Wildlife ecologist, conservationist, and outdoor learning leader, Nicky serves as the Wales Officer for the Bat Conservation Trust. She spearheads a significant project in Snowdonia, focusing on monitoring the temperate Celtic Rainforests for bats, particularly the Lesser Horseshoe bats, which are prevalent in this area.
With over 30 years of experience as a ranger and in outdoor education, she has worked with prestigious organizations such as the RSPB, the Sussex Wildlife Trust, and the Forestry Commission. Drawing from this extensive background, she founded her own organization, Second Nature. Through Second Nature, she leads guided nocturnal walks to observe and hear bats and owls, and has conducted Forest School and Bushcraft activities for thousands, fostering a deep connection to nature.
In collaboration with a falconer from Wolves of the Sky, she organizes falconry days in Snowdonia, providing participants with the unique opportunity to hold and fly owls and other birds of prey. Additionally, she is an accomplished Truffle Hunter, having trained her dogs for truffle hunting. She also engages in green woodcrafting, creating furniture, spoons, walking sticks, nest boxes, and bat roost boxes.
Residing in a 17th-century Welsh longhouse nestled in a woodland, Nicky is dedicated to developing a wildlife and forest garden in Snowdonia, surrounded by her menagerie of dogs, cats, and chickens. Her profound passion for nature and wildlife drives her to help others connect with and immerse themselves in the natural world. This passion inspired her to name her organization ‘Second Nature,’ reflecting her innate commitment to wildlife and countryside conservation. She is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and experiences, particularly with young people, to inspire a lifelong dedication to preserving our natural world.