Open Mosaic Habitat
Open Mosaic Habitat (OMH) is a type of high-biodiversity habitat which if often found on previously developed brownfield land. Such habitats feature a mixture of bare ground, sparse vegetation, and varied vegetation communities, thus it is referred to as a mosaic of shifting, low-nutrient habitats, OMH is crucial for rare invertebrates, plants, and birds, and is classified as a high distinctiveness habitat in UK Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Open Mosaic Habitat on Previously Developed Land (OMH) is thus highly valued within BNG framework and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric (SBM).
This can present a delivery challenge for ecologists, developers and planners, but it is not a barrier to achieving BNG, nor to creating successful outcomes for business and communities. As such in May 2026 the Green Construction Board (a delivery body for the Net Zero and sustainability workstream of the Construction Leadership Council) published A practice note for developers, ecologists and planners, How to address Open Mosaic Habitat when delivering biodiversity net gain.
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