Throughout his school holidays and later during a 30-year career with Barclays, he volunteered in a range of roles with the RSPB.
He said: “Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, because you think ultimately people volunteer because they want to do something good or give something back, but for me initially it was the opportunity to get closer to the birds and nature.
“Just being with wildlife, seeing wildlife, understanding wildlife, whether birds, mammals or insects, is mentally very good for me.”
RSPB volunteering development officer Tim Hughes said: “Few individuals can demonstrate such sustained commitment, breadth of impact and enduring legacy as Nigel. “
