As the UK embarks on a greener future—mandating a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) in all new developments—navigating ecological regulations has become a crucial yet complex task for landowners, developers, and homeowners. The BNG Guy (trading identity of Scott Latham Ecological Biodiversity Ltd.) rises to the challenge, offering expert ecology consultancy that is both technically sound and refreshingly user-friendly.
Located in Staffordshire, The BNG Guy serves clients across the Midlands and nationwide. Their approach is clear: deliver high-quality ecological services with minimal friction—for everyone from architects and developers to private individuals .
Why BNG Matters in 2025
Under the Environment Act 2021, biodiversity net gain became legally required for large developments in February 2024 and extended to small construction projects from April 2024. The policy demands that projects leave nature in a measurably better state than before—achieving at least a 10% uplift in biodiversity units, monitored over a 30-year period.
In addition to on-site habitat creation and enhancement, developers now have the option to buy biodiversity units from habitat banks or engage in off-site habitat creation. However, concerns are growing over effective enforcement and long-term outcomes, with initial reports showing mixed delivery from habitat bank schemes.
Core Services Offered by The BNG Guy
1. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Consultancy
From Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) to metric calculations using the Defra toolset, The BNG Guy streamlines BNG compliance. Their approach includes:
- Comparative analysis using the Small Sites Metric (SSM) for projects under 1 ha / 10 homes.
- Development of 30-year Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).
- Options for on-site or off-site compliance through habitat units or statutory credits.
2. Protected Species Surveys
Ecological risk evaluations for bats, badgers, great crested newts, birds, and more. Fully licensed surveys and EPS licensing processes included .
3. Ecological Appraisals
Early-stage assessments identify ecological constraints and inform necessary survey or mitigation strategies.
4. eDNA Services
Cutting-edge molecular testing complements traditional surveys, especially in detecting elusive species via environmental DNA sampling .
What Sets Them Apart
⚡ Fast Turnaround
The BNG Guy promises responses within minutes, quotes within hours, and site visits within 48 hours—vital for time-sensitive planning cycles.
🔁 Full-Service Approach
From initial ecological scoping to long-term biodiversity management, they cover every project stage: appraisal, surveying, metrics, planning, licensing, and monitoring.
🧩 Proven Track Record
The company asserts a 100% success rate in delivering ecology components within planning approvals.
🏛 Trusted by Professionals
Highly recommended by architects, developers, and consultants statewide, helping clients avoid ecological bottlenecks in planning thebngguy.co.uk.
Supporting Growth in Small and Urban Sites
Small-scale developments—defined as under 1 hectare or fewer than 10 dwellings—are increasingly affected by BNG regulations since April 2024. To help, The BNG Guy provides:
- Small Sites Metric expertise for easy compliance.
- Guidance on integrating biodiversity uplift into minor projects.
- Advice on whether off-site units might be a more feasible option.
Navigating Complex Urban Contexts: A Birmingham Case
In urban hubs like Birmingham, mandatory BNG applies to both major and minor developments. Requirements include:
- Baseline PEA and metric evaluation.
- Biodiversity Gain Plan detailing how 10% gain will be achieved.
- Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans to ensure long-term biodiversity outcomes.
- Integration of green infrastructure such as urban meadows, green roofs, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
The BNG Guy offers tailored support in this context, ensuring local policy compliance and ecological integrity.
How BNG Ties into Broader UK Environmental Goals
The push for BNG is part of a wider effort to reverse biodiversity decline. According to the UKGBC, BNG aims to protect and enhance urban and natural ecosystems by embedding nature-focused interventions within development.
However, the system is not without challenges:
- A shortage of qualified ecologists.
- Resource constraints in local authorities.
- Delays or gaps in habitat creation and monitoring efforts.
Despite these hurdles, the BNG framework is widely recognized as a global example of environmentally driven policy innovation.
Voices from the Field
“It became law on 12 February 2024…developers must recreate habitats either on-site or elsewhere.”
“Only half of the expected habitat has been delivered…experts call for better enforcement and increased funding.”
These observations underscore the importance of experienced ecological partners like The BNG Guy who offer reliable implementation and oversight.
Pros and Cons of Working with The BNG Guy
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Speed & Responsiveness: Rapid replies & site visits within 48h. | Potential Demand Pressure: High demand may impact scheduling. |
| End-to-End Services: Covers all stages from appraisal to licensing. | Limited Public Portfolio: More case studies would aid transparency. |
| Technical Authority: 100% success in planning approvals. | Geographic Base: Staffordshire-based—may affect very remote UK projects. |
| Specialist in Small Sites: Proficiency with SSM and minor development contexts. | — |
Opportunities for Enhancement
While highly capable, there are areas that could boost their reach and trustworthiness further:
- Publish Case Studies: Before-and-after trajectories with biodiversity metrics.
- Share Client Feedback: Testimonials from architects, homeowners, and developers.
- Expand Blog Content: Educational pieces on BNG policy, tools, and eDNA.
- Clarify Pricing Tiers: Transparent starting costs for standard services.
- Improve CTAs: Schedule buttons and contact forms optimized for immediate engagement.
Final Thoughts: The BNG Guy’s Place in the Greener UK
In a regulatory landscape defined by mandatory ecological uplift, The BNG Guy navigates clients with speed, simplicity, and depth. Covering everything from Protected Species surveys to full BNG compliance—across both small urban plots and major developments—they bring reliability and clarity to what is often a complex process.
For anyone developing land in the UK—whether a homeowner, contractor, or planning authority—such expertise can be the difference between smooth approval and resource-heavy delays. As climate resilience and biodiversity become central to policy and public expectation, The BNG Guy can guide clients toward greener, compliant outcomes—with confidence and competence.