James Phillips​

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I have been an avid birder for as long as I can remember.  I am rarely happier than when outdoors, either on land or at sea, looking for birds, cetaceans, invertebrates or plants and sharing my passion for wildlife with others!

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I have worked in nature conservation for the last 30 years, including as a researcher for the BBC Natural History Unit, WWF-funded research on the Dartford Warbler, species protection/recovery officer with the RSPB and wildlife sites officer for the Wildlife Trusts.  Since 2000, I have worked for Defra and Natural England (NE), leading NE’s species recovery work in England (across all taxa), farm wildlife and farmland bird conservation, and helping to restore wildlife-rich habitats across England.

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I have travelled widely across the UK, Europe and beyond, observing birds and other wildlife whenever possible, including many exciting seabirds and cetaceans. I have taken part in extensive cetacean and seabird surveys in the Bay of Biscay and worked with environmental NGOs in China, Russia and Southeast Asia to protect threatened shorebirds, including the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

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It is an absolute privilege to be part of the OWE team on the Fred Olsen cruises, and nothing beats helping passengers to see and discover the remarkable wildlife we encounter on the cruises.

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