
Verna
- Founded: 2020
- +44781 725 7041
- info@verna.earth
- Environmental and sustainability services
- Plan-making, planning application and data management systems
- Live chat / help lines
- Training and support
Introduction
One of Verna’s tools is Mycelia, a software solution which supports the implementation of new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in England. Mycelia, which was launched late 2023, is already being used by 1/3 of planning authorities, and many more are in the process of obtaining the software.
BNG is an extraordinary piece of legislation, described by the Harvard Kennedy School as “the most ambitious biodiversity policy in the world”. Its goal is to ensure that the natural environment is preserved, protected and improved. BNG is a statutory requirement, which requires that any habitats damaged in the process of development are replaced and enhanced. Biodiversity uplift projects need to be monitored for 30 years. Mycelia enables planning authorities to assess, monitor and report on BNG activity. Without Mycelia, BNG runs the risk of becoming a ‘tick box’ exercise.