Ecological project advice & guidance
Are you struggling with a design or project?
Are you struggling with a design? Stuck on a project? Do you want to transform a plot of land, but don’t know where – or how – to begin? Sometimes a little support helps, especially when you are taking a new direction or starting out as an entrepreneur.
My name is Chris de Waard. I offer consultancy and project support for the design, restoration and realisation of gardens, landscapes and nature projects.
Who is this consultancy for?
Project consultancy and support is for professionals, communities, organisations and private clients. The challenges are familiar. In real projects, focus, overview, creativity and determination make the difference – and that is not always easy.
A shift in how you think and see
Growing up with a deep love of nature, I came to see that our relationship with nature is often transactional. Our urge to control and exploit turns nature into a negotiating partner. Parcelling, fencing and exhausting land is not protecting, restoring or improving.
I went looking, immersed myself in the subject, and learned to see from a different perspective. What I found gripped me so strongly that I made ecological design my work. The journey, the struggle, and the lessons along the way mean I can not only share that passion, but also help in different ways—tailored to you.
What sets me apart is analytical clarity, a transformative vision and hard-won experience. We get to the heart of the matter quickly. You leave with practical next steps—and a clear direction.
© Roman Korzh
Chris de Waard
Ideas and inspiration
Questions come up: about a business move, a next step, or a choice you cannot yet land. Uncertainty about decisions in your design, or about your dream itself. A fear that your idea is not good enough. Or simply not being able to see the wood for the trees, because there is so much to change—and so much to consider.
I am often asked to review a design or consult on a development project. Sometimes longer-term support is needed too—either for the project itself, or for the step into entrepreneurship.
“I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on the earth. Then I ask myself the same question.”
How can I help you?
- What are the possibilities of this plot (upon purchase)?
- Can you advise us on this ecological restoration project in Southern Europe?
- How do you make a garden resilient to a changing climate?
- Which (edible) plants suit this design, habitat and soil type?
- How can you help us realise our dream?
- Can you provide training for our team?
- Can you visit our site to provide ecological advice?
- How do I increase biodiversity in my garden?
- Can you guide us through this design process?
- Can you coach me through the start-up phase of my business?
- How can I approach this design in a completely different way?
All important questions. A request for a full design can be part of this too, but it comes with conditions. Therefore, this is handled separately. For exceptional projects, please feel free to get in touch.
As a consultant, trainer, mentor or coach, I help you to shift gears. I know the challenges and can guide you towards fresh insights, unexpected solutions and new energy.
It is about you. About you being able to make a difference and becoming valuable to the people you can help. That is also what the ecological training programmes are for: deeper understanding and practical application.
Consultancy process
The approach depends on your question. Broadly, there are two tracks:
- In-depth consultancy for a project, a design, or a specific question
- Training and coaching for business challenges
The starting point is simple: everyone has a wealth of skills, unique talents, creative ideas and inspiring insights. And you realise your dream or design yourself—you take on the challenges yourself, with my support.
Regarding point 1: Personal project support
For in-depth consultancy, the starting point is often a site visit—especially for ecological restoration projects. Visiting a site abroad, particularly in Southern Europe, is not unusual. You receive advice on the spot and can apply the insights immediately, or carry them into the design or the build.
Afterwards, we agree together what ongoing support looks like. If you wish, I remain available throughout the development or restoration process—for questions and as a sounding board.
Regarding point 2: Business training
Training and coaching programmes are designed to help with business challenges—and to support your growth as a person and as an entrepreneur. Because you take the lead. And start to change.
You receive support for your business, advice—on your approach, development and finances—and a fresh perspective on yourself. You can spar with me, brainstorm and bring your questions.
“What can life be for? Except the opportunity to awaken to our original nature.”
Tailored ecological consultancy
For specific questions and exceptional projects—such as combating desertification, land restoration, regenerative land use and the development of food forests—please contact me.
I work with a limited number of people—people I feel I can genuinely help move forward.
Vragen over advies & begeleiding
Ecology Academy offers ecological consultancy and project support for the design and implementation of gardens and large-scale projects, such as land restoration and food forests.
Support focuses on ecological design and implementation, soil improvement, water management (drought and flooding), planting plans, climate adaptation and biodiversity restoration. Depending on the project, support may consist of advice, consultations and/or site visits.
For exceptional projects—such as combating desertification, land restoration, food forests and larger development projects—please get in touch. We are particularly well-suited for projects in Mediterranean climate zones, such as Spain, where the restoration of soil and water is key.
Please note that requests for a full design or comprehensive guidance are subject to conditions. Factors include the scale and complexity of the project, as well as the motivations of the initiators and the potential ecological impact.
Training and coaching are also available. More information can be found on this page and the About Chris de Waard page.
Yes. The review and optimization of existing designs, restoration plans, or management plans are possible, as well as practical support during implementation.
Ecology Academy specialises in the ecological restoration of soil, water, and vegetation in both temperate and Mediterranean climates, such as Spain.
Ecology Academy procides one-to-one consultancy for private clients and professionals, and tailored training for organisations—ranging from workshops to in-company and on-site training.
For private clients, Ecology Academy provides individual consultations and on-site support (see ‘How can I help?’ on this page for examples). For entrepreneurs and professionals, individual coaching and training is available (see the information on this webpage above).
Bespoke training courses are designed for organisations: from project developers, government bodies and water authorities to professional bodies, collectives (e.g. food forests, ecological housing initiatives) and project groups (eco-villages, permaculture, regenerative places).
Workshops are concise and practical: ideal for inspiring teams and getting to grips with ecological themes immediately.
In-company training provides in-depth knowledge and skills and is fully tailored to an organisation’s specific requirements.
On-site training takes place in the field, allowing knowledge to be applied directly in practice.
Topics: ecology, climate adaptation, water & soil, planting, permaculture, food forests, nature-inclusive living, and climate-resilient design & implementation.
Contact
If you’d like to work with me at a deeper level, please call +31 6 29 555 131. There is also a contact form. Or email info@ecology.academy.
Do you have a project or need expertise? Feel free to ask your question.
Want to know more about Ecology Academy? See About.
About Chris de Waard? Read more here or LinkedIn.