Meet the Team

The Mammal Society is run by a board of Council members and a small administrative team based in Hampshire and Somerset. Many other consultants and scientists also generously contribute their time to provide specific expertise in our survey work and conservation projects.

Key Council Officers and Members of Staff

Derek Yalden, President of The Mammal Society

Born in Surrey in 1940 and educated at University College London and Royal Holloway College, Derek became a lecturer in Zoology at Manchester University in 1965, where he remained as senior lecturer and reader of Vertebrate Zoology until his retirement in 2005. Derek joined The Mammal Society as part of his 21st birthday present in 1961, and was actively involved in producing the first mammal atlas. Derek also studied Ethiopian mammals, following an expedition there in the summer of 1968 and is now a walking encyclopedia on mammalogy. Derek has been president of The Mammal Society since 1997, with a major achievement being the long-awaited publication of the 4th edition of the Mammals of the British Isles Handbook in 2008 with Prof. Stephen Harris.

Johnny Birks, Chairman

Johnny became fascinated by mammals and their field signs at an early age – his first ever school project was a labelled collection of bones from a fox earth stuck on a board. After an eccentric aunt gave him a pet ferret, he developed a passion for mustelids that led to a PhD on feral mink and fieldwork on otters, polecats and pine martens; he now works as a consultant ecologist. Johnny joined The Society in 1977, and cherishes its strong scientific roots and healthy mix of amateur and professional mammalogists among its members. He is proud of our reputation for top quality training and authoritative publications, and is keen to raise The Society’s profile to engage more people in worthwhile studies to improve our understanding of British mammals and their needs.

Marina Pacheco, Chief Executive

Having gained her degree in Zoology in South Africa, Marina has acquired a wide range of international conservation experience, including working on a red squirrel reintroduction in Portugal, working with BTCV volunteers and grappling with landscape issues for the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Marina became Chief Executive in June 2009, and is very pleased to be returning to the zoological fold and to be doing something very worthwhile for Britain’s mammals.

Alex Dunlop, Training and Events Officer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

The path that led Alex to The Mammal Society has been a winding and interesting one. Having spent his formative years in a variety of jobs from a roadie for various bands through to part time lecturer, he has spent the last 11 years working for a large government department as a trainer, then training manager and latterly as Aide to the Head of HR Operations. He is delighted to have joined the Mammal Society Team in a role that makes best use of his passions for the environment, conservation and lifelong learning and is looking forward to meeting the members at our upcoming events.

Laura Drake, Admin and Membership Officer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Laura has always had a passion for biodiversity conservation, and in 2006 she completed her Environmental Science degree at the University of East Anglia. She regularly volunteered with environmental charities, and abroad at an environmental studies centre in Cyprus and with the Icelandic Natural History Institute to gain valuable experience. Now, as Membership Officer at The Mammal Society, Laura works to involve everyone in actively supporting our vulnerable British Mammals by promoting mammal studies and conservation action through our network of local groups and in our surveys.

Alison Tutt, Sales Manager ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Alison has worked for the Mammal Society for around ten years as our Publications and Equipment Sales Manager. Based in Somerset, Alison works from Monday to Thursday, processing orders for our publications and equipment. Alison also co-ordinates the production of new books, and runs the Society's Dormouse Ecology and Conservation course with Hazel Ryan. Alison lives with her husband and two children. You can contact her on 01278 641747 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sally Williams, Finance Officer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

After working in advertising for 14 years, Sally moved into accounting with her parents' business until their recent retirement in 2008, at which point she joined The Mammal Society as Finance Officer. Sally is responsible for the daily management of the Society's financial records and budget, and helps co-ordinate the compilation of the Society's Annual Review and end-of-year accounts.

Other Council Members and Representatives

Vice Chairman - Adam Grogan

Secretary - Kate Williamson

Treasurer - Abigail Bunker

Solicitor - Edward Wells

Conference Officer - Liz Chadwick

Local Groups Officer - Jonathan Bramley

Publications Officer - Simon Boulter

Surveys Committee Representative - Phoebe Carter

Mammal News editor - Marian Bond - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mammal Notes editor - Dawn Scott

Mammal Review editor - Nancy Jennings and Klaus Hacklander