As a child growing up on a farm in Sussex I developed a passion for nature and the environment. After leaving school I went on to study for a BSc in Environmental Biology, followed by a PhD in Microbial Ecology where I developed a love for medieval re-enactment and cooking. Since then I have spent 17 years as a Biology teacher inspiring the next generation to develop a life-long love of learning and biology, whilst continuing to expand my own sphere of scientific understanding and interest. I currently continue to teach part time and advise friends and acquaintances on gardening, with a strong focus on sustainability and wildlife gardening. In my spare time I enjoy cooking for friends, watching history and archaeology documentaries, reading science fiction and fantasy novels and singing in my local choral society.