Mark Noy Boulton OBE who died on December 3rd 2024 was a recognised international environmental educator. In addition to being a respected teacher he was also a skilled photographer. Mark was inspirational with a deep love for his family and the natural world. In retirement he was a keen supporter of rewilding and the efficient use of energy.

Mark was born to William (Bill) and Ina Boulton in 1937 and was brought up in Cheltenham, attending Cheltenham Grammar School [1948-1955] where he excelled in sport and biology. He went on to study zoology at Southampton University which he represented in athletics. In 1957 he competed in the team that beat 30 other teams to win the Invitation Road Relay in Hyde Park.

Mark completed his post grad teaching diploma at Loughborough in biology and physical training, He became engaged to Sonia in October 1958 and married in April 1960. The happy couple began married life living in a caravan on a farm at Ombersley whilst he took up his first teaching post as Head of the Biology Department  at Hartlebury Grammar School .

Mark moved on to teach at Tudor Grange Grammar School in Solihull. Alongside his teaching Mark took his students on excursions and adventures which included camping, water sports  and canoe building. He helped to run the Columbus Fellowship, a Christian Outdoor Activities organisation, taking part in their regular summer camps.

 In September 1967 Mark was on the move again having accepted a job as a biology lecturer at the Kenyatta Teacher Training College in Nairobi where he taught for four years. Mark and Sonia together with their three children spent wonderful holidays exploring Kenya’s National Parks at a time when these were under much less pressure than they are today.

Between 1971 and 1973 the family lived in Zambia in Chipata where Mark worked for UNFAO [United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation] as an Education Officer working mainly in the national parks, and particularly the Luangwa Valley. He was able to develop his love of photography and took amazing wildlife photos, In 1974 the family moved to Nepal where Mark continued to work for the UN helping to set up and manage the Chitwan National Park and to develop anti-poaching and research programmes for rhinos and tigers. Later that year the family moved back to Cheltenham.

Back in England Mark took up a post with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) now the Worldwide Fund for Nature, working closely with Sir Peter Scott.