What is the BNGAI Biodiversity Assessment?
The BNGAI Biodiversity Assessment is an on-demand baseline biodiversity report available to order directly through LandInsight, in partnership with AiDASH.
It helps developers understand the biodiversity baseline of a site early in the process, before committing to more detailed surveys. Using high-resolution commercial-grade satellite imagery and AI, BNGAI delivers accurate, Defra-compliant preliminary habitat assessments in days rather than weeks. This means you can spot biodiversity risks, test uplift scenarios, and budget for credits before they become costly surprises.
Please note: BNGAI is a pay-per-site add-on. Pricing depends on the size of the site.
Why does it matter?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a mandatory requirement for most new developments in England. Developers must demonstrate that a project will leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development began.
Identifying biodiversity constraints late in the process can cause delays, erode margins, and put planning permissions at risk. Ordering a BNGAI assessment early gives you the information you need to plan with confidence, protect your timeline, and safeguard your gross development value.
What you get
When you order a BNGAI assessment, you receive:
A preliminary biodiversity baseline report (PDF) delivered within 3 to 5 days
Interactive uplift scenario planning so you can test different approaches and understand potential credit needs before committing to a scheme
What the report includes
The report covers the following:
Habitat summary An overview of the site's habitats, including baseline biodiversity unit estimates broken down by hedgerow summary and watercourse summary.
Irreplaceable habitats Details of any irreplaceable habitats identified on or near the site, such as ancient woodlands, which carry significant weight in planning decisions.
Designated sites for nature conservation Flags any designated sites within scope, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Habitat map with biodiversity unit estimates A detailed breakdown of habitats across three categories:
Area habitats (for example, modified grasslands)
Hedgerow habitats (for example, non-native hedgerows)
Watercourse habitats (for example, rivers and streams)
How to order
Open your site in the Assessor panel
Select the Environmental tab, or open the site quick actions menu
Locate the BNGAI Biodiversity card or the Reports menu option
Click Buy now
Your report will be delivered within 3 to 5 days.