As the UK embraces stronger environmental regulations—mandating at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on new developments—the role of specialist consultants has become crucial. Enter The bng guy, the trading name of Scott Latham Ecological Biodiversity Ltd., a Staffordshire‑based consultancy offering streamlined ecological solutions for landowners, developers, architects, and homeowners across the Midlands and beyond.
Their website, thebngguy.co.uk, is a gateway to their service ethos: professional, prompt, and personally approachable. Here’s an in-depth look at what they offer, how they stand out, and why they’re trusted in the UK ecology sector.
1. A One-Stop Ecology Consultancy
Operating under Scott Latham Ecological Biodiversity Ltd. (Company No. 16037517), registered in Burntwood, Staffordshire, The BNG Guy presents itself as a comprehensive ecology consultancy. Their website is structured clearly around four core service pillars:
- Biodiversity Net Gain
- Protected Species Surveys
- Ecological Appraisals (PEAs and habitat surveys)
- eDNA testing
This organized layout empowers both professionals and novices to quickly locate and understand what they need and why it matters.
2. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Facing the New Standard
Since early 2024, the UK’s 10% BNG requirement has become law under the Environment Act, applying to all development types—even small sites. Compliance hinges on establishing a biodiversity baseline and demonstrating uplift, typically via Defra’s standard metrics and a 30-year habitat management plan.
The BNG Guy simplifies this challenging process:
- Conducting Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) to determine site baseline.
- Calculating the uplift using BNG metrics.
- Preparing management and monitoring plans.
- Advising on on-site versus off-site options, including habitat banks.
By covering the full planning lifecycle, they help deliver projects that satisfy legal requirements while enhancing local biodiversity.
3. Expert Protected Species Surveys
The BNG Guy offers specialized surveys for a broad range of protected species—bats, badgers, great crested newts, dormice, reptiles, birds, crayfish, and more. Licensed ecologists handle all stages:
- Bat roost assessments and activity surveys.
- Great crested newt surveys, including eDNA-based methods.
- Protected species licensing (EPSL) and mitigation planning.
Each survey is conducted using industry-standard techniques, aligned with legislation like the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
4. Preliminary Ecological Appraisals & Habitat Surveys
PEAs are critical early steps in any planning application. The BNG Guy describes them as key to identifying ecological constraints and determining the need for further surveys. Their services include:
- Habitat walkovers and Phase 1 habitat surveys.
- Identifying habitat features of note (ponds, woodland, hedges).
- Flagging protected species or high-value habitats.
These assessments inform project feasibility and ensure planning preparedness, helping clients avoid surprises down the line.
5. Cutting-Edge eDNA Services
Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods allow ecologists to detect species presence via DNA extracts from water or soil, reducing the need for extensive physical surveys. The BNG Guy promotes eDNA as an efficient tool, especially effective for amphibians like great crested newts.
This modern approach reflects their readiness to integrate new ecological science with conventional field practices, ensuring accurate and timely results.
6. Fast, Reliable, Recommended
Three traits define The BNG Guy’s brand promise:
- Rapid Response: Leads are answered within minutes; quotes within hours; site assessments within 48 hours.
- Industry Endorsement: Frequently recommended by architects, developers, and planning consultants across.
- 100% Planning Success: A flawless record in achieving ecology-stage approvals.
This reliability is invaluable when planning timelines are tight and ecological compliance is non-negotiable.
7. Midlands Roots, National Reach
Though headquartered in Burntwood, Staffordshire, The BNG Guy’s reach extends beyond the Midlands. Their website lists coverage for councils such as Birmingham, Walsall, Cannock Chase, Sandwell, Lichfield, and others. On-site services are available nationwide, giving clients local focus with national capacity.
8. Real-World Impact: Habitat and Landowner Use
Beyond development, The BNG Guy supports landowners and local authorities. They guide landowners on establishing habitat units for sale, creating long-term biodiversity assets. They also offer expertise to councils:
- Training planning staff.
- Developing policy templates.
- Running workshops to support BNG implementation.
This dual-sector capability demonstrates their versatility and impact on shaping sustainability in the UK.
9. Educating on Ecology & Policy
The website’s Insights section—though currently limited—suggests content on topics like “UK Bats: A Complete Guide,” “What is Environmental DNA,” and protected species FAQs. These resources build credibility and help demystify complex ecological topics.
There’s digital potential in expanding this section with articles on:
- BNG policy updates.
- Case studies.
- Seasonal survey guidance.
- Technical walkthroughs.
10. Strengths, Suggestions, and Opportunities
Strengths:
- Speed and Reliability: Fast quotes and site visits.
- Comprehensive Services: From PEAs to licensing.
- Strong Success Record: 100% planning success.
- Local Insight: Deep Midlands knowledge with national service.
Opportunities:
- Publish case studies or testimonials to showcase results.
- Expand Insight content into a fuller blog or knowledge base.
- Add interactivity like an online booking form or scheduling widget.
- Clarify pricing tiers for core services to aid client decisions.
Final Thoughts: Nature and Development in Harmony
In today’s regulatory climate, The BNG Guy offers more than consultancy—they offer confidence. By combining scientific rigour, licensed fieldwork, and a clear process, they help clients navigate biodiversity challenges with certainty.
Whether it’s delivering a bat survey for a loft conversion in Birmingham or crafting a 30-year BNG plan for a housing development, Scott Latham’s team embodies a reliable partner in ecological compliance. With strong Midlands roots and evolving national influence, The BNG Guy is well-positioned to guide UK development toward truly biodiversity-positive outcomes.