Welcome to my series of interviews with some wonderful people who work within the natural world, from zoo keepers, to museum curators and everything in between and those that are on the path to working in these positions too. Be inspired for a future where you can combine your love of nature with your day job. I hope you enjoy these interviews, that you can learn something from them and they can inspire you.

Now let me introduce you to Katie and Luke.....

Name 

Katie Stacey and Luke Massey

Age

36 & 33 

Location

Asturias, Northern Spain

What do you do (and where)?

We are the founders of Wild Finca, a rewilding initiative that has turned a former dairy farm into a vibrant sanctuary teeming with life. In just six short years, Wild Finca has blossomed into a sanctuary for wildlife, thanks to innovative and sustainable land management practices.

Now a haven for over 113 bird species, including the charismatic Red-backed Shrike, the skies above Wild Finca are alive with vibrant songs and colours. The land also supports a rich diversity of over 30 mammal species, including 16 different bat species. With reduced grazing impact, the fields are experiencing a floral renaissance. Delicate species such as the exquisite Autumn’s Lady’s Tresses orchid are thriving.

Imagine a place where nature and humans coexist harmoniously, each playing a vital role in the ecosystem's balance. That's what we’re creating at Wild Finca. Nestled in the heart of Asturias, Northern Spain, our project showcases the incredible power of small-scale rewilding. Through community spaces, engaging educational content, and hands-on projects, we’re on a mission to inspire people globally to become active participants in conservation. Whether you're in a bustling city or a small village, we believe everyone can contribute to nature's revival.

Our mission is simple: show people that you don't need vast lands to make a difference in nature. Even small patches can become thriving ecosystems. Our goal is to show the world that anyone, anywhere, can contribute to the revival of our natural world with passion, dedication, and a little creativity. 

How did you get into it? 

Our journey began with a shared love for wildlife. Luke's early fascination with nature led him to volunteer in conservation and explore wildlife photography. In 2014, fate brought us together in the heart of Africa, Zambia, where our shared passion sparked a grand adventure. We travelled the globe, documenting the wonders of the natural world. In 2018, our dreams took root at Wild Finca, where we committed ourselves to creating a vibrant sanctuary for both wildlife and people.

What made you want to do what you do?

Our journey began as storytellers, capturing the mesmerizing beauty and resilience of wildlife. We documented inspiring conservation stories, from the remarkable reintroduction of the Iberian Lynx to the triumphant comeback of Chicago’s Peregrine Falcons. However, our storytelling also delved into the more challenging narratives, shedding light on the pressing issues facing our natural world. While storytelling is incredibly powerful and essential, deep down, we yearned to create tangible change—something that would leave a lasting impact on the land itself.

Inspired by the successful rewilding efforts at the Knepp Estate, we began to envision a sanctuary of our own—a place where nature could heal and flourish. Though financial constraints initially limited our options, they ultimately guided us to the enchanting landscapes of Asturias. Here, amidst rolling hills and vibrant ecosystems, we found the perfect canvas for our dreams to take root and grow. This journey has shown us that with vision, perseverance, and a bit of creativity, anyone can contribute to the revival of our natural world, and we are excited to continue this transformative work at Wild Finca.

What does it involve?

Every day at Wild Finca is an adventure. We immerse ourselves in the rhythms of the land, learning where to graze our animals to restore balance, monitoring wildlife with camera traps, and collaborating with the University of Oviedo. We're thrilled to be welcoming our first school visit this spring! 

With the launch of our online rewilding courses, we spend countless hours crafting content that empowers nature enthusiasts to integrate rewilding into their lives. Our holistic approach fosters a deeper connection with the natural world, promoting both personal well-being and ecological awareness.

Our Three Core Goals for what we do at Wild Finca:

1. Inspire Authentic Connection: Encourage a renewed relationship with nature that nurtures personal growth and environmental stewardship.
2. Equip with Practical Wisdom: Provide actionable insights and tools to seamlessly incorporate ‘Rewilding’ into daily life, ensuring lasting impact.
3. Cultivate Holistic Well-being: Create a nurturing environment where self-care and ecological awareness enhance overall well-being.

Did you need any qualifications?

Our path didn’t require formal qualifications but a zest for learning. We embraced a method Luke fondly calls "Sponge Learning," absorbing knowledge from diverse range of projects and people, books and podcasts. Our learning journey is ongoing, fuelled by curiosity and the thrill of discovery.

Any tips for a young person that wants to do what you do?

If you're passionate about rewilding and eager to make a difference, there are plenty of ways to get started and develop your skills. Here are some practical tips to help guide your journey:

- Start Small and Think Big

Backyard Projects: Begin in your own backyard or a local garden. Construct bee hotels using natural materials like bamboo or wood to provide safe nesting spaces for pollinators. Plant native species that attract wildlife, support biodiversity, and create tiny habitats for insects and small animals. These small actions can have a significant impact on local ecosystems.

- Get Hands-On Experience

Volunteer and Learn: Embrace sustainable travel, learn from others through workaway programs, and visit projects that inspire you. Workaway programs offer fantastic opportunities to gain hands-on experience in rewilding and conservation. By volunteering at various projects, you'll gain valuable insights and skills while contributing to meaningful causes. We often host Workawayers at Wild Finca, so maybe we can welcome you for a hands-on experience and provide you with a firsthand understanding of what rewilding is all about!

- Educate Yourself

Read and Research: Dive into books, podcasts, and documentaries about rewilding and conservation. Understanding the science and stories behind successful projects can inspire and inform your own efforts.

- Connect with Like-Minded Individuals

Join Communities: Engage with local and online communities of nature enthusiasts and conservationists. Sharing experiences, knowledge, and ideas with others can amplify your impact and keep you motivated. (We’d love you to join the Wild Finca Community where there are lots of interesting people in the world of rewilding to connect with: https://wild-finca.mn.co/share/8IZH1ZMjEjKTdbw2?utm_source=manual)

- Be Creative and Innovative

Experiment and Innovate: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas and approaches in your rewilding projects. Innovation often leads to breakthroughs in conservation efforts.

Remember, every small action contributes to a larger movement towards restoring and protecting our natural world. With passion, creativity, and dedication, you can be a part of this exciting journey.

What is the best part of what you do?

There’s a magical serenity in being surrounded by nature. The thrill of spotting Red Squirrels stashing nuts, listening to the rhythmic call of the Black Woodpecker, and watching foxes and herons thrive on our land is unparalleled.

What is the worst part of what you do?

When our animals break free, causing chaos in the village!

What is your favourite animal?

Katie’s Favourite Animal: Pine marten. They’re mischievous and playful and we are lucky to spot them scampering through the woods, but more often capture them on our camera traps!

Luke’s Favourite Animal: Red-backed Shrike. Witnessing them thrive from zero to four pairs has been one of our biggest triumphs!

What was the first animal that you fell in love with?

Katie’s First Love: Badger. I remember seeing my first live Badger driving home one evening. It was snuffling away on the roadside and I pulled over and just sat watching it in awe. They are such beautiful creatures.

Luke’s First Love: Osprey. They are such incredibly skilled hunters! Did you know that they have several unique adaptations that make them excellent at catching fish? They have sharp spines on the soles of their feet to help them grip slippery fish, and they are the only raptors who will dive completely underwater to catch their prey. Watching an osprey dive for fish is a breathtaking sight.

What is your favourite place in nature?

Katie’s Favourite Place: Wild Finca!

Luke’s Favourite Place: Wild Finca!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Katie’s Spare Time: Mushroom foraging in our enchanting woods.

Luke’s Spare Time: Digging ponds and creating habitats!

If you were not doing what you do now what else would you love to do?

This life nourishes us, and it's hard to envision anything else. We've crafted a lifestyle that supports our family and fulfills our dreams. I guess exactly this but in a different place?

Who inspires you?

Our greatest inspiration comes from each other and our children. Our two boys, Roan and Albus, are perhaps our biggest motivators. Their intrinsic passion for nature is a constant source of inspiration, reminding us every day why we embarked on this journey. Watching their eyes light up with wonder as they explore the natural world fuels us.

What are your hopes for the future? 

Our dreams for the future are deeply rooted in our passion for nature and community. At Wild Finca, we envision expanding our community, spreading awareness, and inspiring more people to reconnect with the natural world. We believe that through education, collaboration, and shared experiences, we can foster a global movement that cherishes and protects our planet's biodiversity.

- Building a Thriving Community

Our immediate goal is to grow the Wild Finca community into a vibrant network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about rewilding and conservation. By hosting workshops, online courses, and community events, we aim to create spaces where people can learn, share ideas, and support each other in their environmental endeavors.

- Inspiring a Global Movement

We aspire to inspire people from all walks of life to rediscover their connection with nature. Through storytelling, outreach programs, and hands-on experiences, we want to demonstrate that everyone has the power to make a positive impact on the environment, no matter how small their contribution may seem.

- Supporting the Next Generation of Rewilders

Our long-term vision is to empower rewilders to take stewardship of their own projects. We aim to provide them with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to launch and sustain successful rewilding initiatives. By mentoring and collaborating with upcoming conservationists, we hope to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges facing our natural world.

- Creating a Legacy of Sustainability

Ultimately, we hope that our efforts at Wild Finca will serve as a model for sustainable living and ecological restoration. We strive to leave a legacy that future generations can build upon, ensuring that the beauty and diversity of our planet are preserved for years to come.

Through these aspirations, we are committed to making a lasting difference, nurturing both the land and the people who care for it. Together, we can create a world where nature thrives, and humanity lives in harmony with the environment. 

Where can people find you? 

Receive the Wild Finca Nature Explorer’s Starter Kit and a virtual tour of Wild Finca

We currently have available a downloadable guide crafted to ignite curiosity and confidence in exploring the natural world.

To receive the Wild Finca Nature Explorer’s Starter Kit and a virtual tour of Wild Finca all you have to do is subscribe to our newsletter here: https://wild-finca.kit.com/f94ab1f034 

Find Us Online

You can also follow our adventures on Instagram: @wildfinca

And join our Wild Finca Community of like-minded passionate folk, where we share Nature Finds and embark on Nature Treasure Hunts together: https://wild-finca.mn.co/share/8IZH1ZMjEjKTdbw2?utm_source=manual 

Join us on this incredible journey and discover how you can be a part of nature's revival!