MORE ABOUT ME

I am known for my enthusiasm as a bird watcher, guide and naturalist, with experience in Africa, the Americas, the Arctic, Antarctica, Asia, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and Europe. I’ve encountered wildlife from Alligators to 7m Anacondas and Blue Whales to Blue Sharks with invaluable experience as a guide at Explorer’s Inn in the rainforests of Tambopata, SE Peru, helping to set up TReeS (the Tambopata Reserve Society). In the UK I have led wildlife walking holidays with HFholidays and cruises around the diverse coastline.

With over 23 years postgraduate experience in the UK I’m at the forefront of environmental issues and I am a full member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM). I’ve been a birdwatcher since childhood with skills as an ornithologist and also have been an experienced herpetologist surveying reptiles and amphibians for the last 21 years for a wide range of clients.

An experienced marine naturalist, familiar with life at sea, I’ve been the ship’s naturalist on sailing expeditions and wildlife cruises, led whale watching trips, and was a co-author of SEALIFE - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment. I’ve seen turtles, 41+ species of whales & dolphins, 16 other marine mammals, and over half the species of seabird. I’m also an advanced BSAC diver familiar with underwater surveys, a qualified BSAC dive cox to RYA standards, and a member of Kingston BSAC that won the Heinke trophy as BSAC club of the year in 2004. I am also learning to free dive with Notanx and an AIDA 2 star (open water) free diver and currently I can free dive to 28m and hold my breath (static apnea) for 4 minutes 45 seconds.

I have skills as a photographer (highly recommended in the 1986 BBC Wildlife Photographer competition with this picture) and I have practical awareness of ecotourism issues.

My experiences as a naturalist are central to my presentations, from stunning travel talks to conference sessions 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 Speakers 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) from 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) and a member of the Society of Biology (MSB).

Trained rifle handler in relation to safeguards relating to Polar Bear with experience as a rifle handler in regions with Polar Bears (Svalbard) with relevant practice at a shooting range in Trondheim, Norway (Trondheim Jeger og Fiskeforening diploma). Have also completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, and the BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation) Rifle Firearms Awareness training course in relation to handling, firing, cleaning and storing rifes. Have handled and fired (accurately) rifles from .17 calibre to .30-06 calibre.

Familiar with IAATO and AECO guidelines relating to responsible tourism in Polar Bear regions.

Also trained first aider with up to date course as 'activity' first aider (St. John Ambulance) and BSAC first aid for divers course and O2 administration course.

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