When Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory in England, there was a great deal of discussion about what it would mean for the ecology profession. Fast forward to 2026, and we're beginning to see the market settle into a new normal.

BNG is no longer an emerging concept. It's now embedded into the planning process, and as a result, it's creating a wide range of career opportunities across the environmental sector.

Whether you're an experienced ecologist looking for your next move or someone considering how to future-proof your career, BNG continues to be one of the most exciting growth areas in ecology.

Ecology Consultancies Continue to Lead Recruitment

Environmental consultancies remain at the forefront of BNG recruitment.

Many are expanding their ecology teams to meet increasing client demand, particularly from developers who require ecological assessments, biodiversity calculations and long-term habitat management advice.

While technical survey skills remain essential, employers are increasingly looking for ecologists who can confidently advise clients throughout the planning process.

Experience of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, habitat assessments, report writing and working with multidisciplinary teams is becoming highly desirable.

Opportunities Beyond Consultancy

One of the biggest changes over the past couple of years is the breadth of organisations now recruiting BNG professionals.

Local authorities continue to strengthen their planning and ecology teams to ensure developments meet BNG requirements.

Developers are investing in in-house environmental expertise to guide projects from land acquisition through to planning consent and delivery.

Conservation organisations and habitat providers are also expanding, creating opportunities for ecologists interested in habitat creation, restoration and long-term land management.

For those looking for a change of direction, BNG has opened doors well beyond traditional consultancy roles.

The Skills Employers Value Most

When speaking with hiring managers, one thing is clear: technical knowledge alone isn't enough.

Employers are looking for professionals who can combine ecological expertise with practical problem-solving and commercial awareness.

Some of the most sought-after skills include:

Habitat surveying and condition assessments
Experience using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
Understanding planning policy and environmental legislation
Project management
Report writing and technical communication
Stakeholder engagement
Client relationship management
As projects become more complex, the ability to communicate confidently with planners, developers and multidisciplinary teams is becoming increasingly valuable.

New Career Paths Are Emerging

BNG isn't simply creating more ecology jobs; it's creating different ones.

Alongside traditional Ecologist and Senior Ecologist roles, we're seeing increased demand for:

Biodiversity Net Gain Specialists
Natural Capital Consultants
Environmental Planning Consultants
Habitat Creation Managers
Nature Recovery Advisors
Environmental Project Managers
Ecological Clerks of Works (ECoW)
Technical Directors specialising in BNG strategy
Many of these roles blend ecology with planning, policy and commercial delivery, offering exciting progression opportunities for experienced professionals.

What Does This Mean for Early Career Ecologists?

For graduates and early career ecologists, BNG presents an opportunity to build specialist knowledge that will remain valuable for years to come.

Gaining experience with habitat classification, biodiversity metrics, GIS, report writing and planning processes can help establish a strong foundation for future career progression.

Working alongside experienced colleagues on BNG projects also provides valuable exposure to multidisciplinary teams and client-facing work.

Looking Beyond Technical Skills

One of the biggest misconceptions is that BNG is solely about biodiversity metrics.

In reality, successful projects rely on collaboration.

The ecologists who are progressing most quickly are often those who can explain technical information clearly, manage stakeholder expectations and build trusted relationships with clients.

These softer skills are becoming just as important as ecological expertise and will continue to shape career progression across the sector.

Looking Ahead

BNG has fundamentally changed the way ecology is integrated into development, and its influence on recruitment is likely to continue for many years.

As the market matures, demand will increasingly focus on professionals who can combine strong ecological knowledge with practical delivery, strategic thinking and effective communication.

For employers, the challenge will be attracting and retaining people with this blend of skills.

For ecologists, the message is encouraging. Whether you're working in consultancy, planning, conservation or environmental management, developing experience in Biodiversity Net Gain is likely to open doors to a broader range of opportunities and help future-proof your career in an evolving profession.

The legislation may have introduced a new way of working, but the long-term impact is something far more significant. It's creating a generation of ecology professionals with broader skills, wider career options and an increasingly important role in shaping the future of sustainable development.

JM Pic

Written by:
Jeremy Money
Director, JSM Associates

I have worked within the Environmental and Sustainability sector for 20 years, making me one of the most established and well connected networkers in the market.

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