Firstly, sorry if I don't always respond fast, recently I've been travelling alot to train young ecologists and conservationists and being in the field, which means busy busy days and not always time to check back here. I will try to get back to anyone who contacts me, but during very busy periods I just might not quite get there, and though I'd love to help you have a great stay in Banna-if I don't get back to you, I'm sorry...

My remit is basically: To study and protect biodiversity around the world, and enthuse others with the importance of the Natural world. I do this by targeted research, training young conservationists and trying to create linkages between conservation science and the people who put that into practice

ABOUT ME

I'm now an Associate Professor in Integrative conservation and biodiversity. I'm based in Southern China and my work basically aims to try to understand why we find different species in different places-and how we can best protect them into the future.
In reality this can and does take me to interesting places, and lets me meet all sorts of interesting people and do field work in different habitat types.
Though I can't host right now I'm more to meet up with people for a chat, or explore some area-let me know if you are down my way!
I've travelled a fair bit, and in reality everything I do stems from a love of being outdoors in interesting places, looking for wildlife.

I also like most outdoor things and I draw, volunteer with children with learning disabilities and enjoy the theatre.

I have travelled alot before too-mainly to study in rainforests, I am much more comfortable in a hammock in the jungle than a city, but at least if I am with an interesting person in a home rather than a cold sterile hotel I should be able to laugh and exchange travel stories!

I love painting, and cooking-though I never seem to have the time anymore, and I wish I did

I like to know the people, and the stories when I am in a place, to take photographs, not snaps and to leave a place with memories and new friends in my wake

PHILOSOPHY

Keep your eyes and ears open so you can see and feel new things, and do your utmost to make this world a better place in whatever small way you can

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am happy to show people around and help them where-ever I am in the world. However if you are near Xishuangbanna tropical botanic gardens and want to meet up- I am always happy to chat: NOTE this is not in Jinghong, but about one hour by bus (The CS system just sets to Jinghong). I have a spare bedroom some of the time, and it's always nice to meet new people from the CS community and exchange stories, cook togeather (though I'm veggie-and prefer that meat stays out of the house), and explore when there is time!
I'm fairly open minded and easy going, though I frequently have alot of work on-so may not be able to spend as much time hanging out as I'd like too, but really enjoy the interesting people and perspectives I meet through CS

I really enjoyed the Bristol CS community, and took part in alot of events-but there are not many of us here -so if you are ever around let me know! When I lived in Canberra CS not only found me my house (and awesome housemates) but the CS community was the best way to make some really interesting freinds in a very cliquey city.

Now I have less time for CS-but when I do have the time it's a wonderful way to meet really interesting people, and learn new things

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Surfing, and joining in (and occasionally organising) community stuff. I have made some great friends on CS, and I am so happy to be part of the CS community!

Interests

Everything, especially relating to the Natural world.
Painting, drawing, cooking, caving, hiking, British comedy, psychology (and pretty much everything related to philosophy or any scientific field)
I also ride (horses), draw and do lots of volunteer work.

• wildlife
• horses
• cooking
• traveling
• volunteer work
• painting
• drawing
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• spelunking
• surfing
• teaching
• psychology
• science
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Any

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I can't choose, I have had so many interesting experiences!

Teach, Learn, Share

Open your eyes, your ears and your heart and share what you know of the world. Everyone brings a different perspective and every new one we hear makes us a little wiser

What I Can Share with Hosts

Experiences, stories, anecdotes. A great recipe for mushroom risotto, and the best way to handle bats or do fieldwork in the tropics!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, China, Thailand, United Kingdom

•