I'm Graham, an ecology graduate (1989), with over 30 years experience of working in the nature conservation sector (Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, local government).
I spent 5 years working at an SSSI in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For 10 years I was on a remote island nature reserve, with Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, and Storm Petrels, among others. Then 4 years in France, observing many 'exotic' species. Then I spent a year on another island with the RSPB (terns, Avocets). For 8 years I worked on the local Flow Country National Nature Reserve at Forsinard (bog waders, ducks, raptors). Now I'm going it alone!
As a resident of 12 years in north Sutherland, I'm in a fine position to show you the many special species that are to be found up here. This area includes thousands of hectares of land (and sea) designated for their natural history interest, i.e. Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. These protect: huge seabird populations; rare breeding wading birds, divers and ducks; arctic-alpine plants (growing just above sea level); salmon river; geology and so much more!
I have put together a small programme of 'set' guided walks, where anyone can come along (see my Facebook page), but if you'd like something different, personalised to suit your timeframe, your particular interests, or limited to your family group only, then please contact me - I'm available for hire. Do you want to improve your identification skills? I can teach you how to. Want to see some rare plants? Hard-to-find upland breeding birds? Contact me!