Dusty Gedge talks

What was your favourite solution in the whole Wild Thing series?

Puffins, because it relied on a long-term solution. Providing an effective management plan for dealing with tree mallow on Craigleith involved considering the long-term.

Also barn owls, because we created a building that not only catered for this wonderful bird but will also allow a range of species to live in it, especially masonry bees. Besides, I am really interested in buildings and biodiversity.

What is your favourite animal?

Don't like pejorative questions like this. One of the great things about nature is that there is so much. As a birdwatcher, January is a time of sea ducks and divers; February, woodpeckers; March, migration begins; April, the black redstarts start singing.

By July, waders are returning and in August and September small migrants provide the perfect excitement. October is a time for sea-watching and November and December for winter birds.

But, if you really pushed me, it would be the goldfinch or the long-tailed tit.

What is the most exciting wild experience you have ever had?

Disturbing a summer plumage great northern diver off the rocks of my home town beach when I was eight. I was gobsmacked.

If you could change the world in one way, what would that be?

Green buildings whole-scale, thereby reducing our ecological footprint.

What, in your view, is the biggest challenge facing our wildlife today?

Climate change and human beings.

What advice could you offer anyone wanting to work with wildlife?

Get out there and involve yourself. I am only an 'expert' because I wanted to do something. I spent hours watching and empathising with nature. I don't have a formal qualification and I think that helps. Experience counts.

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