Environmental Education
As an experienced outdoor educationalist, I have been studying the natural world for more than 20 years, and have been living in Torfaen for the last 12 years. I have a wide-ranging knowledge of the wildlife of our local area. In particular, I am an expert on British spiders.
Whether you want to know more about the wildlife of your local area, or are a parent who wants to ensure that your children learn about the natural world, there is something for you here.
Commercial organisations and businesses interested in formal ecological survey work please click here|.
For Adults and Children
Talks
Are you part of a local club or society? Or just a group of interested friends? Want to know more about spiders? My slideshow talk "Spiders: Not Just the Horror in the Bath" is around 75 minutes long, and has been well received by wildlife interest groups.
Nature Rambles
Explore your local area! Find out what is living in the woods and fields where you live. Or, plan a guided walk in an area that interests you. Individuals, groups, adults and children all catered for.
(Note: For your security and reassurance, all walks will have a full Health and Safety check carried out beforehand).
Bug Hunts and Displays
What is living in your garden, school grounds, or in that patch of grassland near where you live? See butterflies, bees, spiders, grasshoppers, snails, and much more, and find out about how they live. Whilst there, learn about some of the wild plants found at the same time.
Alternatively, I can arrange to bring the minibeasts to you, safely contained, to look at in the comfort of your home. Great for schools and playgroups, especially for younger ages. Minibeasts are on the National Curriculum too!
For adults, find out just how much life there is in your wildlife garden.
(Note: These activities are subject to suitable weather, and generally only available between April and October).
Pond Dipping
Everyone has done this at some time, but it is much more interesting and instructive when you know what it is that you have caught, and can learn about it. Great for schools or homes with a pond, or arrange to meet in a suitable spot. Nets and equipment provided if necessary.
I am a qualified ecologist specialising in invertebrates. Emphasis is on arachnids, particularly spiders, but also centipedes, millipedes, woodlice, and other terrestrial non-insect groups.
Please contact me to discuss your needs.
Ecological surveys
Species lists and ecological analysis available. Conservation and management advice relating to both habitats and rare species. I have previously been involved in such work for The Wildlife Trusts of South and West Wales, The National Trust, and have assisted in work for the Countryside Council for Wales.
Conservation Advice
For businesses or private individuals, advice on how to make the grounds of your workplace or home more conservation friendly.
Research
I will consider research projects relating to invertebrate ecology and management. For students working in the field, support for your projects is available.