Simon was born in the United Kingdom and traveled among various military camps during his early years, while his father served in the first battalion Royal Scots. He discovered a passion for wildlife while exploring quiet corners of military land that were inaccessible to civilians, the places people rarely see. These quiet, untouched spaces along the coastline of Northern Ireland, heathland moors and hills in and around Edinburgh, ancient south England woodlands, and the northern mountains of Wales stole his heart and nurtured his curiosity for nature. Meanwhile, his mother inspired him through through art and nature walks wherever they lived, spurring a keen interest not only in observing nature, but also in making detailed drawings.

Educated as a horticulturalist, Simon's career started in tree surgery, earning him practical skills in plant physiology and identification. A passion for wildlife and the mountains ultimately expanded the scope of his career into conservation, working as a countryside ranger in Newcastle Upon Tyne and educating local people living near special reserves. He worked for a time in Ontario, Canada doing forestry, nature walk and hide development, and growing shiitake mushrooms, among other projects. Ultimately, he returned to the U.K. to work for the British Trust for Volunteers leading large groups on practical conservation projects in County Durham and Northumberland, a post-coal-mining community where he retrained people in high-level conservation and ecology. Simon then served as reserve manager at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and reserve warden at Forsinard Flows in Scotland, where he restored native flora and fauna to the globally significant Blanket Bog. Currently, he is a site manager for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), working to restore Caledonian pinewood and Western Atlantic oak-woodland habitats across the central highlands of Scotland, managing a red kite feeding center near Black Isle, and supporting initiatives for Earasian curlew and other birds.

Simon's expertise in the Highlands and various nature reserves turned him into a full-fledged guide, leading people into wee corners that offer the best chances to view wildlife. When he's not guiding, he surveys golden eagles as a member of the Highland Raptor Study Group, as well as local arachnids. He's an active member of the Kintail Mountain Rescue Team and a keen kayaker, mountaineer, rock climber and nature lover.

Upcoming Adventures with Simon:
Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands

Praise from Nat Hab travelers: 

R. Mcgonegal
"Simon is wonderful! His knowledge of biology is outstanding and he amazed all of us with his ability to identify any bird species from sight or sound. He also introduced us to an amazing micro-world of Scotland, including getting up close with a Sundew (a first for me!). I can't tell you how much I grew to like and appreciate this man."

B. Schafer
"Simon was an excellent leader: extremely organized, responsive to the varied priorities of the group, and knowledgeable about the history, flora and fauna of the places we visited. I would definitely travel with him again!"

S. Bowman
"It was a pleasure to meet and travel with Simon as our Expedition Leader. He was organized, outlined each day's schedule the previous night and kept us abreast of changes to the schedule due to weather. Simon's knowledge of the area, the natural world and his past and current conservation work were an asset to this trip. I greatly appreciated all he shared with us! Simon was kind to everyone in the group and genuinely made an effort to get to know each of us. As often happens in our travels, we came together as strangers and left as friends. I consider Simon a friend and hope we can visit Scotland again with him."

J. Baker
"Simon was great! He is personable, knowledgeable, helpful and funny. He kept us all on schedule and safe while sharing his vast knowledge of Scotland, the Highlands, and the conservation efforts underway to reforest and reintroduce species of birds and animals to the area. I greatly appreciated his sincerity and good nature."

B. McKinnon
"Simon is a wonderful guide. He has an amazing amount of information to share and he has the perfect personality and skills for being a guide. He is alert to the needs of the group and he is a terrific problem solver!"

S. Billion
"Just my kind of guide: someone with scientific/technical knowledge! I really loved doing the marsh and woods walks and having Simon point out the tiny plants, which are so easily overlooked. And Simon was so very thoughtful of all the guest's needs! He was a joy to be around!"

B. Parker
"Simon not only shared his knowledge and passion for Scotland, but he also created an atmosphere to build collaboration, laughter and kindness amongst all members of the group." 

A. Stern
"Simon's passionate love of nature and conservation, his knowledge and expertise shared so generously, his thoughtfulness and attention to detail, and his sense of humor and fun all combined to make this an incredible trip! We were very lucky to have him as our leader!"