I love animals. At home we have a pet dog called Steve, a cat called Indiana, and three Guinea pigs called Muffin, Mento and Marmalade. As a graduate in Biodiversity & Conservation who now works in the environmental sector, I am particularly interested in food for animals, creating wildlife habitats, forest ecology, sustainable fishing and growing my own food. Prior to my time on the Bake Off, I volunteered for the London Wildlife Trust, building habits for newts in urban environments. I am a member of the Wildfowl & Wetland Centre, The National Trust and the RSPB.

I have written recipes for the Zoological Society of London‘s magazine for members – Wild About – for people to make feasts for hedgehogs and banquets for birds in their own gardens. One of the most exciting cakes I’ve ever made was a 40th Birthday Cake for Zaire, one of the Gorillas at London Zoo. I worked with her keepers to create a vegan cake made from all of her favourite food stuffs. The video of her enjoying the cake is below.

I have been fly-fishing and sea-fishing since childhood and I still fish as often as I’m able to get out on a boat with my Dad. I have created fish recipes for my book and for BBQ demos I have given.

I had a fruit and vegetable patch in my previous garden at home that provided the inspiration for most of my summer and autumn bakes. In my job as a builder I was regularly involved in garden design and sustainable landscaping. I’ve worked with companies including STIHL Chainsaws and Viking Garden Products.

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