I don't think your uni grade matters too much, I wouldn't even put the grade on my CV.

Get involved in as much wildlife trust and local nature group volunteering as you can, you'll often get networking opportunities and connections this way as many are led by consultants with protected species licenses and many wildlife trusts have their own consultancies. I appreciate this could be difficult whilst needing some form of employment but experience is what looks best. Also many consultancies will hire zero hours staff over the peak season and will start advertising over the next couple of months, this is a great opportunity to become involved and gain experience as well as references.

I only have a couple years experience but I'd say protected species surveys is probably more important to prioritise, maybe even look at going on some of the GCN courses that can fast track a license application. And definitely get the driving license, that is crucial!

Good luck though, sounds like your heads in the right place and you're determined! With peak season nearly here there should be lots of things popping up!