Simon has worked for the RSPB for many years. His work has included surveying the birds of Exmoor, helping protect Hen Harriers and Bee-eaters breeding in the North of England and analysing farmland bird survey data. He currently manages the RSPB’s land management advice and agricultural work throughout Eastern England working on policies that affect farmland birds and farm biodiversity. Simon has been a lecturer in ornithology for BSc students for several years, specialising in bird ethology and bird populations. He has a very strong bird guiding background from his experience in leading bird tours whilst on leave from his RSPB role.

Simon was raised in Plymouth, but now lives in Norwich and he has been an avid birder and naturalist since childhood. At just nine years old he remembers sneaking out with his father’s massive Russian binoculars at first light only to return home many hours later, covered in estuarine mud and to face the music from his parents! Simon also has an interest in dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and moths.