About

View from Shepherd's Cottage, East Lothian

I live on a farm in East Lothian with my wife and two children. I am lucky enough to make a living doing things that I thoroughly enjoy. My year consisting of seasonal contracts in mycology, fungal ecology and carpentry, as well as the unexpected.

My working career started in technical theatre and scenery construction in 1984. In 1997 I moved into the world of corporate entertainment and established Kilkenny Event Construction Ltd, but after ten years decided to take a change in direction. In 2007 I went to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to train in mycology under the tutelage of Prof. Roy Watling through the Natural Talent Apprenticeship Scheme funded through TCV Scotland.

My work takes me all over the world and gives me the opportunity to work with some fantastic colleagues. I am a cub scout leader, administrate the local Fungus Recording Group, and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for bushcraft and foraging.

Forgaging for mushrooms and babyleeks
Foraged chanterelles
Basket of foraged fungi