Alan Reed came originally from Newcastle upon Tyne in Northumberland, England. An alumni of Wallsend Grammar School, he graduated in physics at Durham University, and spent 25 years teaching to A-level before taking early retirement. Now free from constraints, his imagination is given full reign.

Nature, in all its forms, has always facinated me. Whilst growing up I was always one for collecting shiny stones and shells, and looking in awe at 'little beasties' under a microscope. And to some degree, I've not changed at all.