Wildlife Gardener Business idea

[sim209]

I have been working as a countryside warden for the council for about 3 years now and am considering starting my own business as a 'Wildlife Gardener', working in peoples gardens.

My thinking is that having the background that I do will create me some sort of niche in the market.

I'd imagine it to be partly a consultant role and partly practical.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience in something similar or any thoughts on the idea? Also do you think people would be interesting in this sort of thing when there are so many regular gardeners out there?

My current contract expires at the end of Feb so looking to start around then.

Thanks everyone

[artdemole]

Found this dooing a "google" wildlifegardeningwithjennysteele

[Janec]

I think it's a great idea.
Lots of people are interested in attracting wildlife to their gardens who you could advise and for people with existing wildlife it would be re-assuring to be able to hire someone who isn't going to cut back shrubs while the birds are nesting and douse the garden with chemicals.
Wishing you every success.
You're not in Norfolk are you?

[Dorts]

I too think it's a great idea. You may have to take on some basic gardening work until you can specialise soley on the wildlife side, but it will give you the chance to get your message about. Don't turn any work down until your in the position to be choosey.
All the best, hope you do well.
Dorts.

[UB4 gardener]

great idea. out of curiosity how would you measure your success?
Also be aware that what may work in one garden may not work in another. for example my old suburban garden near heathrow was a magnet for gatekeepers on the marjoram (upto 15 individuals) yet here in Dorset i'm lucky to get 2 gatekeepers in a day. Bee's still love it though

Good luck
Chris

[sim209]

I am based in the Bournemouth area.

I am starting to think that I should start off with general gardening with the wildlife aspect as an option until I can afford to pick and choose.

Not sure how to measure success really. The obvious way would be to carry out some surveys but I am not yet qualified to do this. I suppose if the demand is there then I would learn.

Otherwise, success would probably be measured in very obvious wildlife that is attracted to gardens that is noticeable to the residents. So, butterflies, bees and birds. by putting in plants and features that will attract these.

I have only recently started thinking about this seriously so thanks for raising some issues that I can work on.

[King Edward]

If you're working with ordinary domestic gardeners, the main (only?) measure of success has got to be whether your clients are happy with your work and how the garden looks. Especially if your planting e.g. trees/shrubs to attract birds etc., any measurable success in terms of more wildlife could take years to become apparent until they grow to a decent size. Something like flowers for bees though, or a pond, should have more instant and noticeable effects in terms of visible wildlife - not that you should avoid longer term projects, just that you want to give a realistic idea of what they might expect to see.

[sim209]

Yes good point. The bottom line is that success is how happy the customers are.

I would have to explain most of what I am doing to the customer as some features will give far more obvious wildlife benefits than others and in different time spans.

[monkeyrepublic]

It's a lovely idea, but I doubt that anyone would pay for the wildlife aspect - they'd expect a basic gardener to be able to advise and deliver on this (unless they are themselves a WABber, they won't appreciate the value of your expertise).

However, I bet that, when looking for a gardener, many would choose the one offering wildlife expertise and eco credentials as their USP.

Could you offer a limited biological survey (focusing on key species)? Do one to convince them that they need your help and a follow up a few years later (not just to prove the value of your work, but also an opportunity to sell further services).

Alternatively, might gardeners themselves pay for a short training course? This could work if it was accredited in some way. Hmmm... income stream for WAB, eh?

[sim209]

Yes I am starting to get that impression from doing some further reading. People might not want a wildlife makeover one their garden but to have someone working on their garden who is obviously wildlife concious might give me an advantage.

I think rather than marketing myself as a 'wildlife gardener' then maybe just a gardener with a background in conservation

Thanks for the input