I have been fascinated by wildlife and natural history since childhood (this is one of my earliest photos, of Chi-Chi the Giant Panda in London Zoo, taken when I was about 10). I discovered Botany when I went to Aberdeen University, and mountain flowers, in particular, have been a passion ever since.

After my degree, I took a Diploma of Education, then worked in the Education sections of Edinburgh Zoo and the World Wildlife Fund (as it was then), before going freelance in 1980.

Since then, I have worked as a broadcaster for BBC Radio Scotland and Radio 4, as a schools television presenter, I have written books, and contributed to a wide variety of other publications. I worked part-time for Plantlife Scotland, the Wild Plant Conservation Charity, and I am still on the Advisory Board of Plantlife International.

I chaired Scottish Wildlife & Countryside Link from 1995 to 1999, and was Deputy Chair of Scottish Natural Heritage from 1999 until 2005. However I am happiest when I am "out in the field" (as here at a famous plant crag in Perthshire) in Scotland or beyond, whenever the opportunity arises.

I was awarded an OBE in 2005 "for services to biodiversity conservation in Scotland" (below left) and was honoured to receive the Planta Europa Silver Leaf Award in 2007 for work in European wild plant conservation (photo below right, copyright Peter Skoberne).