I have been writing about science since the 80s...hard to believe, I know, I know, given my youthful good looks! Regardless, I've made it my business to turn complex science into entertaining, informative stories. I try to bridge the gap between the lab and the living room, while bringing nature and wildlife into focus through my photography.
When I'm not writing about science and nature or snapping birds, butterflies and moths, I indulge in making genre-fluid music, segueing between styles, bands and choirs, wherever the musical mood takes me. I've won several awards for my writing, websites, and even my photography, but nothing for my music...yet. I try to deliver all of this with a dash of well-seasoned, straight-talking Geordie wit and wisdom.
Explore My Work
š¬ Science
Insightful science and nature writing covering most fields in 38 years of writing. Online since the 80s, the web since 1994. Original Sciencebase.
Nature Mattersšø Snaps
Wildlife photography and nature features that combine fieldcraft with scientific observation and camera technique and photo-editing tips.
Get the picturešµ Songs
Composing, performing, and producing music. Solo projects, band work, community choirs, and collaborative recordings.
Listen to the musicš¤ Story
Professional and community activities of a freelance science writer, wildlife photographer, and musician.
Read my bioLatest Words & Pictures
Top 20 moths for 2026
I’ve mentioned previously that it’s been a record-breaking year for garden mothing here. I’ve recorded more than 16500 specimens and 417 species in 2026, with 37 of those new for the garden (NFG). So, I vibe-coded a spreadsheet formula to pull out the most abundant moths and to see their spread across the year. The … Continue reading “Top 20 moths for 2026”
Ultrasonic genitalia
It’s pitch black, you’re a big-old hawk-moth flying through the night in search of nocturnal nectar and a mate, when your in-flight detection systems pick up the sound of an incoming bat. You can duck and dive, but chances are the bat’sĀ echolocation system will pick you out of the dark and it’s bye-bye hawkeye! … Continue reading “Ultrasonic genitalia”
Craning to see the biggy smalls – Wings of the Week
I’ve talked about the Cranes of East Anglia before. When we first saw them, I think they numbered in the thirties, this week, I see someone reporting 100+ at RSPB Ouse Washes near Manea in Cambridgeshire. We’ve seen them in various places over the last few years, but apparently, the species ain’t what it used … Continue reading “Craning to see the biggy smalls – Wings of the Week”
The Gem – Moth of the Moment
It’s cold, breezy, drizzly – standard weather for an evening in early November just outside Cambridge. But, the moth trap is on and there’s been an early visitor – The Gem. A small brown moth, one of the geometers, which they know as inchworms in the US. This species is not common in the UK. … Continue reading “The Gem – Moth of the Moment”
Deceived Wisdom
The book of the blog and a whole lot more. Think you know the truth about things? Think again. In Deceived Wisdom, I dismantle the myths and misconceptions that have woven themselves into our everyday understanding of the world. Contact me for a name-your-price copy of the e-book version. Hardback and audiobook available from the usual outlets.
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