I am a self-employed ecologist, with over 30 years experience, working on nature recovery projects in Scotland. 

I have a degree in Ecology (including one year Agriculture and one year Environmental Economics) from Leeds University.  My background includes fifteen years in nature conservation, working for the National Trust and RSPB, as Management Planner, Senior Conservation Officer, National Campaign Manager, and Senior Warden. 

In the 1990s I led an RSPB conservation team covering ten counties in northern England. In my free time I studied the breeding ecology of twite, helping to develop survey and conservation guidance for this red-listed bird species.  Selected for senior management training, I was seconded to RSPB HQ to lead a national campaign on wildlife legislation, contributing to the creation of a new Act of Parliament, and gaining a PGDip in Advanced Management (voluntary sector ) from City, University of London. Choosing a change in direction, as warden of a 5,000 hectare RSPB upland nature reserve, in the early 2000s, I introduced farm management measures which led to rapid increases in black grouse and farmland wading birds.

I moved to Scotland in 2005, and since then I have provided ecological surveys and advice to consultants, land managers, developers, and conservation organisations.  Projects have ranged from small community initiatives, to large nature recovery and major infrastructure schemes.  Passionate about responding to the climate crisis, and with a lifelong interest in upland birds and habitats, windfarm ecological surveys and assessments have been a significant part of my work.  I have worked on more than fifty windfarm projects, over their lifetimes’ displacing many millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. 

I now assist nature recovery projects through advice, strategy development and management support. I also provide surveys for all species of raptor. 

I am an enthusiastic project manager and leader, with an eye for bringing the right people together to build motivated and effective teams.  A natural strategic thinker, I understand the importance of good project structure, from identifying need through to completion.  My approach is logical, stepwise and responsive, with an emphasis on developing, communicating, and monitoring clear objectives and timelines.  

I have the technical background to understand complex ecological issues and to identify the opportunities and resources needed to deliver on objectives.  I prioritise effective positioning of projects at an early stage – using a marketing approach to identify key stakeholders and project messages – forming a firm basis for public relations and advocacy.

I am a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.