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ACES members gathered at the historic Guildhall in Bath for the 2025 National Conference, exploring how local authorities can unlock the full potential of public land while navigating the challenges of biodiversity net gain and local government reform. Expert speakers and panel discussions highlighted innovation, collaboration, and the crucial role of property professionals in shaping a more sustainable, resilient public estate.

Tom Procter and Yvette Black of JLL explore the potential of Open Mosaic Habitats (OMHs) in meeting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. They highlight how transforming brownfield sites into habitat banks can not only achieve ecological targets but also generate revenue, offering a unique opportunity for local authorities and developers.

Jess Bradley explores the expanding natural capital markets in the UK, highlighting opportunities for landowners and businesses in biodiversity, carbon, and other ecosystem services. She emphasizes the crucial role of public sector policy and funding stability in attracting private investment to achieve nature recovery goals.

Mark Topping of Lanpro Services explores the successes and challenges of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, which became mandatory for major developments in February 2024. He discusses its impact on the development sector, the use of the Defra biodiversity metric, and how BNG can align with new Green Belt release policies to foster greener, healthier developments.

This blog post explores how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and biophilic design can be applied to healthcare facilities, using a case study from a Welsh project. It highlights the benefits for patient recovery, staff wellbeing, and the environment, demonstrating that even small-scale initiatives can have a significant positive impact.