A warm welcome from Kate.
Hi, I'm Kate, Founder of the Water Bear. Thanks for taking the time to visit my website.
My service is all about flexibility, and having owned my own veterinary practice, I know how important this is. Having also been a locum professional for 6 years, I also know how to slot into organisations and hit the ground running.
Looking for support?
Evolution of the Water Bear
Years ago, I listened to a Radio 4 session on 'Water Bears' or Tardigrades, critters that lived on the rooves of houses in the moss - I was fascinated.
Water bears have been on earth for 600 million years and can go without water for up to 30 years, they have even survived in the vacuum of outer space.
These micro-animals are one of the most resilient creatures on earth. This is where The Water Bear was born, considering my own business at the time, I likened the Water Bear to my business, to be able to build resilience to face the challenges that lie ahead.
It became obvious when working with different organisations over the years, that many just don't know where to start, so to understand the impacts of climate change are an important step in being invested to working more sustainably.
Understanding the challenges and the impacts of the changing climate on a local level, provides the clarity to be able to develop mechanisms for continued growth, and to be able to build profitable companies, that provide stability in uncertain times. And ultimately, embrace change, to identify the need to adapt for the business, the people, and the planet.
The Water Bear offers veterinary practices and small businesses sustainability advice and guidance as and when needed, in all aspects of climate change, education and sustainability. We help you build that resilient organisation.
As organisations grow and evolve, the demands of meeting regulatory or operational requirements increase. The ability to provide skillsets to accommodate this growth, is not always practical, affordable or needed by increasing capacity full time.
The Water Bear is positioned to offer an outsourced or shared sustainability service. Just as you may outsource your HR, or Health & Safety requirements, so too can you outsource your sustainability needs. I fit to your requirements, whether you need a sustainability manager or advisor for a few hours, a month or longer term.
As a new service, I am ever evolving and will be transparent about the growth and provisions I can provide as I grow. I have specialist experience in earth sciences, veterinary science, environmental management and assessment, sustainability, business operations, and customer relations.
I recognise that I'm not perfect and am constantly learning and adapting to our ever-changing environment. I am confident I can advise, and ensure you are operating at your best, with sustainability and protecting the environment, deeply embedded in your organisation.
In the words of Maya Angelou
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
I will always strive to do better.
Kate Bartels RVN, BSc (hons) Geology/GIS, AIEMA
RCVS registered and BVNA member
Climate (STEM) Ambassador
STEM Ambassador
