My friend and colleague David Tayler, who has died aged 53, was a geographer, geologist and passionate conservationist who devoted his life to connecting people with landscapes. Through this he changed countless lives. Most of his career was spent in the Yorkshire Dales, running conservation, education and outreach projects.
Born to John, a local government worker, and his wife, Margaret (nee Tyler), a teacher, in Maidenhead, Berkshire, he attended the local comprehensive, Desborough school (now Desborough college). There, particularly on geography and geology field trips, he developed a lifelong affinity with landscapes, wildlife and botany. He never lost that early sense of joy and wonder at the natural world and a desire to inspire it in others.
He studied geography at Sheffield University and, to his own surprise, returned to Desborough to teach geography and geology. Now leading field trips himself, he embarked on his vocation of instilling into new generations an understanding and appreciation of how landscapes are shaped.
It was a natural step to become an instructor at the Field Studies Council centre Slapton Ley in Devon. He then moved north to become deputy director of Malham Tarn FSC centre, where he fell in love with the Dales. At any opportunity he would drag anyone to hand on long hikes across this countryside, enthusiastically pointing out everything from orchids to limestone pavement.
For the latter part of his career he was deputy director for the charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. This put him at the heart of conservation activity in the Dales, from woodland creation and restoring wildflower meadows to introducing new generations to the environment he cherished.
In 2009 he set up People and the Dales as part of the trust to give opportunities to those who would not otherwise experience what he loved: countryside walks, farm visits, dry stone walling, path laying and woodland management. Planting trees or exploring with groups new to the Dales, be they a Sikh community group, Syrian refugees, people with disabilities or urban school children, gave him such pleasure.
In spring 2016 Dave was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. He bore his illness with courage and characteristic optimism, and was always more concerned about others.
He is survived by his wife, Liz, and her daughters, Bella and Jade, and by his father, John, and sister, Helen.
