Phil O'Keefe

Phil O’Keefe is a Dorset Field Officer with the Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) Trust. After studying Biology, he returned to his beloved Dorset to work with conservation organisations including the Dorset Heaths Partnership and the local authority. He has now worked for ARC since 2019, giving him extensive knowledge of the area's nature reserves. His role includes winter habitat management, surveying, public engagement and running the volunteer program. He enjoys outreach and events where sharing his knowledge of heathland and specifically reptiles can alter the perception of such a special habitat. 

Phil is passionate about his local area, which is incredibly important ecologically and not just for our native herps; Poole harbour and the surrounding coastline offers vital feeding grounds for overwintering birds. With some of the great reintroduction programs locally, Phil believes that Dorset is hard to beat for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Where else can you watch a female Sand Lizard digging a burrow whilst Sea Eagles and Ospreys fly overhead!