I don’t remember how old I was when I first became fascinated by living things, but I was certainly very young when it happened. I remember seeing blades of grass poking up through the tarmac of a pavement and thinking that that shouldn’t be happening. I discovered any number of questions about living things that both fascinated and bewildered me at the time. So it was inevitable, I think, that the study of nature would become a life-time activity and I would study biology at school and go on to acquire a university degree (in Microbiology and Biochemistry).

My current role is that of County Quiz Master for the annual junior school wildlife competition. I thoroughly enjoy the role, especially as my knees would no longer survive the arduous work of clearing scrub on a reserve.  I prefer a mental challenge to a physical one now.

I love working with and encouraging children. Young people are the future of the planet and they deserve all the encouragement they can get. My generation have had their turn and a right mess we seem to have made of the environment.

I take my inspiration from people like David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg and Chris Packham, all of whom I have met. I believe you need people who are your personal heroes and who inspire by example, but I also believe that children can and should number among those who inspire.

There are lots of opportunities for volunteering and not all of them are going to suit you or your temperament. But there’s bound to be one and it’s just a case of finding the one that’s right for you.

Along the way, I have learned that children will never cease to amaze you about what they can do and what they know. Don’t expect everyone (parents or children) to share your enthusiasm. Just encourage those who do.

The wildlife of Gloucestershire is very important to me, I look on every living thing as sacred… because it is. Every living thing. That’s why I support Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.