Course: Biodiversity Net Gain for Assessors

This comprehensive, intermediate 3-day course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills for conducting a baseline Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment and discuss how to tackle the post-development element.

This course will include:

• Classroom-based sessions introducing the BNG basics, the Statutory Metric and Condition Assessments.
• Practical experience out in the field of mapping habitats in accordance with UKHab protocols and completion of area/hedgerow condition assessments as a group. 
• An awareness of the geomorphology principles that inform watercourse condition assessments (note: how to undertake river condition assessments is not taught on this course).
• Practical experience filling in the Statutory Metric tabs for the example case study site with the support of tutor. 
• A discussion-based workshop on how to achieve 10% net gain using example landscape plans.

This course will involve a combination of field work and class-room sessions allowing participants to engage with a real-life case study while gaining hands-on experience in completing the Statutory Metric. This course covers the Statutory Metric used for major developments and although many aspects overlap it will not cover the Small Sites Statutory Metric.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Conduct a baseline condition assessment of selected habitats.
• Complete a baseline Statutory Metric and post-development tabs based on case study scenario.
• Discuss and devise strategies for achieving meaningful biodiversity enhancements in example development plans.

For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options. 

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off.

Please refer to the Field Studies Council website for further information and to book.