Biodiversity Metric 4.0 is a biodiversity accounting tool that can be used for the purposes of calculating biodiversity net gain. This page includes published information about Biodiversity Metric 4.0, an update to the previously published biodiversity metric 3.1 (April 2022).
Biodiversity Metric 4.0 can be used or specified by any development project, consenting body or landowner that needs to calculate biodiversity losses and gains for terrestrial and/or intertidal habitats.
Work is underway to develop an approach to marine net gain for English waters. We may update the metric to allow for a better integration of intertidal and sub-tidal habitats as marine net gain evolves.
Users requiring the Small Sites Metric can find it Here
BIODIVERSITY METRIC 4.0 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Biodiversity Metric 4.0 includes the following, which can be downloaded from the bottom of this page:
- Calculation tool (macro enabled and macro free versions)
- User guide
- Technical Annex 1 (Condition Assessment Sheets and Methodology)
- Technical Annex 2 (Technical Information)
ADDITIONAL TOOLS
The following additional tools and resources are also available:
- QGIS template and GIS import tools and guidance
- A summary of changes from metric 3.1
- Case studies to inform use of the Biodiversity Metric (updated periodically)
CASE STUDIES
This site will be updated periodically with case studies to inform the use of the Biodiversity Metric.
FEEDBACK AND TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Natural England continues to welcome technical suggestions and feedback on Biodiversity Metric 4.0 via our mailbox biodiversitymetric@naturalengland.org.uk
Please note that whilst it may not be possible to respond to all enquiries individually, all suggestions and feedback will be logged and considered.
PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THE METRIC
Users of previous versions of the Biodiversity Metric should continue to use that metric (unless requested to do otherwise by their client or consenting body) for the duration of the project it is being used for. This is because users may find that certain biodiversity unit values generated in biodiversity metric 4.0 will differ from those generated by earlier versions.
Visit the Archive Site for previously published versions of the Biodiversity Metric
PAGE UPDATES
28/03/2023 – Rounding tolerances of 0.01 ha have been added within the area crosscheck flag
20/04/2023 – A bug which impacted the trading rule summary for hedgerows has been fixed.
04/07/2023 – Case studies added and condition assessment sheet cells unlocked