The purpose of my Fellowship was to widen my knowledge of reed bed birds and their habitat requirements and to share this knowledge to improve conservation management of reed beds.

After 35 years working for the RSPB at their Leighton Moss Reserve, I retired in 1999. I have continued my interest in reed bed birds, which was the purpose of my Fellowship. This has involved regular visits throughout the year to Leighton Moss and many other sites. I have extended my wildlife interests to many other groups.

For my services to wildlife conservation I was awarded a BEM, an honorary master's degree by Lancaster University and an honorary fellowship by Cumbria University. I have advised and assisted in the establishment of two new private wildlife reserves and shared my love of wildlife to many groups. Since retiring I have published ten peer-reviewed papers on reed bed birds.