Well, that’s another year coming to a close and one I’ve tried to fill as much as possible with nature, conservation, trips away and exercise. This is my constant aim and looking back I think I’ve achieved that; it’s been pretty full on, particularly from late winter through to the middle of summer.

The highlight has got to be the trip to Botswana; probably one of the most memorable experiences of my life which had so many moments to cherish. Added to this must be my two stays on Ramsey Island and the two trips Sweden. However, there were also a whole host of other things that make 2017 one of my best years yet.

Here’s my year in numbers:

• 1 new continent – Africa
• 1 10 mile run
• 1 bird survey course
• 2 stays on Ramsey Island
• 3 trips abroad – Botswana, Sweden x2
• 3 peregrine protection shifts
• 4 beer festivals
• 4 weekends away – Norfolk x2, Rutland, Northumberland
• 5 10km runs
• 5 countries – Scotland, Wales, Sweden, South Africa, Botswana
• 6 osprey protection shifts
• 8 bird surveys
• 9 counties stayed overnight in
• 35 days volunteering – Crewe and Nantwich Conservation Volunteers and RSPB
• 35 species of mammal seen including 22 new ones
• 57 walks
• 61 nights away
• 68 blog posts
• 70 runs
• 150 cycles
• 206 miles run
• 300 birds seen including 144 new ones
• 314 sessions of exercise
• 2,659 miles cycled
• plus some whisky and quite a lot of cheese!

Here’s some photo highlights:

However, while much of 2017 has brought so many positive and happy memories, there were also some less happy times, particularly two bereavements which will always mark out the year – hopefully 2018 will be without such things.