a bit belated but hi!

pheonix · #1 (**permalink**) 04-11-2005, 12:46 PM

Hi my names Gareth, 21, and live a tiny village called Ratley in Oxfordshire (near Edgehill if you know of the civil war/battle of).

Having grown up in the countryside and coming from a farming family i have developed a great interest in wildlife and the countryside. As a child there wasn't a day i was not out with my bug jar! i have partaken in bird watching, tracking, and fishing, and although im not really into plants i love trees and in my opinion nothing can beat a majestic old oak. i have studied at an agricultural college for 4 yrs (but not in agriculture) and i've settled in to an ecological consultancy, its an amazing job to have i get paid for my hobbies and interests.. perfect!

i have been visiting this site for quite a while now actually, and i have to admit im hooked, i find it very interesting to hear of other peoples sightings, experiences and to see wonderful photographs of wildlife that people have taken. i also find it great that people can help each other, share opinions, and learn from this site, its good to have a range of people from the nearly clueless trying to gain knowledge to the very worldly wise sharing their knowledge.

Great site

Tinkerbell · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2005, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the compliments Gareth, and welcome to Wild About Britain. I rather envy your upbringing - although there was nothing wrong with mine! The nearest I got to a farm was the Winchcombe (Glos) Young Farmers Club (chicken judging being my bete noire).

We look forward to hearing more from you in the future - it's so easy to miss the obvious (scenery, birds, animals) when you are surrounded by them, but I have a feeling that you'll be sharing your experiences with WAB members.

Tink

StuartDH · #3 (**permalink**) 04-11-2005, 01:15 PM

Hi Gareth,

Good move starting a career in ecology. Looks like it'll definitely become a growing industry and even if it doesn't, it's a great way to spend your days.

When you're out and about, don't forget to take some pics around Oxfordshire and post them in the Gallery.

Cheers

Stuart

P.S. Looks like I've been rumbled...I definitely fall into the 'nearly clueless' category, but then again, not long ago I wouldn't even have been able to include 'nearly' in that title so things are looking up