About the Guides
John Threlfall
Wildlife artist. Member of the Society of Wildlife Artists. Bird Artist of the Year 2007. John’s book 'Between the Tides' celebrates Britain's estuaries and the Solway in particular. The dynamics of space and light and the seasonal flux of wildlife, especially birds, passionately inspires John's art and life.
For further information and contact details visit: www.johnthrelfall.co.uk/
Dave Fairlamb
Dave is Manager of the WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Reserve and leads on various policy work for WWT in Scotland. Dave also has over 20 years experience working for the RSPB.
He is a regular guide around the Solway, giving talks and leading groups for over 10 years in the area.
Contact: 07909 721 096
David Hawker
Life-long naturalist and professional ecologist, a trained botanist and obsessive birder David has leived and worked in the region for the past 30 years. He has an extensive knowledge of its geology, landscape and the interaction between these and the flora and fauna. David is the Botanical Society of the British Isles Recorder for Kirkcudbrightshire and has lead nature tours in UK, Eire, Iceland, Menorca and S. Africa.
Contact: 01557 814 249 or 07748 590 838
Email: hawker398@btinternet.com
Brian Irving
Brian was educated at University College London and the University of Lancaster and following a short spell as a University Research Fellow he has pursued a career in landscape and environmental conservation since the late 1980's.
After working in Eastern Europe the Middle East and North America he returned to his native area of North West England. Over the past twelve years Brian has Managed the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and continues to champion its sustainable development and protection.
Brian has been a published photographer for over 30 years.
For further information and contact details visit:
www.helm-images.co.uk/index.html
Keith Kirk
Keith Kirk is a semi-professional Wildlife, Landscapes and Natural History Photographer and writer and lives and works in the Stewartry area of Dumfries and Galloway.
His day job is Countryside Ranger with Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service but in the evenings and weekends he pursues his passion for the countryside and photography which he will share with you. One to One tuition or small groups. Depending on experience and your time, skills, location and interest; will determine where we go.
For further information and contact details visit: www.dumfriesandgallowaynaturalhistory.co.uk/
Brian Morrell
A life-long birder, Brian has worked for WWT at the Caerlaverock Wetland Centre for 20 years. He is a local, born and bred in Dumfries and Galloway and is an experienced guide. Brian has also worked overseas on various wildlife projects.
Contact: 07751 485 144
Steve Cooper
Steve is an expert birder with 25 years experience at WWT Caerlaverock. A former county bird recorder, he now works on contracts throughout the region. His wide knowledge of birds and years of leading guided walks make him an ideal wildlife guide.
Contact: 01387 381 027
Thomas Wilson
Since early childhood nature and art have figured prominently in Tom’s life. Since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 1991 he has pursued these passions as a profession. After recently returning to his birth place in Ayrshire, Tom takes great pleasure working in his native landscape and sharing its heritage and nature with others.
Having worked on traditional country estates and in the care sector, Tom has also been involved with conservation projects to help the likes of black grouse, butterflies and badgers, and has organised heritage based art workshops for over a decade.
Tom believes that nature guiding has an important role in enabling people to truly value ‘life on earth’. He believes that he has a responsibility to work as a ‘facilitator’; connecting people to nature where more usually it exists only on the fringe of their lives. Tom says “nature is more than just something you watch on TV, and when it becomes real you never want to switch it off!”
For further information and contact details visit: www.westwildscotland.wordpress.com