I've worked in The Regent's Park since 1977; I was assistant bird-man for about two and a half years, becoming a 'fully fledged' bird-man when my predecessor left. My title now is Wildlife Officer as things have developed over time. At first the aim of my job was to care for and maintain the waterfowl collection in the park. This meant taking the eggs away from the non native species of swans, geese and ducks and hatching them in incubators or under chickens and arranging the purchase, or swapping of ducks, geese and swans as well as feeding and rearing them. The young were reared and exchanged with other breeders - mainly in the south-east of England. We exchange with other breeders to increase the number of birds in the collection but also to bring in new blood lines.

Originally Regent's Park had up to 90 species of waterfowl; numbers are now around 60 but these are types of waterfowl best suited to a park environment. My main interest is ornithology and I have used my expertise and knowledge to improve the wildlife habitat in several areas around the park. I have also advised the Park Manager on various projects to encourage different types of birds, dragonflies, butterflies, moths and other species into areas that were previously unsuitable. We have achieved this by planting new reedbeds or allowing grass and wildflowers to grow. This has given the public the chance to see nature and types of habitat they may never normally visit. I also arrange and lead bird walks during the migration season -these have proven to be very popular.

I also monitor and survey habitats within the Parks to assess how successful habitat creation has been.