My Back Story

Let's start with the present

I’m based in the Idle Valley Nature Reserve in North Nottinghamshire where I spend my time researching, writing, making films, and playing the guitar. I act as  chairman for Jonathan and Angela Scott’s Sacred Nature Initiative, and I’m a director of the Society of Environmental Authors & Journalists.

And work our way back

I moved back to the UK after living for several decades in Kenya where we built our own house in the suburb of Karen of ‘Out of Africa’ fame.

We travelled a lot

I worked as a management consultant in East Africa, first with PWC then running my own business for many years, and I wrote extensively for a variety of magazines, as well as publishing my first book.

I learned to fly

Now that was an adventure.

I also played in a band, seen here backing Dutch singer Johanna.

My time as a safari guide

My first venture as an entrepreneur was taking clients on safari to the Okavango Delta. We used converted army Forward Control LandRovers and enjoyed many great adventures, long before it became a mainstream destination.

The road to Africa

What took me to Africa was a Series IIA Land Rover. In what I describe as an early-life breakdown, I set out to drive across Africa, reaching Cape Town two years later having visited 40 national parks and game reserves in 17 countries. 

Bottle Bank years

My career had come to an early peak when we were invited to Buckingham Palace to recycle the royal empties. Bottle Banks were my creation and I can proudly say they helped transform – for a while – our wasteful society.

My first venture abroad

I was aged ten when I set off for Spain with a school friend.