BNG Monitoring Survey Deliverables: What Files and Reports You Receive
When you commission a BNG biodiversity net gain monitoring survey, you receive a structured set of documents that span the full 30-year monitoring commitment. Understanding these deliverables upfront helps you plan your planning submission and ongoing compliance.
Pre-Planning Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description | Format | | --- | --- | --- | | Baseline habitat survey | Existing habitats mapped and classified using UK Hab standard | PDF report | | Biodiversity Metric calculation | Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 calculation showing pre-development biodiversity value | Excel (Metric tool) | | Draft HMMP | Initial Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan for planning submission | Word / PDF | | Protected species survey | Preliminary ecological appraisal and protected species assessment | PDF report | | Biodiversity Gain Plan | Summary of BNG strategy for planning | PDF |
Post-Approval Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description | Format | | --- | --- | --- | | Final HMMP | Approved 30-year Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan | Word / PDF | | Monitoring Report Template (MRT) | Natural England's standard reporting template | Word + Excel |
The Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP)
The HMMP is the core document for the 30-year BNG commitment. Natural England provides free templates:
| Template | Purpose | | --- | --- | | Main HMMP Template | Full 30-year management and monitoring plan for all project sizes | | HMMP Companion Document | Habitat condition tables for each broad habitat type in the Statutory Biodiversity Metric | | HMMP Template Checklist | Summary of all headings to ensure completeness | | Small Sites HMMP Template | Simplified version for small sites meeting the small sites criteria |
The HMMP works with the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and is compatible with the biodiversity gain site register requirements.
Natural England Monitoring Report Template (MRT)
The MRT has two parts:
| Part | Description | Format | | --- | --- | --- | | Word document | Details evidencing monitoring progress at each visit — habitat type, extent, condition scores, photographic evidence | Word | | Excel template | Quantitative data in concise format — habitat areas, condition scores, metric calculations | Excel |
The Excel data can be condensed for the relevant authority's biodiversity duty reporting requirements.
Monitoring Reports (Years 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30)
Each monitoring report summarises:
| Report Component | Description | | --- | --- | | Habitat condition data | Assessment against HMMP condition targets | | Compliance statement | Whether BNG targets are being met | | Management recommendations | Adjustments to management prescriptions if targets not met | | Photographic evidence | Site photographs at each monitoring visit | | Metric update | Updated Statutory Biodiversity Metric calculation |
2025 BNG Monitoring Survey Costs
| Cost Component | Range (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Baseline habitat survey | £800–£3,000+ | | Biodiversity Metric calculation | £500–£2,000 | | HMMP drafting | £500–£2,500 | | MRT completion per monitoring visit | £300–£800 | | LPA monitoring fees | Varies by council — confirm with your LPA |
LPA monitoring fees are updated periodically — confirm current fees with your local planning authority.
30-Year Monitoring Schedule
| Milestone | Deliverable | | --- | --- | | Planning submission | Baseline survey + Biodiversity Metric + draft HMMP | | Pre-development | Final HMMP + Biodiversity Gain Plan | | Year 2 | Monitoring report (MRT Word + Excel) | | Year 5 | Monitoring report + metric update | | Year 10 | Monitoring report + condition assessment | | Year 15 | Monitoring report + management review | | Year 20 | Monitoring report + metric update | | Year 25 | Monitoring report + condition assessment | | Year 30 | Final monitoring report + compliance statement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who provides the HMMP template?
Natural England provides free HMMP templates on the GOV.UK website. A qualified ecologist will complete the template based on your development's specific habitats.
Q: Can I use my own reporting format instead of the MRT?
Using Natural England's MRT is the standard approach. It ensures consistency with the biodiversity gain site register and your LPA's requirements.
Q: What happens if a habitat fails to reach target condition?
The HMMP must include a restoration plan. If habitat fails condition targets, additional management measures must be implemented and monitoring continues until targets are met.
Q: How is the Excel MRT data used?
The quantitative data is submitted to the LPA and feeds into the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. It can also be condensed for the relevant authority's biodiversity duty reporting.
Q: What if the developer sells the site during the 30-year period?
BNG commitments run with the land. The legal securing mechanism (Section 106, conservation covenant) ensures the monitoring obligation transfers to the new owner.
Q: Who keeps the monitoring reports?
Both the developer (and subsequent landowner) and the LPA maintain copies. Reports must be available for inspection throughout the 30-year period.