Senior Nature Conservation Writer
For 16 years, I've been documenting the wild horses and dune ecosystems of Latvia's Pape Nature Reserve. Now I create guides that make these landscapes accessible to everyone, especially older adults who want to explore on their own terms.
How I Started
I wasn't always focused on writing about nature. During my Environmental Science degree at the University of Latvia in Riga, I was interested in the research side — the data, the field observations, the academic publications. That all changed during my first field season at Pape Nature Reserve in 2008.
We were studying dune succession patterns, tracking how the vegetation changed year to year. But what caught my attention weren't the plants. It was the semi-wild horses. They'd adapted to this specific landscape over centuries, and their presence actually shaped the ecosystem in ways most people didn't understand. I realized we had this incredible story to tell, but nobody was telling it in a way regular people could actually understand.
So I started writing. Not academic papers — guides. Explanations. Stories about what these horses do, why the dunes matter, what visitors should actually know before they walk through there. After working with the Latvian Environmental Protection Bureau for eight years, documenting everything from horse populations to habitat changes, I joined Melodiebouchard Solutions SIA to focus entirely on what I've come to believe matters most: making this knowledge accessible.
That's been my focus ever since. Especially for older adults. They're often left out of nature tourism — trails are too rough, guides don't account for different paces, nobody thinks about what a 65-year-old actually needs to have a good experience outdoors. We're changing that.
Education
B.S. Environmental Science, University of Latvia
Field Experience
Pape Nature Reserve researcher since 2008
Previous Role
Latvian Environmental Protection Bureau, 8 years
Current Position
Senior Nature Conservation Writer, melodiebouchard Solutions SIA
What I Know
My expertise spans coastal ecology, sustainable tourism, and making nature accessible. Here's what I focus on most.
Behavioral ecology, herd dynamics, seasonal patterns, and the semi-wild horse populations of Pape Nature Reserve. I've documented their movements and interactions with coastal habitats for over a decade.
Dune ecology, succession patterns, vegetation dynamics, and the unique landscape features that make Pape special. Understanding how these systems work helps visitors appreciate what they're seeing.
Trail design for different abilities, accessibility assessment, and creating outdoor experiences that work for pensioners and older adults. Not everyone wants a challenging hike — and that's completely fine.
Seasonal bird movements along the Baltic coast, species identification, and the importance of coastal wetlands. The Pape Reserve is a critical stopover point for migrating populations.
Translating scientific knowledge into clear, accessible writing for diverse audiences. Making complex ecology understandable without oversimplifying the actual science.
The broader ecological context of Latvia's coastal regions, including wetland systems, salt marsh dynamics, and the interconnected habitats that support diverse wildlife populations.
My Philosophy
I'm a researcher first. Everything I write is grounded in actual field observations and scientific understanding. That doesn't mean it's boring — it means it's real. No made-up animal behaviors or exaggerated claims about nature. Just the actual fascinating truth.
Nature shouldn't require perfect health or athletic ability. I design trails, guides, and experiences around real people — people who move slower, need rest breaks, want shorter distances. That's not a compromise. That's good design.
People protect what they understand and care about. My job is to help visitors actually understand these ecosystems — not just see them. When you know why the dunes are shaped like they are, or what the horses are doing, you're more likely to respect the place.
I can explain ecological succession to an academic audience or a pensioner on a guided walk. The science doesn't change — just how I present it. Accessible doesn't mean simplified. It means clear.
"Understanding local ecosystems deepens our connection to place. That connection is what drives real conservation — not rules or guilt, but genuine care for somewhere you've come to know."
Recent Work
A selection of my recent writing on coastal nature, wild horses, and accessible outdoor experiences.
June 5, 2026
Wild Horses
What the horses at Pape are actually doing, why they gather in certain areas, and how their behavior changes with seasons. Includes tips for observing them respectfully.
Read the guideJune 2, 2026
Trail Guides
A detailed breakdown of the most accessible routes through Pape's dune system. Distances, elevation changes, and what you'll see along the way. No rushing required.
Read the guideMay 31, 2026
Accessibility
Practical advice on pacing, what to bring, how to manage joint pain, and finding trails that won't leave you exhausted. Older adults deserve nature experiences too.
Read the guideMay 29, 2026
Birdwatching
When to visit for the best birdwatching, which species to expect in each season, and how the Pape Reserve fits into broader migration patterns along the Baltic coast.
Read the guideGet in Touch
Whether you're interested in commissioning a guide, discussing nature tourism accessibility, or just want to chat about coastal ecology, I'd love to hear from you.
Organization
Melodiebouchard Solutions SIA
Specialization
Coastal ecology, nature tourism, environmental education
Best for
Nature writing, trail guides, accessibility consulting, educational content
