A Day in the Life of… Dr Mike Swan, Head of Education at GWCT
Is there such a thing as a typical day for you? If so, what's it like?
Every day is different. One day I might drive to Kent and back to give shoot advice for a GWCT member, another I might be delivering a training course at HQ, and on another I might be deskbound, writing articles, and answering members’ questions.
How did you end up doing what you do?
I didn’t really have the qualifications, but I applied for a trainee adviser post, and blagged my way in. I assume the bosses believed me when I said that I could learn what was needed on the job…
What motivates you?
Helping members to do real conservation in the living, working countryside.
What’s the one thing that can make the difference between a good day and a bad one?
The satisfaction of seeing advice acted upon and put into practice
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?
A week on the Falklands gently persuading them that it was both impractical and wrong to introduce our gamebirds in hopes of attracting visiting shooting parties.
How do you relax?
Go fishing, and especially, go hunting for prawns and lobsters in the rock pools of the Gower Peninsula at low water of big spring tides.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
My wife Mo, because she manages to successfully juggle so many responsibilities
What is your most treasured possession?
Dad’s old Sheffield made carbon steel pruning knife, which I found in a pair of his trousers when we were clearing the house.
What keeps you awake at night?
All sorts of silly things, and then again Mrs Swan snoring.
What’s the best part of your week?
Summer Fridays are for sea trout fishing.