I am a freelance proofreader, copy-editor and writer specialising in natural history and science. I combine a love of language with a passion for the natural world and a keen eye for detail.

With degrees in Zoology and Animal Behaviour, and after several years of conservation work abroad, I spent five years working as a writer, proofreader and editor for the ARKive website, an initiative of the charity Wildscreen. This involved producing high-quality species profiles, together with topic pages, blogs, news articles and educational resources. I also edited and assessed profiles submitted by undergraduate and postgraduate students, and helped to manage social media channels.

Now a freelance editor for over a decade, I am based in the Forest of Dean, UK, but am able to work with clients worldwide.

You can find out more about the services I offer on my services page.

Experience and qualifications

I specialise in zoology, natural history and science, and am familiar with scientific writing and terminology, as well as with writing for a non-scientific audience. In addition to my zoology and animal behaviour degrees, I have a range of survey, research and conservation experience in the UK and in the tropics.

Over the past decade, I have worked on hundreds of publications, including detailed species monographs, popular science books, field guides, magazines, reports and student theses, for clients ranging from publishers to wildlife organisations, conservation groups, students and independent authors. I particularly enjoy projects that combine scientific accuracy with engaging, accessible writing.

My writing has appeared in BBC Wildlife and Bird Watching magazines, as well as online articles and other web content. As a writer myself, I understand how much your work matters. My aim is to help polish your writing while also being sensitive to your unique voice and style.

I have been a Professional Member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading) and have completed a range of professional editing and proofreading courses, including achieving a Distinction in the Publishing Training Centre’s Basic Proofreading course. You can find out more about my experience and what clients say about me on my portfolio pages.

Other interests

I am a keen naturalist with a passion for wildlife, and outside of my editing work I am also a wildlife tour guide in the Forest of Dean, helping guests to spot birds, mammals and other wildlife, and teaching them about the forest and its history. I am also a busy mum of two children, so long walks and tree climbing feature a lot in my free time!

I have a love of art and craft, and run a small business selling nature-themed artwork and gifts in my Etsy shop, Humbug Designs, inspired by the young wild boar or ‘humbugs’ around my home. I’m also an avid reader of nature writing and of fiction, particularly fantasy, and have written a couple of unpublished short stories for children.