Tim Benton is a mechanical designer who has lived all his life within sight of Ely Cathedral in the Fens. He started birdwatching in the 1960s, assisting the RSPB Gold Medallist, E. J. Cottier, with his protection of Black-tailed Godwits on the Ouse Washes. He has developed an interest in all aspects of birdwatching including a particular obsession with optical equipment and outdoor clothing. He began active twitching in the mid-1980s during frequent visits to the north Norfolk coast and with encouragement from enthusiastic Norfolk birdwatchers.
