Natur Cymru

Iolo was born in Builth Wells, Powys in 1962. His family moved to Pembrokeshire when he was 3 months old, and he lived there until they moved to Llanwddyn, near Lake Vyrnwy, when Iolo was 5 years old. Iolo attended Llanwddyn Primary School and Llanfyllin High School, but he disliked school so much that he nearly left to join the army. But he discovered a flair for languages, and studied French and Biology to A level.

Iolo went to college in London and studied Ecology, which he loved, and which inspired him to follow a career in the wildlife business, as he puts it. In 1985 he joined the RSPB, and over the years, he began to contribute to radio and TV programmes in his role. Iolo presented his first TV series for the BBC in 1997, and when more television work beckoned, he left the RSPB to follow a career in the media.

In 2000, the first series of Crwydro came to S4C, with Iolo hosting the chosen walks of his special guests. Five more series followed due to its popularity, and guests included stars in many fields, including Matthew Rhys, Siân Lloyd, Elin Fflur, Tudur Dylan, Dafydd Iwan and Ann Clwyd.

Iolo has presented a number of programmes f0r BBC Cymru Wales, as well as Natur Anghyfreithlon, dealing with the issue of illegal animal practices, and Iolo yn Hedfan, where he flew with birds in difficult terrains, for S4C. He is a recognised specialist and campaigner on nature and wildlife issues. Iolo worries about his carbon footprint because of all the travel involved in his work, but his campaigning for nature and endangered animals must surely offset this.

These days, Iolo lives near Llanwddyn, where he grew up, with his wife, their two sons and the family dogs. His idea of leisure time as any kind of physical activity – he loves to walk in the Berwyn mountains, and paraglide in the Abergavenny area. His eldest son joined him recently when they jumped off the Blorenge. Iolo also plays the odd game of rugby, which he's always done and loved, and even the odd game of football – anything that keeps him active.

Iolo's favourite food is curries, and all Indian food. He has a hearty dislike of fancy restaurants, but reckons that if he wasn't so active he'd weigh 20 stone since he loves his food so much! He prefers to drink in the pub than at home, and a beer with the lads is his tipple of choice.