Member Article

Environmental consultancy bolsters senior leadership team

An environmental consultancy based in Newcastle upon Tyne has added a principal ecologist to its senior leadership team to help with its rapid growth.

Following Natural England’s advice that development in certain catchment areas across the UK should not go ahead if it increases certain nutrients, Biodiverse Consulting has seen a surge in enquiries regarding its nutrient neutrality service.

To help meet this demand, Mike Gray has been appointed as a principal ecologist, bringing with him over 20 years of technical ecology experience plus a wealth of expertise in the renewable energy sector.

Vicki Mordue, founder and director of Biodiverse Consulting, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to the team.

“Having worked in large and specialist environmental consultancies in the past, Mike brings with him a breadth of experience that will not only be instrumental in managing the new enquiries we are receiving but will also help manage the rest of our services such as biodiversity net gain and complex habitat and protected species assessments.

“His technical skills really are second to none and the team, including me, are already benefiting from his vast knowledge of the industry.”

On his new appointment, Mr Gray said: “It really was all down to timing. I have known Vicki for years and have always respected her work ethic but due to various other commitments, I haven’t been able to take the plunge until now.

“I think the most appealing aspect of the role is the variation both in who we work with and also in the tasks we undertake. Vicki is very progressive and innovative and really does care about helping developers without harming nature.

“With the team being agile, we are able to quickly pivot and add new services like nutrient neutrality and be there as a trusted advisor to clients.

“I am hoping to bring all of my ecological know-how to the consultancy plus my experience in renewable energy to help to stay ahead of the curve in providing services that champion sustainability in all sectors.

“The team has been incredibly welcoming and I am looking forward to mentoring them further as we develop the consultancy together.”

Biodiverse Consulting was founded in 2019 to help companies in the built environment sector achieve sustainable and responsible development. It primarily provides ecology services and specialises in biodiversity net gain (BNG) and now nutrient neutrality.

It has a range of clients, including Dysart Developments, Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire, Gleeson Regeneration Ltd, Pegasus, and The Wildlife Trusts. It is actively recruiting more ecologists to join its expanding team.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rachel McBryde .