Group of eight NGOs and business groups warn current rules are allowing large numbers of developers to avoid paying into Biodiversity Net Gain schemes

The government is facing fresh calls to reform the rules governing the recently launched Biodiversity Net Gain scheme, amidst warnings that wide-ranging loopholes are allowing many developers to avoid rules requiring them to fund nature protection schemes.

Launched earlier this year, the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) scheme requires housing and infrastructure developers to deliver net improvements for nature of at least 10 per cent, either through on-site nature-friendly measures, the funding of off-site nature projects, or the purchase of official biodiversity credits.