The House of Lords Debate on Biodiversity Policy: What It Means for Local Councils

Laura
Nov 11
4 min read

Updated: Nov 21

poppies and wildflowers growing on grass verge next to a road with white mini car driving past

Source: House of Lords Library briefing 'Impact of Government Policies on Biodiversity and the Countryside', published 10 November 2025, ahead of the debate on 13 November 2025: “That this House takes note of the impact of the government’s policies on biodiversity and the countryside.”

Why this debate matters to parish, town and community councils

On 13 November 2025 the House of Lords is debating the impact of government policies on biodiversity and the countryside.

The supporting briefing sets out how national policy is steering land based nature recovery over the next decade through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and Environmental Land Management (ELM), alongside legal targets for species, habitats and woodland.

For councils that manage parks, verges, churchyards, cemeteries and small woodlands these levers will increasingly shape local planning, budgeting and delivery.

Key facts and targets to know

Nature decline: The State of Nature Partnership 2023 found the UK is among the most nature-depleted countries. In England, the abundance of 682 terrestrial and freshwater species fell by an average of 32 percent since 1970; 13 percent of 8,840 assessed species are threatened with extinction.
Legally binding targets (Environment Act 2021):
- Halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 and ensure abundance in 2042 is higher than 2022 and at least 10 percent higher than 2030.
- Create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside protected sites by 2042.
- Increase total tree and woodland cover to 16.5 percent by 2050.
Interim goals in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP 2023): by 31 January 2028, restore or create 140,000 hectares of habitat outside protected sites; bring Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) assessments up to date and have 50 percent of SSSIs on track toward favourable condition. Progress is mixed and still being baselined.

white flower and bee with blurred background

The delivery tools councils will feel most

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

BNG is now a condition of planning permission in England, requiring at least a 10 percent measurable gain in biodiversity value, delivered on-site, off-site on the national register, or via credits as a last resort.

BNG became mandatory for most major developments in February 2024 and for small sites in April 2024. The government reports a rapidly developing off-site market with over 2,500 hectares created or enhanced listed on the register, while also consulting on improvements for small and brownfield sites.

Official BNG guidance and exemptions are set out on GOV.UK.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) in England

LNRS put spatial planning for nature on a statutory footing, requiring each area to set biodiversity priorities and a mapped habitat plan that will guide where restoration and creation happen. These strategies will influence planning decisions and investment.

Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes

ELM pays land managers for public goods such as habitat creation, woodland expansion and nature-friendly farming, replacing the old CAP model. Councils can benefit indirectly by partnering with local landowners or aligning community projects with ELM options.

A note on 30 by 30 and devolution

The UK has committed to the global framework that includes conserving 30 percent of land and sea by 2030. The UK government plans a 30by30 action plan for land in England, with delivery integrated through BNG and ELM and supported by LNRS.

Implementation is devolved, and the UK’s national biodiversity strategy with the devolved governments was published in February 2025. Councils in Wales should continue to align local action with national policy and their Section 6 duties, while tracking England’s LNRS and BNG for cross-border understanding.

new trees planted in grass open space, trees growing with support stake and tape

What this means for councils right now

Plan for land and woodland improvements: The woodland cover target and habitat creation goals point to more tree planting, hedgerow enhancement and habitat mosaics on council-managed land and through planning gain.
Use BNG proactively: Even if you are not the planning authority, parish and town councils can identify suitable on-site opportunities on their own estates and potential off-site receptor land locally, then engage early with principal authorities and developers.
Engage with LNRS: Feed parish and town priorities into your area’s LNRS so local cemeteries, verges, ponds and small woodlands are recognised as part of the wider network.
Work with land managers: ELM creates incentives for farmers and landowners. Councils can encourage projects that stitch together woodland edges, hedgerows and verges around villages and towns.
Track evolving policy: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill proposes a Nature Restoration Fund and an associated levy. The Lords Library notes debate about how this interacts with BNG. Keep an eye on outcomes from consultations and the debate.