Ian was born at Hampton Court in Surrey and grew up in west London near Heathrow airport. Whilst at school he started the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, gaining his gold Award in 1969. It was this that started his fondness for Dartmoor as his expeditions were done here. After completing gold Ian went on to become an assessor for the D of E expeditions in 1971. He started teaching in a primary school near Heathrow and moved to Devon to be near Dartmoor in 1976. It wasn’t long before he joined the Rescue Group and the DNP guides – in 1978.
He is now semi-retired, enjoying some supply teaching, running his own living history business for schools and guiding. His particular interests are archaeology of all types and legends, but his walks always include flora, fauna and geology- anything to do with the moor.