Episode 32: All Roads Lead to Nature Recovery with Julia Baker, Global Submarket Lead for Biodiversity and Nature at Mott MacDonald

Jonathan is joined in central London by Julia Baker of Mott MacDonald to discuss how nature services connect biodiversity, climate resilience, carbon, and social wellbeing, arguing that nature recovery is a solution society and the economy need. The conversation focuses on biodiversity net gain (BNG), especially for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), including the government’s announcement that mandatory BNG for NSIPs will go live on 2 November 2026 and planned interim publications such as biodiversity gain statements, an updated metric user guide, and additional guidance. They explore mitigation hierarchy, stakeholder engagement, local nature recovery strategies, on-site versus off-site delivery, funding and corporate frameworks like TNFD, and Julia shares formative childhood and UK woodland experiences in nature.00:00 Spring Garden Update01:42 Bird Flu Reminder02:03 Meet Julia Baker04:06 Nature Services Big Picture08:56 Biodiversity as a Market13:27 TNFD and Funding Nature18:39 BNG and NSIPs Explained22:53 Making BNG Work Locally28:11 Future of BNG Policy31:16 Onsite vs Offsite Debate33:13 First Nature Memories38:45 Closing Thoughts OutroSend us Fan Mail