Iolo Williams

Iolo Williams is a distinguished Welsh naturalist, conservationist, and advocate for wildlife preservation. He was born in Builth Wells, Breconshire, and spent his early years in Pembrokeshire before relocating to Llanwddyn in Montgomeryshire at the age of five. Pursuing his passion for ecology, Iolo earned a degree from North East London Polytechnic.

His professional journey began with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), where he dedicated nearly 15 years as the Species Officer for Wales. This role allowed him to engage deeply with some of the nation's rarest breeding birds, ultimately leading to his visibility in the media. His work was featured in BBC 2 documentaries, including "Visions of Snowdonia" and "Birdman," which highlighted his contributions to avian conservation.

In the late 1990s, Iolo transitioned to a full-time media career, creating wildlife-focused series in both Welsh and English. He co-hosted popular programs such as "Nature’s Top 40" and "Countryfile." In 2019, he became a regular face on BBC's celebrated nature series "Winterwatch," "Springwatch," and "Autumnwatch."

An accomplished author, Iolo has penned several books on Welsh wildlife in both languages and frequently contributes to publications like "BBC Wildlife." Beyond his environmental endeavors, he is also an avid sports enthusiast, having played rugby throughout his life, and holds qualifications as a paraglider and PADI Divemaster.