The VIP overlord and benevolent follower. 

What a nice, kind, eccentric resident!

Hi! I'm Alex (he/they), the original Alex on the VIP! I'm currently in my fourth semester on the VIP and in my 3rd year of studying Marine Biology!

I'm the one running the website at the moment and I've updated it a fair bit! I'm also the person that usually helps you set up QField/QGIS if you're on the VIP as a new comer!

I particularly like Robins and Magpies and any other common bird species (What can I say, I like being able to see birds on the regular!) and I'm venturing into wildlife photography!

Bio - Hi!  I'm Piper, I'm a 4th year Ecology and Conservation student from the Highlands of Scotland.  This year for Biodiversity Literacy I am updating and expanding our mapping database, making it ready for a new round of biodiversity interns this summer.  I volunteer at St Andrews aquarium and with the Rock Pool Project in my spare time, and can regularly be found on our beaches or in our woodland, looking for new species to identify!

I’m Katie (she/her), a 4th year ecology and conservation student. I’ve always had a love for the outdoors, finding joy in slow miles and big landscapes whether by hiking, biking or birdwatching. In the VIP, I help develop and run projects and events.

Hello! 

I’m Ian Redfield, a second year from the state of Colorado, currently studying zoology at St Andrews. I have been bird watching for just over a decade, while dabbling in herps, mammals, and the odd plant. Naturally, this VIP was alluring because it offers the opportunity to hone skills and passion beyond the classroom out in the field. Outside of wildlife, I am very fond of backpacking/hiking, drawing, music, and photography.

Hi! 

I'm from the West Midlands in England. I'm currently in my 2nd year at St Andrews, studying BSc Computer Science. I'm super excited to join this VIP to support the project in any way I can and improve my wildlife identification skills! I would love to develop a better understanding of the natural world and help others do the same. In my free time, I enjoy baking, art, photography, and learning new things!

Hi, I'm Alex! 

I am a second year Biology student from Norfolk and applied to the VIP to get some  experience in ecological monitoring and improve my field ID skills.  Since I was small I've been looking under roofing felt for slow worms  and searching for newts in ponds so this was clearly the VIP to apply  for! When I'm not studying I'm usually hiking up a hill somewhere :)

I’m a second year psychology student, and my role in the VIP is social media outreach and bat monitoring. I chose to apply to the VIP because I love being outside in nature, and I want to help local conservation efforts. In my free time (when I’m not at the beach looking at birds), I enjoy fencing, knitting, and running.

Hello, I'm Ian and I'm in my fourth and final year of studying physics. I have had a love for nature and the outdoors for as long as I can remember. I am very excited to join this project and get involved with the nature that's on our doorstep. I have always been particularly interested in birds with my favorite bird being barn swallows.

When Im not studying, my main hobbies include birding, art, and music.

My name is Noe, and I am from Topanga, California. I am a third year student, studying International Relations and Sustainable Development. This is my second semester in the Biodiversity Literacy VIP, and I have loved learning to identify the local species in the St. Andrews ecosystem.

Hi! I’m Rowan, a fourth year Biology and Earth Science student. This semester, I’m working on all financial aspects of our upcoming Biodiversity Awareness Day, as well as a project in conjunction with the University’s Development Team to ensure all development plans comply with our Bioeiversity Action Plan. The rest of my time is spent playing music, dancing, and producing shows around St Andrews, which has been great practice for event planning in the VIP!

My name is Parker Dymond; I am a fourth year ecology and conservation student. I began my birdwatching journey on the VIP, and have made a lot of progress, continuing on to do my dissertation on Corn Buntings. I also participated in the biodiversity monitoring internship over the summer and am lead species ID officer for the Rockpool Project East Sands hub.

Hi I’m Tom! 

I study physics but more importantly I am a keen birder. I was born in Brazil but spent my teenage years in London. This is my second semester on the VIP and I am looking to get more knowledge on other aspects of our natural history - butterflies, trees, flowers etc. Besides birding and talking about birds I am fanatic about real ale and adore cold water swimming.

Hi, I’m Leah, a 4th year Biology student from South West Scotland.

I’m working on a project for the universities land development, as well as KPI statistics and helping out with social media content creation. 

Most of time is spent in nature, either riding my horse through the countryside, bird walks, beach cleans and growing my own vegetables.

My name is Yiqin, I’m a fourth year student doing Mathematics and Philosophy. I like birding and learning more about the local environment.