About me

About the natural explorer

An enthusiastic wildlife guide and naturalist, I've been a keen birdwatcher since childhood at the start of the 1970's, and have been surveying reptiles and amphibians as a herpetologist since 1989.

With postgraduate experience since 1982, an environmental consultant since 1989, and a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MIEEM), I've been at the forefront of environmental issues, and have been involved with a number of successful mitigation projects in the UK. 

As a naturalist I've experienced wildlife on all seven continents, from the tropics to polar regions, and the privilege to visit a range of remote oceanic islands.  I’ve encountered wildlife from alligators to anacondas, Blue Whales to Blue Sharks, giraffes to gorillas, penguins to potoos, Orang-utans to Olingoes, and a lot more!

To improve on my skills as a naturalist I had invaluable experience as a guide at Explorer’s Inn in the challenging rainforests of Tambopata, SE Peru, helping to set up TReeS (the Tambopata Reserve Society).

In the UK, as a naturalist and guide, I've led wildlife walking holidays with HFholidays and have been the ship's naturalist on many wildlife cruises around the diverse coastline of the British Isles.

As an experienced birdwatcher and marine naturalist I’ve worked on sailing expeditions and wildlife cruises around the World for many years, including tours with G-adventures, Noble Caledonia, and Adventure Canada, led whale watching trips with Discover the World and Wildwings, and was a co-author of SEALIFE - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment. Over the years it has meant I've built up considerable experience of marine life and have seen at least 58 species of whales & dolphins, 23 species of seal, Sea Otter, Dugong, Polar Bear, and around 75% of all seabirds, as well as experience of turtles, sharks, fish, coral reefs and intertidal life.

I’m an advanced BSAC diver and have dived throughout the UK and around the World, and I am familiar with underwater surveys and marine life, from fishes to coral reefs. A qualified BSAC dive cox to RYA standards, I am a member of Kingston BSAC that won the Heinke trophy as BSAC club of the year in 2004, and an AIDA 2 star (open water) free diver, learning with Notanx, I can free dive to 28m and have held my breath (static apnea) for 4 minutes 45 seconds. I am also a member of the Marine Conservation Society and a founder member of the Shark Trust.

I have skills as a photographer (highly recommended in the 1986 BBC Wildlife Photographer competition) and a practical awareness of ecotourism issues. My experiences as a naturalist are central to my presentations, from travel talks to conferences, guaranteed to have the audience on the edge of their seats. Renowned as an enthusiastic speaker, I was a founder member of the PSA (the Professional Speaking Association) and I’ve been a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society since 1986.

I obtained a B.Sc degree (hons) in Biological Sciences (specialising in Ecology) at UEA Norwich in 1982, and a M.Sc. in Oceanography (specialising in Marine Biology) from the University of Southampton in 1983. I am a chartered biologist (CBiol), a member of the Royal Society of Biology (MSB), and a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Familiar with the guidelines for IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) and AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) relating to responsible tourism in Polar Bear regions and a PTGA (Polar Tourism Guides Association) Senior Polar Guide. I also have a range of certificates based on training courses relating to being a naturalist and a 'seafarer' on expedition cruise ships.

And to relax - I like to dance lambada, meringue and salsa - the dancing naturalist!