Dr Martin Wilkie launched Wild Borders Ecology in September 2023, shortly after upping sticks and moving to Powys. Taken aback by the broad biodiversity Wales has to offer, Martin decided to finally become an independent ecologist, a dream he’d harnessed since completing a PhD in Conservation Science twenty years prior.
In that time Dr Wilkie has been employed as a conservation biologist, a Head of Nature Reserves, and lent his expertise as a visiting researcher at the University of Southampton, supervising postgraduate students on applied research in the UK and East Africa. However, the world of business was an unexplored field for the seasoned scientist.
Martin reached out to Business Wales for business support in September 2023, and was put into contact with Business Advisor Gwawr Cordiner, who has helped him to develop a business plan, register as a sole trader and build a marketing strategy. Gwawr also signposted Martin to Business Wales webinars and helped him to apply for funding.
Grant funding has the potential to make a huge difference to the development of Wild Borders Ecology. It will allow Martin to take part in further professional development courses, access health and safety certification schemes, secure key accreditations, and purchase professional surveying equipment for field use.
Since launching his start-up with the support of Business Wales, Martin has travelled across Wales and England offering on-the-ground support to local landowners and farmers who want to improve their sustainable land management, restore priority habitats, drive positive biodiversity change, or enhance their natural landscapes.
Discussing his venture, Martin said:
I’ve always dreamt of being an independent ecologist but wanted to hone my expertise before taking the leap. Now I’m at this point in my career, it felt the right time to set out independently. With that being said, I’ve always felt apprehensive in how I’d approach going freelance. Gwawr has made the pathway to entrepreneurism seem simple and been an incredible source of support in helping me achieve my decade-long dream.
In reaching out to Business Wales, I didn’t have the faintest idea what I needed to do to become a registered independent ecologist.
Gwawr helped me to lay out my business plan, from inception to marketing plans, in a professional document for both my eyes and future partners. While I was working on the land building my portfolio and client relationships, Gwawr was sending me key information around the safety certifications and accreditations needed to strengthen my business, and has been guiding me through complicated paperwork since. Gwawr has taken a weight off my shoulders. I can’t thank her enough.
As of spring this year, Martin will lend his expertise to a low impact One Planet Development project as part of the Welsh Government’s One Wales: One Planet scheme, which has since been replaced by the Welsh Government’s Biodiversity Programme. As an ecological expert, Martin will assist the development application by conducting baseline ecological assessments and supporting habitat enhancement plans on the land.
In the coming months Martin will continue to provide farmers, landowners and charitable organisations with advice and support for sensitive land and conservation management at a fair rate. He also hopes to partner with major organisations like the Wildlife Trusts on local projects. Upcoming internships at Wild Borders Ecology will see the expert ecologist impart his knowledge once again on practicing ecologists who can, in return, help him to broaden the borders of his business.
Business Wales Advisor, Gwawr Cordiner said:
Despite being an expert in his field, Martin was a complete beginner when it came to starting a business. Wild Borders Ecology provides something different to just environmental consultancy, it’s a new hope for landowners and charitable organisations looking to harness the power of biodiversity and conservation. I’m proud Business Wales can help Martin to push this initiative.
Business Wales is funded by Welsh Government. For more information and support to launch your business, access entrepreneurial resources and funding opportunities, and to speak to a specialist advisor, contact Business Wales. Visit www.businesswales.gov.wales or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg - we welcome calls in Welsh.