About

Field naturalist & nature writer

I live in the Wombat Forest, on a small bush block in Porcupine Ridge. The block is grassy dry forest, on the edge of the Central Victorian Uplands, with Mount Franklin nearby.

I have been a mad keen naturalist since I was six or so – with Gerald Durrell and David Attenborough my biggest influences as both naturalist and writer.

In 2013, I published a book called Daylesford Nature Diary: six seasons in the foothill forests. This book is a collection of nature diary articles, set to a specially devised local calendar, and illustrated beautifully throughout by Anne Mason. It also features photos kindly donated by naturalists across Victoria.

My day job is at Macedon Ranges Shire Council as their Biodiversity Projects Officer.

For daily updates on local nature happenings, especially insects, plants and fungi – check out my Instagram page @tansnaturediary

For a fun 15 min segment every four weeks I join Gavin McGrath on ABC Western Victoria – as their local nature enthusiast!

At home, I have an aviary outside filled with rescue parrots – cockatiels, bourke’s parrots, budgies and one gorgeous Princess Parrot named Sid. All were surrendered, or lost… I love them!