I have fostered my interest in natural history from childhood, influenced by great naturalist authors such as Gerald Durrell. I studied BSc Countryside Management at Aberystwyth University. Since graduating (via a short stint in the commercial realities of the banking world), I have gained over 12 years of experience of working for a LERC, at SEWBReC in south east Wales. This has given me a great understanding of data management and a sincere appreciation for the work of volunteer recorders. In my current role of Senior Projects and Communications Officer, I spend much of my time spreading  the word about the ways in which SEWBReC can assist local recorders, whilst conceiving of ways to encourage biological recording, particularly for under recorded areas and groups.

In my spare time I am a reformed birdwatcher, having discovered the greater joys of studying the smaller and multi-legged nature to be found in south Wales and beyond. I am currently working on my meagre ID skills, mostly concentrating on Orthoptera (grasshoppers & bush crickets), Hemiptera (true bugs) and Tipulidae (craneflies). I have an interest in urban wildlife, and the nature which is often overlooked on our own doorsteps.