Born in the East of England, but raised in the Arabian Gulf, Ed was always going to have two things – itchy feet and an inquisitive mind. After leaving university he embarked on a career as a sommelier for a decade, working at various Michelin-star restaurants in London; in the process winning the prestigious sommelier competition ‘UK Torres Quizmaster’ in 2004. In 2009, Ed eventually decided that wildlife was his true passion in life and he went into conservation.
After brief spells with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology, his writing started to take centre stage. What started out as a casual column in a local village rag, escalated to writing articles for BBC Wildlife, Birdwatch, Bird Watching and the RSPB’s magazine, amongst many others. With his background in hospitality, it was only a matter of time until he started guiding. Ed also tutors for the Field Studies Council in the UK and he is currently writing the Crossbills Guide to Scotland.
Ed’s first love was always birds, but for the past half decade he has been obsessed with botany. Ed has travelled extensively worldwide, but he is particularly passionate about Africa, Europe and the Indian Subcontinent. Wherever he goes, he is endlessly curious about anything and everything! As well as wildlife, you will no doubt learn something about the history and culture of your destination on his trips. Ed is also particularly interested in bird vocalisations and takes pleasure in committing new ones to memory. Above all, however, conservation is closest to his heart and especially the preservation of the wilder reaches of our planet.
