Bringing biodiversity to overlooked spaces

Solas for Nature is a startup social enterprise working across Scotland to enhance overlooked urban land for nature and communities. Founded by Vicky Junik, the organisation is built on a simple but powerful idea: small interventions in neglected spaces can create meaningful change for both people and the planet.

As Solas moved from early idea to growth stage, it needed more than passion - it needed the right skills, structure, and support to build something sustainable. Through Reach, Vicky connected with trustees and skills-based volunteers who brought not just expertise, but new perspectives, confidence, and momentum. Here Vicky, Founder and Executive Director, tells us about the difference that Reach and volunteers have made to the organisation. 

“When I set up Solas for Nature, I knew we needed more than just good intentions - we needed the right skills around the table to help us grow. Through Reach, we were able to find exactly that. Half of our board came through the platform, bringing expertise from finance, banking and corporate leadership that we simply wouldn’t have accessed otherwise. They’ve helped us think differently, challenge ourselves, and build the kind of structure you need to move from a small startup into something much more sustainable.

“At the same time, we brought in a volunteer with digital skills initially to support with IT - and it has been one of the most valuable relationships we’ve built. What started as advice on systems grew into building our website, improving our digital presence, and even developing GIS mapping tools to support our work. If we had paid for that level of expertise, it would have been far beyond our reach as a small organisation. Instead, we’ve had someone willing to work and grow with us, helping us build properly from the ground up.

“What’s been just as powerful is how these relationships have developed over time. Our volunteer hasn’t just supported us - he’s learned new skills alongside us, expanding into areas like mapping because of what the organisation needed. And we’ve seen the same with our trustees. For many of them, this was their first time volunteering. They wanted to give something back, and in doing so they’ve gained a real insight into how a social enterprise works - that blend between purpose and business thinking. There’s been a real exchange of knowledge on both sides.

“Reach made those connections possible. It’s not just about listing roles - it’s about finding people who are genuinely aligned with what you’re trying to do. The calibre of people and the integrity of the process meant we could trust that we were bringing in the right individuals, and that makes all the difference when you’re building something from scratch.

“The impact has been huge. Our systems are stronger, our thinking is sharper, and we’ve been able to grow in a way that simply wouldn’t have happened otherwise. But beyond that, it’s created momentum. These aren’t one-off contributions - they’ve built confidence, capability and relationships that will continue to shape the organisation long into the future.

“And for me, that’s what skills-based volunteering at its best looks like. It’s not just about filling a gap - it’s about growing together. You see the difference in real time, and you know it’s setting you up for what comes next.”