About Ed
Experienced naturalist, author, tour leader, birder, photographer, public speaker, bird ringer, zoologist, feather expert and long-term peregrine researcher based in the Forest of Dean.
Profile
Ed has knowledge in depth and an energetic, infectious passion for the natural world. He is a kind, friendly and clear communicator able to tailor delivery to audiences of every age and level – in classrooms, conference halls, or under the forest canopy at dawn.
Base & Experiences
Based in the Forest of Dean, he specialises in exploring wild places and sharing them with others – both across the UK and overseas. Locally, bespoke wildlife safaris introduce visitors to the Forest’s signature species: wild boar nosing through leaf litter, shy roe and fallow deer at the woodland edge, and a rich cast of resident and migratory birdlife such as crossbill, siskin and pied flycatchers.
In spring, guided dawn-chorus walks help people hear, recognise, and remember birdsong, with practical tips that make identification feel intuitive rather than intimidating.
Approach to Learning
A learning-first mindset underpins every project. Experience includes education and public-engagement roles with Bristol Zoo, the RSPB, Bristol Museum, and the University of Bristol. That foundation now powers independent work designing and producing enquiry-led resources for nature-focused organisations. From curriculum-linked packs and field-based activities to exhibition text and digital content, materials are built to be hands-on, evidence-based, and easy for teachers, rangers, and volunteers to use.
Field Expertise
- Tour leading & guiding: Small-group trips in the UK and abroad, with an emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters, habitat context, and practical fieldcraft.
- Birding & bird ringing: Broad experience in identification, survey methods, and ringing, demystifying techniques for newcomers while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.
- Photography & public speaking: Visual storytelling that supports talks, workshops, and media appearances – turning complex ecological ideas into memorable narratives.
- Zoology & feather identification: Specialist knowledge of avian morphology and feather structure, applied in both research and educational settings.
Professional Identity
Naturalist, author, tour leader, birder, photographer, public speaker, bird ringer, zoologist, feather expert and peregrine researcher.
Peregrine Research
Peregrine falcons have been a central thread of Ed's career for more than 27 years. He has been studying their diet, dispersal and site fidelity, combining field observation, prey-remains analysis, ringing data and collaborative records.
Ed is currently finishing doctoral research which has grown directly from his dataset, deepening his understanding of how peregrines use landscapes, what they eat across seasons and what they feed their young.
Current Offerings
- Wildlife safaris in the Forest of Dean: Encounters with wild boar, deer, and diverse woodland and upland birdlife.
- Spring birdsong & dawn-chorus experiences: Guided sessions with practical identification coaching.
- Commissioned educational resources: Curriculum-linked packs, field activities, exhibition and digital content.
- Talks & workshops: Topics include raptors, feathers, bird migration, and wildlife photography.
- Specialist consultancy: Feather identification, ringing projects, and survey design.
What Partners Can Expect
- Clarity and enthusiasm: Complex science translated into plain language without losing accuracy.
- Evidence-led content: Every guide, lesson, or talk grounded in current research and field data.
- Inclusive experiences: Activities designed for beginners and specialists alike, with accessibility and safety front of mind.
- Local insight, global perspective: Deep familiarity with Forest of Dean wildlife plus international tour-leading experience for context.