Meet the BBC Wildlife editorial team

Sophie Stafford

Editor

I have been editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine for the past eight years. I am passionate about wildlife - with a soft spot for the furry variety.

I don’t mind getting my hands dirty: I have been known to give badgers enemas in the UK, dart white rhinos in South Africa, wash giant otter poo in the Pantanal, rescue elephants from snares in Zimbabwe, and help buffaloes give birth in Botswana.

Wildlife photography is a huge passion of mine and I really enjoy working with our photographers to find the world's best images for the magazine.

I have been a judge on our Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition (which we co-own with the Natural History Museum) for the past six years.

In 2011 and 2012, I was honoured to be ask to join the jury on the nature section of the World Press Photo contest in Amsterdam. This December, I will judge the Golden Turtle photo competition in Moscow.

Contact Sophie about photographic portfolios, photo-stories, Exposures and Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Ben Hoare

Features editor

I commission the magazine’s features, as well as the Wild section, book reviews and the TV and radio section. I wrote and edited natural history books for 12 years before joining BBC Wildlife in 2008.

I'm a well-travelled birder and have finally achieved my ambition to see the world's smallest bird, the delightful bee hummingbird. I am happiest exploring the hills and woods around my home with my wife Louise and dog Lola.

Contact Ben about Wild, features, TV and book reviews.

James Fair

Environment editor

I have worked as a magazine journalist for most of the past 20 years, with a several interruptions during the 1990s to travel and become the mother of an orphaned Andean bear.

These days, my horizons are slightly more limited, my chief concern being how to protect my bantams from foxes and grass snakes.

Contact James about Agenda (News), travel features and Tales from the Bush.

Sarah McPherson

Section editor (part-time)

I commission and edit the Q&A section, and write previews and behind-the-scenes articles about natural-history TV and radio. When not at work I can usually be found on a slide or in a ball pool with my young sons.

Seth Burgess

Production editor

Seth Burgess is the production editor of BBC Wildlife, polishing the text to a bright sheen. When not at work, he enjoys books, films and obsessing over spelling and grammar. His favourite animal is the dimetrodon, followed closely by the domestic cat.

Contact Seth to enquire about freelance sub-editing opportunities.

Richard Eccleston

Art editor

I’m responsible for the look of the magazine. I design the cover and features, commission all photography and art work and oversee the layout of the other editorial pages.

Contact Richard to enquire about illustrations commissions or freelance design opportunities.

Gaz Nickolls

Designer

I specialise in colouring in and precise dotted line placement. My favourite animals at the moment are the giant squirrel and the tarsier. I also love making and drinking copious amounts of tea.

Wanda Sowry

Picture researcher

I’ve been working for BBC Wildlife Magazine part-time since 1999. I deal with most of the picture research, image rights, credits and payments. I also make wooden automata.

At the weekends I can sometimes be found photographing insects, flowers and landscapes. Purely amateur photography, but well-keyworded.

Please read our advice on submitting photos to BBC Wildlife here before contacting Wanda.

MARKETING

To discuss marketing opportunities or any difficulties you are experiencing with your subscription to BBC Wildlife, please contact:

Gemma Burns

Marketing Co-ordinator

Tel: 0117 314 8356

Email: gemma.burns@immediate.co.uk