About the authors

Derek Darke

​Derek was born in 1952 in South Wales. On leaving school he trained for a while as a photographer and then worked for many years in sales and marketing. In 1998 he gained a Bachelors Degree in Science followed in 2003 by a Masters Degree in Literature. For eight years he taught Environmental Science in adult education.

Carol Rockett

​Carol was born in 1962 in Reading. Following a spell earning a living at clerical work she became a horse riding instructor which she enjoyed for several years before embarking upon her university education. In 2000 she was awarded a Bachelors Degree in Zoology followed in 2001 by a Masters Degree in Taxonomy and Biodiversity.