Biodiversity and the Countryside - what the Lords debate means for local councils
- Laura
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
Debate: House of Lords, 13 November 2025, “That this House takes note of the impact of the Government’s policies on biodiversity and the countryside.” For further reading, view the record on Hansard, or watch on BBC iPlayer.
Background brief: House of Lords Library explainer published 10 November 2025.
Why the Biodiversity Lords debate matters to parish, town and community councils
Peers focused on the land side of nature recovery and how national policies will land locally - especially Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in planning, Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS), woodland and habitat creation targets, and the evolving funding landscape. For councils that manage parks, verges, churchyards, small woodlands and ponds, the debate signals areas to prioritise in plans and budgets.
Key points from the debate
1) Biodiversity Net Gain is here to stay, but improvements are being considered
Peers from across the House discussed making BNG work better, particularly for small sites. Concerns were raised about proposals that might dilute benefits on minor development and about clarity on how BNG will interact with environmental delivery plans and any future Nature Restoration Fund. Government speakers said BNG is working as intended overall and confirmed a consultation has taken place on improving BNG for minor, medium and brownfield development, with officials currently reviewing feedback.
Council takeaway: keep using BNG proactively. Identify places on council land where on-site gains are realistic, and talk early with your principal planning authority about potential off-site receptor opportunities that fit your LNRS priorities.
2) Local Nature Recovery Strategies are rolling out across England
Ministers reported in the biodiversity Lords debate that the first LNRS was published in 2024, with 16 more now out and the remaining 31 expected soon, covering all of England. LNRS will guide where habitat restoration and woodland creation are most valuable and are intended to influence planning and investment decisions.
Council takeaway: feed your parish and town priorities into LNRS partnerships so cemeteries, verges, ponds and small woodlands are included in mapped opportunities.
3) Woodland creation and habitat recovery remain headline goals
Speakers referenced the need to accelerate tree planting and habitat recovery if the UK is to meet 2030 and 2042 targets. Government replies cited increased planting rates, plans for three new national forests, and action to restore habitats including peatlands. Peers stressed that nature recovery must sit alongside housing, infrastructure and food production in an effective land-use framework.
Council takeaway: map realistic tree, hedgerow and habitat opportunities on your estate and in partnership with landowners. Align them with BNG, LNRS and local flood, heat and shade needs.
4) Investment signals and capacity
Ministers pointed to a recent spending review in the biodiversity Lords debate that directed over £7 billion to nature recovery, including £5.9 billion for environmental farming schemes, £816 million for tree planting and £86 million for peatland restoration. Peers also highlighted the need for stronger local delivery capacity and stable incentives for land managers.
Council takeaway: watch for where funds flow in your area and position council projects that are simple to deliver, measurable and community-backed.
What to do next - a quick checklist for councils
Review council land for near-term BNG opportunities and small habitat projects you can cost in the next budget cycle.
Engage with your LNRS lead to ensure parish and town priorities are reflected in the mapped network.
Prepare deliverable projects for trees, hedgerows, ponds and verges that can complement farmer and landowner schemes.
Track consultations on BNG improvements and the land-use framework so you can adjust plans early.
How Green Council Biodiversity Solutions can help
We support councils with feasibility assessments, Biodiversity Action Plan support, and proportionate designs for habitats such as small woodlands, hedgerows, verges and ponds. We can help set up simple monitoring and align projects with national policy and local priorities. We do not guarantee outcomes we cannot control, but we work with you to build practical, fundable plans.
Talk to us to scope a light-touch plan that fits your budget and capacity this quarter.
Further reading
Hansard: full debate record, “Biodiversity and the Countryside,” 13 Nov 2025.
House of Lords Library: briefing on the impact of government policies on biodiversity and the countryside.
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