Ep. 11 Making Biodiversity Net Gain Simple | BNG, Design and the Future of Landscaping

In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at GroundsFest, Rosie Sayers speaks with Oliver Lewis CBE, founder and CEO of Joe’s Blooms, about one of the biggest changes affecting the landscaping industry today: Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). BNG requires developments to leave nature in a measurably better state than before — but for many in the industry, the process has felt complex, technical and, at times, overwhelming. Oliver explains what BNG really means in practice, why it has been challenging for designers and contractors, and how new tools are making the process faster, simpler and far more accessible. The conversation explores how landscapers can engage with BNG without getting lost in spreadsheets, how real-time design tools can transform the process, and why biodiversity should be seen as an opportunity rather than a barrier. Key Topics Covered What Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) actually means Why BNG can feel complex and difficult to implement How digital tools can simplify biodiversity calculations Real-world examples of BNG applied to live projects The role of landscapers in delivering biodiversity outcomes How BNG is evolving in the UK and globally Why biodiversity should be integrated into design thinking Key Takeaways BNG doesn’t have to be complicated — the right tools can make it intuitive and fast Landscapers are already leading the way in biodiversity — BNG simply quantifies that work Technology can remove barriers and allow designers to focus on creativity BNG is here to stay and is likely to expand across sectors and internationally Links & Resources Joe’s Blooms: https://joesblooms.com Dig Deep Podcast: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/ BALI: https://www.bali.org.uk/