I work as a Forest Ranger, based in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. I have always been passionate about conserving and protecting our natural heritage and I dedicate my professional life to environmental preservation. Education is a key component of this.

 I am dismayed at the continuing decline in wildlife abundance, both locally and globally.  With continuing pressures...the decline in biodiversity shows no sign of abating and unfortunately is accelerating! Along with many others I fight to preserve wildlife populations and habitats so that future generations can enjoy the diversity of life that we do today. I also believe that it is inherently wrong to sit back idly whilst species slip into critical decline.

The restoration of natural processes, helps to mitigate against biodiversity loss and also provides resilience to cope with the worst effects of climate change. Therefore I wholeheartedly support organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts who proactively implement natural restoration processes. 

The Pine Marten is an iconic woodland species that has been driven to local extinction across many parts of the UK. Their proposed re-introduction to the Forest of Dean will help to restore the natural ecological balance and safeguard the survival of the species in Southern Britain. It's also a step towards rectifying a wrong from the past and in providing, more robust, resilient and diverse woodlands for the future.

Additionally, it helps to ensure that we leave a positive lasting legacy of healthy functioning ecosystems for our children and grandchildren to enjoy!

My cumulative mileage covers 223 miles (and a little more) the distance symbolically chosen to replicate the translocation of Scottish Pine Martens to Gloucestershire.

Events, mileage and times completed are:

Brecon to Cardiff Ultra marathon - 43.5 miles in 8:32:24

Forest of Dean Spring Trails Half marathon - 13.1 miles in 1:29:32

Vale of Glamorgan Coastal Ultra marathon - 32 miles in 5:46:32

Dragon Coastal Trail Race - 102 miles in 29:11:03

Severn Bridge Half marathon - 13.1 miles in 1:37:00

Worcester City Half Marathon - 13.1 miles in 1:30:51

Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon - 13.1 miles in 1:33:27

Total mileage  = 229 miles

Pine Marten photo credit: Mark Hamblin  (2020Vision.jpg)