73% of developers are gaining confidence in BNG: here's the data.

Our BNG Experience Survey 2026 asked 107 Biodiversity Units UK customers - from SME housebuilders to national developers, planning consultants, architects and ecologists - what the process is actually like. This represents nearly 10% of all organisations that have purchased BNG units nationally.

The answer they gave: it’s working, and it's getting easier.

Any confusion is early, not permanent. 73% said they're gaining confidence in BNG. 27% found it straightforward from the start; another 46% found it confusing at first but manageable once understood. A standard learning curve with a new process.

It's clarifying planning, not complicating it. 65% said BNG made environmental considerations clearer and more objective. 64% said the environmental element of planning is now either easier to handle or at least more predictable.

It's expected to keep improving. 70% think BNG will make planning better overall as familiarity grows.

The nature recovery case is now connecting. 58% have a positive view of BNG's restoration outcomes; 34% are proud of what they've contributed. Only 15% see it mainly as a burden.

The gap: only 17% of developers currently use BNG in their marketing, and 30% have no plans to. Most are proud of what they're delivering yet few are saying so publicly. That's a great opportunity for savvy developers as the world only becomes more aware of the issues around biodiversity, nature and climate.  

Ian Hambleton, our founder said: "BNG is broadly achieving what it was designed to do. There's still a gap between compliance perceptions and the opportunity to promote positive action - we're confident that's the direction the industry is heading."

More from this survey soon, including how experience varies by organisation type. 

Want the full report? Download for free here.