What Makes NatureSpy a Social Enterprise?

At NatureSpy, we’re not just about selling trail cameras - we're using our decade+ of expertise to strengthen wildlife monitoring for conservation. As a social enterprise led by biologists, we use our skills, expertise, and profits to support wildlife conservation and connect people to nature. But how does our social enterprise support conservation? This post explains how.

What Is a Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises are businesses that trade for a social or environmental purpose. Like any other business, they aim to make a profit, but it’s what they do with that profit that sets them apart. Rather than lining shareholders’ pockets, social enterprises reinvest the majority, or all, of their profits into achieving their mission. For NatureSpy, that mission is simple: wildlife conservation and connecting people to the outdoors.

Our Unique Business Model

What sets NatureSpy apart is the combination of scientific expertise and a passion for conservation. Our biologist team ensures that every decision is rooted in what’s best for wildlife and the environment.

With over a decade of experience, we’ve developed a deep understanding of what makes a trail camera effective for wildlife monitoring. This expertise has allowed us to create our very own range of wildlife cameras, designed to balance affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. Our own brand trail cameras include:

• Ursus Trail Cam – Tough, reliable, and budget-friendly.
• Helarctos Solar WiFi Trail Cam – Built-in solar panel and impressive 4K video.
• WiFi Wild Cam 2 – The perfect garden cam; WiFi, HD video, and motion alerts.
• WiFi BirdCam Pro – Smart, easy remote viewing of garden birds with AI recognition.

 Our popular WiFi WildCam 2 - the perfect garden wildlife camera 

Our Conservation Work

At NatureSpy, we take a hands-on approach to conservation. Our flagship Yorkshire Pine Marten Pathways Project is a great example. In partnership with Forestry England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, we’re working to set the future direction for pine marten recovery in Yorkshire. Through monitoring, habitat improvement, and education, we’re paving the way for this elusive species to thrive. We also collaborate with incredible organisations, including:

• Badger Trust: Supporting their pilot study for the first-ever ‘State of the Badger’ survey to assess population trends across England and Wales.
• Wood River Wolf Project: Promoting coexistence between wolves and livestock in Idaho through non-lethal measures.
• Rainforest Concern: Supporting wildlife monitoring in three of their South American reserves, including Neblina Reserve, where we also help fund biologists and field technicians.
• Bioterra: Monitoring wildlife such as bears and lynx in Croatia’s Northern Velebit National Park.
• Shinganda Wildlife Wilderness: Supporting habitat and wildlife monitoring in Zambia to protect key species and ecosystems.
• Musekese Conservation: Assisting with the monitoring of large carnivores and herbivores in Zambia's Kafue National Park.
• IIECCO Andean Bear Project: Supporting research in Peru’s Calipuy National Reserve to assess Andean bear distribution and habitat use, contributing to Peru’s National Conservation Plan for Andean Bears.

An Andean bear captured on a NatureSpy Ursus trail camera out with our project partners, Rainforest Concern

These are just some of the projects we support—see the full list here.
By providing trail cameras, technical expertise, and funding, we help these organisations achieve their goals while expanding our own impact.

Connecting People to Nature

Our wildlife monitoring technology isn’t just for the professionals. We’re passionate about helping everybody experience the wonders of wildlife. Through initiatives like our Trail Cam Collective, we loan trail cameras to individuals, families, and community groups, making wildlife monitoring accessible to everyone. These projects aim to foster a deeper connection to the natural world and inspire the next generation of conservation advocates.

Why It Matters

NatureSpy exists to make a difference. By reinvesting our profits, we’re able to protect wildlife, empower conservation efforts, and inspire more people to care for the natural world. From the forests of Yorkshire to the mountains of Croatia, your support helps us make it happen. Together, we’re helping both people and animals to live a wild life®.

 A wolf pack strolls past one our Browning camera traps out with Voyageurs Wolf Project

FAQs

1. What is a social enterprise and why is NatureSpy one?
A social enterprise is a business like any other, except for two key differences: they have a clear social and/or environmental purpose, and they reinvest the majority - or all - of their profits into achieving their mission.
For NatureSpy, that mission is wildlife conservation and connecting people to nature. NatureSpy was established from the start to create a tangible impact, and becoming a social enterprise strengthens our mission and goals.

2. How do trail cameras help with wildlife conservation?
Trail cameras (also known as camera traps or wildlife cameras) are essential tools for wildlife conservation. They provide valuable insights into animal behaviour, population trends, and habitat use - all without causing disturbance.
Trail cameras act like a 24-hour field biologist, capturing every moment, day or night. This data is often critical for protecting habitats, studying species, and guiding conservation strategies.

3. There is a lot of choice on the market - which wildlife cameras are the best?
At NatureSpy, we only sell what we use ourselves. From years of field experience, we’ve handpicked the best trail cameras on the market. Our selection is highly curated and thoroughly tested by our field team to ensure reliability and quality, while also ensuring choices for different budgets. You can use our camera trap chooser to help find the right one for you. 

4. How do you become a social enterprise?
Becoming a social enterprise starts with a clear purpose: having a positive social or environmental impact. Businesses then commit to reinvesting their profits into achieving their mission, whether that’s in wildlife conservation, community, development, or another meaningful goal.

A key step is choosing the right legal structure. Many social enterprises begin as unincorporated businesses, but as they grow, they often adopt a formal structure. Common options include:

• Community Interest Companies (CICs): Specifically designed for social enterprises, with safeguards to ensure assets and profits are used for the community.
• Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG): A common structure for non-profits, without shareholders, ensuring profits are reinvested—that’s us!
• Registered Charities: These can be social enterprises if at least 50% of income is earned through trading, but they are subject to stricter regulations.
• Co-operatives: Democratic ownership models that often align with social enterprise values.

While there’s no single organisation that officially certifies social enterprises, joining groups like Social Enterprise UK or structuring your business accordingly can demonstrate your commitment to your goals. For more guidance, visit Social Enterprise UK. 

You can shop the full range of our wildlife watching tech here with profits going back to wildlife.