In this episode of the Biodiversity Podcast by Teasels, the host is joined by Peter Massini, an urban ecologist and green infrastructure expert from Future Nature Consultancy. Peter shares his journey from managing nature reserves to focusing on policy, particularly in London, working with organizations such as the London Wildlife Trust and Natural England. He discusses the shift in conservation focus to urban environments, the challenges and benefits of integrating green infrastructures like green roofs and SUDs (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) into urban planning, and the complexities surrounding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies. Peter highlights the unintended consequences and disproportionate impacts BNG has on small sites, proposing streamlined solutions such as local tariffs. He also emphasises the importance of designing urban spaces that balance human needs and wildlife sustainability, reflecting on the transformative potential of collaborative, well-informed policy frameworks.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:37 Peter's Background and Early Career02:15 Transition to Policy Work04:58 Urban Greening and Policy Impact07:20 Challenges and Realizations in Urban Greening19:27 Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Early Metrics23:18 Small Site Metric and Its Implications27:04 Issues with BNG Implementation38:23 Potential Solutions and Policy Adjustments44:10 Navigating Local Planning and BNG Requirements44:41 Challenges with Small Site BNG Assessments45:35 Proportional Application of BNG45:49 Ecological Appraisals and BNG Documentation47:01 Backyard Developments and Planning Policies48:17 Mandatory BNG and Over-Engineering Issues48:48 Guidance and Communication on BNG57:05 The Role of Habitat Banks in BNG01:02:18 On-Site BNG Challenges in Urban Areas01:10:48 Balancing Urban Greening and Biodiversity01:26:32 Future of BNG and Policy Interactions01:27:24 Conclusion and Future Discussions