[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

[BugFriendlyGardener]

I am a professional "wildlife-gardener".......

despite all the media coverage, especially of late, it is a VERY niche market. If you want a full-time wage, you will have to plan to be a gardener first, and a wildlife-gardener second. I started up in 2003. I was already a home wildlife gardener and have sought to expand this into work. Advertising through local papers or newsagent windows etc has always produced plenty of work but not that many paying customers could be described as pure wildlife garden owners. MOST people who pay to have their garden maintained are looking for tidiness etc first; as you find more custom you will find more variety and those who are really interested or can be persuaded to have a more wildlife-friendly approach. I picked up some good customers from advertising in my local wildlife trust magazine ( but only 6 calls/ 3 jobs from a circulation of 13000). MUch gardening work comes from word of mouth; just because your client is amenable, it doesn't mean their friends wiil be. I only advertise now as a wildlife-friendly gardener but of 22 gardens I work in currently I would only consider 10 of those owners to be very wildlife-friendly. The rest just want a nice garden and I work towards making sure I make as many wildlife-friendly aspects as possible. I do generally think that most people interested in this approach will look after their own garden. Good luck; feel free to message if you want any more advice.