Alex Prendergast

Alex was born and brought up in rural eastern England and has maintained a lifelong interest in plant biodiversity and gardening. He gained a Master’s degree in Plant Biodiversity and Taxonomy from the University of Edinburgh in 2007.

He has worked on botanical projects across Central America, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and East Africa, as well as throughout Britain and Europe, though he has a particular affection for Mediterranean islands and the pursuit of endemic species.

When not guiding for Naturetrek, Alex works as a Senior Specialist for Plants at Natural England, where he leads species recovery projects and provides advice on plant conservation and legislation. He has been closely involved in conservation efforts for some of Britain’s rarest and most elusive species, including Cottonweed (Achillea maritima), York Groundsel (Senecio eboracensis), the Ghost Orchid (Epipogium aphyllum) and the Large Copper butterfly (Lycaena dispar).

Alex also serves as Meetings Secretary for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and acts as a taxonomic referee for several genera. He has a particular interest in critical plant groups such as dandelions, sea‑lavenders and brambles, and is currently working on a phylogeny of UK elms.

His wider interests include butterflies, geology, punk music, wild swimming and sampling local cuisine wherever his travels take him.