises the value of managing historic parklands and ancient woodland as part of wider nature recovery.
For development proposals near these features, it is important to understand the location and condition of existing habitats and consider how the scheme may affect them. Retaining established trees, woodland edges and connected habitat features may be an important part of the development’s biodiversity strategy.
Heathland is a distinctive habitat in parts of Berkshire, particularly towards the south-east of the county and around the Thames Basin Heaths. These landscapes can include dry and wet heath, acid grassland, scrub and areas of woodland.
The Berkshire LNRS identifies heathland and grassland among its habitat priorities. Remaining heathland areas can support specialist wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, reptiles and invertebrates.
Where development is proposed near heathland, the site’s habitat type, condition and ecological context need to be considered carefully. Designated site considerations, including any relevant Special Protection Area requirements, are separate from the statutory biodiversity metric and may involve additional ecological assessment or planning considerations.
Western Berkshire includes landscapes associated with the Berkshire Downs and North Wessex Downs, where chalk geology influences the character of some watercourses and surrounding habitats.
Chalk streams, grassland, hedgerows and woodland can form part of the local ecological network. The Berkshire LNRS highlights the importance of improving the management and condition of chalk streams, including water quality and habitat connectivity.
For sites in this part of the county, the assessment should be based on the habitats actually present. The presence of chalk geology or proximity to a chalk stream does not, by itself, determine the biodiversity value of a development site.
Biodiversity net gain involves more than calculating a percentage increase. The assessment and delivery strategy need to be based on reliable habitat information, appropriate use of the statutory metric and a realistic understanding of how proposed habitats will be created, enhanced and maintained.
ProHort provides ecological consultancy support for projects requiring biodiversity information as part of the planning process. We can help project teams understand the distinction between an initial BNG Assessment and the later Gain Plan stage, and identify the information needed to progress their requirements.
When preparing for a project, it is useful to have the following information available:
The site address and red-line boundary plan.
Existing and proposed site layouts, where available.
Previous ecological surveys or habitat reports.
Relevant planning application or decision documents.
Any existing biodiversity metric calculations or habitat proposals.
Details of any proposed offsite biodiversity provision.
Providing this information at the outset can help establish what work may be required and whether further ecological information is needed.Â
Whether you need an initial Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Berkshire or support preparing a Biodiversity Gain Plan, ProHort can discuss your development and the ecological information required.
Contact our team to talk through your site and the next steps.Â
The Berkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides a county-wide picture of existing biodiversity areas and opportunities for nature recovery. It can help inform the wider context of a BNG strategy, particularly when considering habitat connectivity and suitable locations for enhancement. It does not replace the statutory biodiversity metric or determine the biodiversity value of an individual development site.Â
Depending on the site, habitats may include rivers and streams, floodplain grassland, grazing marsh, reedbeds, wet woodland, ditches and wetland margins. Former gravel workings may also have created standing water and wetland habitats. A site-specific assessment is needed to establish which habitats are actually present and their condition.
Potentially. Parts of south-east Berkshire are within or near the Thames Basin Heaths area, which includes protected heathland sites and designated areas for important bird populations. Depending on the site’s location and the nature of the proposal, additional planning or ecological considerations may apply. These are separate from the statutory BNG calculation and should be considered alongside it. Â
Berkshire has six unitary local planning authorities: Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council, Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham Borough Council. The relevant authority depends on the location of the development and will usually be responsible for determining the Biodiversity Gain Plan where it granted the planning permission.
They can support habitats that may be relevant to a BNG assessment. Former gravel workings can develop into lakes, wetlands and other habitats, while previously developed land may support grassland, scrub or other ecological features. Their biodiversity value must be assessed on the basis of the habitats present and their condition, rather than assumed from the site’s previous use.
Yes, where the statutory rules allow and the biodiversity gain hierarchy has been followed. Offsite biodiversity units must come from an appropriately registered biodiversity gain site and be allocated to the development. The location and type of the offsite gains need to be reflected in the metric and Gain Plan, including the applicable spatial risk considerations.
