My Name is Pete and this is literally my first step into a career in conservation. I'm usually based in the Peak District (UK) and my background is in the Outdoor industry; having done a BA in Outdoor Studies in the Lake District (UK) back in 2009 and worked primarily as a mountain bike guide and expedition leader ever since. In 2012, my wife and I set off on a 20,000km bike ride form the UK to New Zealand which we completed over 2 years and since getting back I have set up and run my own company 'Adventure Pedlars', a not-for-profit organisation which aims to facilitate meaningful experiences in nature through cycle-touring and bikepacking. I also work for a youth expedition company taking teenagers on developmental expeditions all over the world.

However, now I'm at somewhat of a crossroads in my career, having recently had two small children, Covid putting the brakes on overseas work and, recognising the urgency of the climate & biodiversity crisis, I now feel a strong pull towards applying myself to the conservation and environmental sectors. As such, I've just signed up for a part-time MSc in 'Sustainability & Behaviour change' at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) and I'm in the process of applying for a Project Management traineeship with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. I also hope this course will set me up on the right track and inform my next steps..

As you might be able to tell, I have a passion for all things adventurous (especially if it's on a bike!) and I love to share this with others. I guess my aim is to eventually find a way of linking adventure and conservation, using experiences in the outdoors to foster behaviour change towards the environment but I'm also excited to see what this new direction throws at me!