The environmental and spatial data collection experts

Natural Apptitude is a leading UK software development company specialising in ecological and nature lead citizen science and data collection apps and websites.

Phone with a screenshot from the mammal mapper app on it showing a list of spotted mammalsPhone with a screenshot from the Dawn Chorus app on it with a globe illustration and the words "join the global dawn chorus" on it
Photo of a bee sitting on a purple flower inside a hexagon shape
Photo of an range landscape of brush and trees with mountain in the background in a hexagon shape
Laptop with screenshot of the Big Butterfly Count website map on it

We specialise in creating citizen science and data collection apps and websites that support ecological and conservation efforts.

From defining the problem to final delivery, we work closely with you to understand your project, audience, and goals.
Success goes beyond just downloads; we prioritise long-term engagement and are heavily invested in helping you to fulfil your mission. Our collaborative approach ensures we achieve your project goals and objectives in the most intuitive and user-centred way possible.

What we offer
Photo of green countryside with green field and a blue sky with clouds

At Natural Apptitude
we believe in...

Environment first

We are passionate about the environment and doing our part to help tackle the many challenges facing the natural world both here in the UK and abroad.

Trust

We take ownership of everything we do, valuing transparency at every level, both within our team and everyone we work with. We strive to build long lasting, fruitful relationships that can grow together.

Collaboration

Combining diverse perspectives from everyone involved in our projects is the key to creating innovative solutions. We work with everyone involved from users to stakeholders and the whole team in between, and always keep an open mind to everyone’s ideas.

Flexibility

Recognising that both project requirements and personal commitments can change, we pride ourselves on our flexibility with both our customers and our team’s needs.

Doing good

When we’re not working on projects that help the environment we focus on projects that help improve lives, in crowdsourcing and citizen science projects, health and education.

BBC logo

Featured on the BBC’s One Show, Springwatch and Countryfile

Small but mighty

Our small but dedicated team of 10 offer a wide range of skills from over 30 years of experience, in back and front-end development, research, user-centred experience and product design, marketing and environmental expertise.

Though based in the the UK we are remote first allowing us to gather the best talent from everywhere. With a flat team hierarchy we make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, and we collaborate closely together, even though we are far apart.

Picture of Dave Kilbey

Dave Kilbey

Founder and CEO
Dave, an ecologist turned rogue, founded Natural Apptitude in 2013. With over 25 years in IT, education and business, he has grown the company from a part-time venture to a thriving hub with a talented team of developers and designers. Dave is committed to environmental conservation and when not working, Dave enjoys exploring the Cotswolds and training his puppy.
Picture of Joe Woodhouse

Joe Woodhouse

Chief Technology Officer
Joe began his tech career in database development at Nokia before focusing on front-end coding and gaining a deep understanding of a wide range of technologies and languages. This full-stack expertise allows him to tackle problems from multiple perspectives and solve even the most complex issues. Outside of work and developing new apps, Joe enjoys spending time with his family.

What our customers say

"It feels very much like a bespoke service… There’s a real understanding at Natural Apptitude of what’s needed – as new features have come out they are all things that make my life easier."

Heather Dickie
Programme Manager
Bore Place

"It feels very much like a bespoke service… There’s a real understanding at Natural Apptitude of what’s needed – as new features have come out they are all things that make my life easier."

Heather Dickie
Programme Manager
Bore Place
Photo of green grass fields with pathways cut through them and a blue sky