About Us

At Wildfox Ecological Consulting, we are passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Based in the County Durham, we provide expert ecological consultancy services that support sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and compliance with environmental regulations throughout the UK. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, practical solutions to help our clients navigate the complex world of environmental legislation and biodiversity planning.

We provide a wide range of ecological services, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments. Whether you're a developer, planner, landowner, or environmental consultant, we provide clear, actionable advice to ensure that your projects meet both ecological and regulatory requirements.

Our approach is built on a foundation of integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to conservation. We pride ourselves on offering tailored, practical solutions that balance development goals with the need to protect and restore biodiversity.

Meet the Team

  • Douglas Kilpatrick MSc MA BSc (Hons)

    Principal Ecologist

    I’m Douglas Kilpatrick, the founder of Wildfox Ecological Consulting and a passionate ecological consultant with a decade of experience in environmental consultancy and biodiversity management. My background spans a broad range of specialisms, including protected species surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Environmental Impact Assessments, Ecological Clerk of Works, Habitat Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments. I combine a strong academic foundation in ecology and geoecology with practical experience managing large-scale, multidisciplinary projects across the UK and internationally.

    At RapidBNG, my mission is to provide swift, high-quality Biodiversity Net Gain reports with an unparalleled turnaround of just three days, helping our clients meet sustainability targets efficiently. I’ve worked on diverse projects, from advising contractors on the world’s largest offshore wind farm to overseeing ecological aspects of major infrastructure developments.

    With published work in sustainability and climate history, and hands-on expertise in environmental conservation, I bring a detail-oriented and forward-thinking approach to every project.

    I look forward to collaborating with you to achieve your ecological and sustainability goals!

    Licenses and Certifications

    GCN level 1 - CL08

    Barn Owl level 1 - CL29

    MoRPH RCA Qualified

    CSCS Academically Qualified

    IPAF MEWP Operator 3a 3b

    BASP Outdoor First Aid Certified

    Drone and Model Aircraft Category A1 & A3

    PTS AC/DCCR Sentinel Card

  • Cor van Houte MBA IE

    Legal & Finance

    Cor brings a wealth of expertise in legal and financial strategy, underpinned by an MBA from IE Business School. With a strong background in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and financial management, Cor ensures the seamless integration of legal and financial frameworks within RapidBNG.

    His analytical approach and attention to detail make him instrumental in managing financial risk, optimising resources, and maintaining strict adherence to evolving legislation. Cor's leadership in these domains supports our commitment to delivering accurate, efficient, and compliant Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.

    When not navigating legalities or balancing budgets, Cor has a passion for impressionistic painting. He draws inspiration from the works of Monet and Renoir, appreciating their ability to capture light, atmosphere, and the essence of fleeting moments. This creative pursuit reflects his own approach to problem-solving—combining precision with a keen eye for detail and nuance.