Draw a boundary and get an initial biodiversity feasibility estimate using available UK environmental data.
No account required. Core screening is free.
Initial screening only. Results depend on your inputs, assumptions, and available data. BioGain does not replace an ecological survey or formal advice from a suitably qualified professional.
Four steps to an initial screen. Professional verification may still be required.
Search by postcode or navigate the satellite map. Zoom in to see your site clearly.
Click points around your site boundary using the polygon tool. Double-click to finish.
BioGain queries available sources for priority habitats, ancient woodland, SSSIs, flood risk, species, soil and LIDAR.
View results on the map, download screening outputs or share a link. The indicative baseline is not a completed statutory metric.
Review available mapped data from environmental bodies and open-data services.
Natural England's Priority Habitat Inventory. Deciduous woodland, lowland meadow, coastal saltmarsh, and more.
Woodland present since at least 1600 AD. Irreplaceable habitat — ASNW and PAWS locations identified.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Statutory protection — development requires Natural England consultation.
Environment Agency flood zones. Affects habitat creation potential and development viability.
NBN Atlas species observations. Coverage, age, verification status and relevance vary by record.
British Geological Survey superficial deposits. Soil type determines habitat creation potential.
EA 1m Digital Terrain Model. Min/max/average elevation and terrain classification across your site.
Use the initial screen during feasibility, then involve suitably qualified professionals where the project requires them.
"Know your site before you hire an ecologist"
"Use screening evidence alongside professional expertise."
Use the map, review available data and generate an initial site screen without a trial clock.
Eligible developments in England generally need to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain under the Environment Act 2021, subject to exemptions and transitional rules.
BioGain cannot decide who is competent for your project. Site surveys and a suitably qualified professional may still be required.
BioGain provides an indicative estimate based on user inputs, assumptions and available datasets. Public data may be incomplete, outdated or too coarse for site-level decisions.
Sources include Natural England (priority habitats, ancient woodland and SSSIs), the Environment Agency (flood risk and LIDAR), British Geological Survey (soil/geology), and NBN Atlas (species records). Coverage, currency and availability vary by source.
Free screening is an initial aid, not a submission. The £79 formal reports (PDF Biodiversity Gain Plan, Excel metric workbook, statutory CSV and SSM) are generated for your site and formatted for the planning portal — but they rely on the data and assumptions you provide, so a suitably qualified professional should review them before formal submission.
Full consultancy BNG reports often run into the hundreds of pounds per site (many charge £400–£500+ for a standard biodiversity metric report). BioGain keeps core screening free and charges a single £79 one-off unlock for the formal PDF, Excel, CSV and SSM submission packs — you only pay when you're ready to file.
Draw a boundary and review an initial screen. No signup or credit card required.
Outline the site you're assessing. Under 0.2 ha and no priority habitat? A BNG plan is likely exempt.