I've had a passion for wildlife and nature for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Leeds, exploring local wasteland and parks, looking for bugs and beetles to collect - many of which I kept in a huge array of matchboxes in my bedroom. My first interest in wildlife photography began when I was 10 when I asked for a camera with a close-up lens for Christmas. However, the Kodak Instamatic which arrived didn't quite satisfy my hopes and expectations!

I've since pursued my wildlife interests with a first degree in Zoology and a masters degree in animal genetics, followed by a career with an environmental charity in Leicester, now called Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire.

I still love to find and observe wildlife and I try at least once a week to visit a local nature reserve or to walk in the countryside. My collecting is now restricted to taking photographs and keeping records and notes. I never fail to be awed and inspired by the infinite variety of nature - there is always something new to see or learn. I take photographs partly to capture some of the beauty and fascination I witness, but also to help identify, learn about and remember different species and their habitats. Whilst it is of course very satisfying to capture a wonderful, aesthetic image, I am also pleased with portrait photographs which can then help with identification.

I am as interested in invertebrates as much as the more spectacular birds and larger animals. My early desire for a close-up lens is now satisfied with an excellent macro lens that helps to reveal the wonderful detail and architecture of small animals that just can't be fully appreciated with the naked eye.

Virtually all my photographs are taken in situ, wherever I find them. I don't artificially 'set-up' a shot or remove animals from the habitat where they were find as it is very important to me to minimise my impact on the environment. The only images that are partly artificial are some of the moths which have been caught in my garden heath trap. In the morning they are very docile and relatively easy to photograph before being released.

My camera equipment is now a step up on that Kodak Instamatic. I mainly use a digital SLR, the Canon 300D with two main lenses: a Sigma 75-300mm telephoto zoom and a Canon 100m f2.8 USM macro.

I do hope you enjoy the site and that through these images I can share some of the wonder I feel about observing the natural world.