NEW director of Somerset Wildlife Trust is Adrian Plant, whose lifelong interest in wildlife conservation has included research on sea birds and insects.

For the past 20 years, Dr Plant, aged 45, has been employed in the biotechnology and chemical industry in Britain, Germany and New Zealand.

Most recently, he worked in Poole, Dorset, but he said: "Birds and invertebrates have occupied much of my free time.

"Sometimes I feel that wildlife has been a way of life with commerce and science merely providing the means of material support."

Another personal interest is early music: "I see the role of director of the wildlife trust very much as a conductor of an orchestra rather than lead soloist," he said.

"I believe that we must co-ordinate the wide experience, expertise and enthusiasm of the membership and staff to ensure the best use of resources to protect Somerset's wildlife."

Somerset Wildlife Trust chairman Edward Wells said Dr Plant succeeded retiring director Roger Martin at an exciting time. Lottery and Landfall Tax windfalls meant the trust now protected 3,500 acres of Somerset.

He added: "Adrian brings that vital blend - a passion for wildlife and commercial experience of management and leadership.

"We can now move forward to increase our influence in the wider countryside and throughout the community as a whole."