Research & Conservation
A passion for connecting people with nature
TREE CLIMBING FOR SCIENCE
Birds, trees & mammals
My research in tropical forest canopy ecology in Costa Rica and rare raptor populations in the UK uses advanced tree climbing techniques to access the canopy.
Documented for the first time in science, our discovery of multi-species mammal latrines in the cloud forests of Costa Rica was published in the journal Ecology & Evolution.
Other studies include ongoing field research with Dorset Raptor Study Group on Schedule 1 raptor species in the UK, specifically European Hobby (Falco subbuteo).
In my work as a tree safety expert and IRATA trained rope access technician, I also assist conservation projects around the UK including the Glasgow Peregrine Project, Tayside & Fife Raptor Study Group and BTO.
Discoveries in the cloud forest
Current projects
-
![Rope Access Technicians at work]()
Assisting conservation projects
Using rope access skills to assist projects like the Glasgow Peregrine Project
-
![Hobby chicks in their nest]()
Raptor monitoring
Field research on aspects of raptor ecology with the Dorset Raptor Study Group.
-
![Scientist in the canopy]()
Canopy science
Discovering new behaviours and species in the cloud forest canopy.
-
![Long-eared owl chick on branch]()
Monitoring raptors in Scotland
Monitoring a range of scarce & protected species for conservation.
Live cameras
Live camera action!
As well as working with TV presenters, a lot of my work involves assisting the install and maintenance of live nest cameras on the nests of some of rarest wild birds.
From cleaning the lens of the Loch Garten Osprey camera to the logistics of an eagle camera install, great care and expertise is required and all work is carried out under licence and in association with the land owner.
Volunteering
As an active volunteer verify tree records for the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Inventory as well as hunting for new records. I also carry out monitoring and research on rare raptors in partnership with Forestry England as a member of the Dorset Raptor Study Group.
