Norfolk born and bred, I have, for most of my life, lived within a short distance of the coast. My family has roots in Aylsham or close by. My formative years were spent in Narborough in west Norfolk where I enjoyed growing up in the Nar Valley when the countryside was our playground. There was an unwritten ‘right to roam’ and an abiding interest in nature simply became part of me. 

I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor working in Wroxham, Dereham, Cromer and Norwich. I was also an auctioneer selling everything from antiques to boats. From the early 1990s came a complete change of direction, with my wife and I running a hotel and restaurant until retirement.

The day job done, I was eager to spend more time birding and with my wider interest in nature and the environment. I joined the North East Norfolk Bird Club where I have been a committee member for some years.

From there, I discovered Felbeck Trust and volunteered. I have enjoyed every minute of it and now, as a Trustee, look forward to helping to do our bit for the future of nature.