Welcome to my website! I am an ecologist, author and independent consultant with more than 35 years’ experience studying biodiversity, with a particular (though not exclusive) focus on pollinators, pollination and the relationships between flowers and animals. That experience is used to help organisations support biodiversity, improve the management and restoration of land, and increase the impact of environmental research.

The importance of pollinators and pollination

Pollinators such as bees, flies, birds, butterflies and moths provide vital pollination services to wild plants and agricultural crops. Around 90% of the world’s flowering plant species are pollinated by animals. These plants are the primary producers on which other animals and fungi depend, and from which we gain a wide range of ecosystem services, including carbon storage, flood alleviation, medicines and other products.

Animal pollination also contributes to the production of three quarters of the world’s leading food crops, including many fruits, nuts, vegetables and oilseeds. Pollinators are therefore critically important to both wild nature and human society.

Research, writing and advice

The relationship between flowers and the animals that help them reproduce has been a particular of my work throughout a career spanning more than three decades. During that time, this has included original research, international scientific collaborations, advisory and consultancy work, and extensive writing about biodiversity, particularly pollinators and pollination.

Research that I have led or contributed to has appeared in scientific journals including Nature, Science, Ecology, Trends in Ecology and Evolution and Ecology Letters. Writing for wider audiences has been published in New Scientist, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, British Wildlife, The Plantsman and other publications.

The books Pollinators & Pollination: Nature and Society and Birds & Flowers: An Intimate 50 Million Year Relationship bring together much of this experience. Both are written for anyone interested in the ecology, evolution and wider importance of the relationships between plants and their pollinators.

Supporting biodiversity and environmental research

Many pollinators are declining, together with much of the rest of the world’s biodiversity. Effective responses need to be based on sound evidence, informed by ecological understanding, and adapted to the particular needs of different habitats, organisations and projects.

As an independent consulting scientist, advice is provided to landowners, public bodies, businesses and conservation organisations on managing and restoring land to support a greater diversity and abundance of pollinators. Research teams and international projects are also supported through scientific advice, project evaluation, strategic reviewing and guidance on achieving the greatest possible impact from their work.

This website provides more information about my research, books, writing, consultancy, talks and other activities. Please explore the relevant pages or get in touch through the Contact page to discuss a potential project or collaboration.