I work as a botanist specialising primarily in palms, bananas and cycads, but also gymnosperms, pteridophyta and other prehistoric plants.
I have 30 years international expedition experience through 66 countries. Some of the more memorable ones include Tibet, Mongolia, the Karakorum of Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Colombia, and the rain-forests of Borneo and Sumatra.
- I speak fluent Mandarin Chinese and basic Bhasa Indonesian.
- Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).
- PADI open water diving licence.
- Hold a driving licence to drive any motor vehicle. I have driven through 37 countries on various expeditions, and have extensive experience driving buses, motorcycles and 4x4 6x6 and 8x8 trucks through all terrains off-road.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to have studied many of the world's rarest and most endangered animals and plants in their natural environments. Key animal species I've worked with: Bengal tiger, Snow leopard, Wild cat, Pallas's cat, Wolf, Linx, Bears, Pine Marten, Indian rhinoceros, Orang-utan, Leather-back turtle, Lammergeier, Eagles, Crocodiles, and 4 whale species.
During the last decade my work has evolved somewhat into leading other botanists and enthusiasts into the field for them to conduct their research, where they make use of my language skills and knowledge of the environments. This work is mainly in China, Japan, remote Pacific islands, and into various rain-forests. More recently I've been leading larger groups into wilderness areas in pursuit of rare mammals and birds.
Most of my experience is in tropical and temperate biomes. But, I will consider work elsewhere that's under 5000m. Peruse my DLOG (top) to get an idea of my experience & see some photos.
I am available for days out in the UK or contact me for employment to aid in your expedition, be-it as an advisory role, logistics, or more involved. Alternatively you may simply be looking for a suitable expedition to join, I have many planned. Contact me to discuss it.