ONE of the country's first police wildlife liaison officers is off to explore the jungle of Costa Rica, in Central America.
Bob Phillpot, 53, of Wootton Bassett, a former Swindon chief inspector, spent years tackling the illegal importation of exotic and protected animals.
Three years after leaving the Wiltshire force he is packing his suitcase after winning a research place with the Earthwatch Millennium Award.
The trip involves 16 days' work in South America with scientists on an important environmental project.
Mr Phillpott sees the experience as a good opportunity to take his interest in the environment further.
He said: "I expect to gain a better insight and understanding into how conservation projects work."
The project aims to analyse how insects maintain a critically endangered eco-system.
Mr Phillpott, a keen bird watcher, was one of the UK's first police wildlife liaison officers appointed to combat crime on animals during the 1980s. For more information on Earthwatch contact (01865) 318850.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article