English botanist, specialised in ferns and spermatophytes. Also interested in conifers.

Phd in cytogenetics from Newcastle University, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at University of Queensland, Brisbane (1968-1970). 1971 appointed to conduct conifer and fern reserach at Royal Botanic Garden Edinbrugh (RBGE).

One of his greatest projects at RBGE was the Conifer Conservation Programme, established a network of safe sites throughout Britain and Ireland for the cultivation of threatened conifer species.

Published:

• "The Ferns of Great Britain and Ireland" (1982)