The conservation world mourns the loss of Mike Alexander, a visionary who transformed wildlife protection in Wales and beyond. Alexander, who has died aged 77, turned a childhood dream into a remarkable career that spanned decades and continents, leaving an indelible mark on how we protect our natural heritage.
From Schoolboy Dream to Island Guardian
Mike's journey began unexpectedly at age 13 while attending Gwendraeth Valley grammar school in Carmarthenshire. When a teacher planning a private weekend trip to Skomer Island asked if anyone wanted to join, Mike's fascination with the boat journey led him to accept. That single day would change the course of his life forever.
He made an instant decision that day: he would become warden of Skomer Island. This childhood ambition would eventually become reality when he secured the position in his late twenties.
Born in Neath, south Wales to Rhys, a civil engineer, and Mary, a secretary, Mike moved frequently around mid and south Wales due to his father's work. His determination to pursue his island dream saw him leave home at just 16 to become a crew member on the Skomer ferry, simultaneously volunteering as an assistant to the main warden.
A Pioneering Career in Conservation
Mike's career progression was both rapid and international. In 1966, he became assistant warden on neighbouring Skokholm Island, followed by a position as warden of the Calf of Man bird observatory off the Isle of Man in 1967.
His international experience included a year as warden of Long Point bird observatory in Ontario, Canada in 1968. Upon returning to Britain, he worked as a field assistant in the oil pollution research unit at Orielton Field Centre in Pembrokeshire, studying the effects of oil on vegetation.
After a surprising detour into fine art sculpture at Dyfed College of Art from 1973, Mike returned to conservation in 1976 with his dream job as warden on Skomer Island. The appointment came with an unusual condition: the warden must be married. Mike and his girlfriend Rosanne Daniel, whom he met at art college, hastily tied the knot and crossed to the island immediately after the ceremony.
Revolutionising Conservation Management
After a decade on Skomer, Mike joined the Nature Conservancy Council in 1986 as warden for the South Meirionnydd reserves in north Wales. Frustrated by what he perceived as insufficient rigour in nature reserve management, he became instrumental in developing computerised systems for managing reserve features.
Working with NCC colleague James Perrins, Mike created the Countryside Management computer system at a time when field colleagues viewed computers with suspicion. This system is now widely used by conservation organisations globally.
His expertise led to him assuming overall responsibility for all national nature reserves in Wales. In 2008, he published Management Planning for Nature Conservation: A Theoretical Basis & Practical Guide, which remains a standard text on the subject.
Bridging Divides and Lasting Legacy
Mike's commitment to conservation extended beyond his official roles. He spent 16 years (2005-2021) as chair of Pori Natur a Threftdaeth, a charity building bridges between nature conservation advocates and farmers.
Even in retirement, Mike continued to contribute, chairing the Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales from 2021 until 2024. He finally retired at age 72, having dedicated over five decades to wildlife protection.
His artistic background merged beautifully with his conservation work through photography and wood carving. His photographs enhanced numerous publications, including his own book Skomer Island: Its History and Natural History published in 2021.
Mike Alexander is survived by his wife Rosanne and siblings Jeff, Anne and Tina. His legacy lives on through the conservation systems he pioneered and the protected landscapes he cherished throughout his extraordinary life.
