A nature conservationist and globetrotter

The translations for the English web site of EuroNatur are mainly carried out by voluntary translators. One of them is Iain Macmillan. The 66 year old Englishman, who worked for many years as a language teacher, is – very British – an enthusiastic rower and birdwatcher.

a man with binoculars in the garden

Iain Macmillan in the garden of the EuroNatur head office. He always has a pair of binoculars around his neck – you never know, there could be a great tit twittering in the trees!

© Christian Stielow

“At the age of eight I heard a great tit and wondered what kind of bird it was. Since then, my interest in natural history has never stopped growing. At the same time, I have always been a supporter of the European idea. I am very concerned about the increasing nationalism I see around me, so I think it is all the more important that Europe works together in these difficult times. EuroNatur stands for both the conservation of nature and European solidarity. I particularly like the diplomatic approach with which it campaigns for its goals - conservation strategies are not determined from above, but are developed in conjunction with the local people and their NGOs. I really hope that EuroNatur and its partners succeed in preserving the marvellous natural wonders of the Balkans, applying what we have learnt from the mistakes made in Western Europe.”

Iain is ringing birds

Iain also loves visiting Lake Constance – whether it is for the annual Conservation Days in the Radolfzell Milchwerk conference centre at the beginning of each year or for bird ringing on the Mettnau in autumn. In this video you can find out what inspires him to place small rings on birds and whether he speaks with his feathered friends.

Man with a small wild bird on his hand
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