My main research interests are the biology and ecology of thrips, with a view to exploiting this knowledge to develop novel means of managing thrips as pests in agriculture and horticulture. I also carry out research on the foraging behaviour of bees and have kept honeybees for many years. My latest book on "Plants for Bees" is a comprehensive guide to the plants that benefit the bees of the British Isles. I am currently a council member of the International Bee Research Association, a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, a Life Fellow of the Cambridge Philosophical Society and a Fellow of the Linnean Society.