Mike moved to Brecon in 1967 and contributed to our knowledge of the flora of the area. He became involved in the Brecknock County Naturalists, which later became the Brecknock Wildlife Trust which became part of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Mike's work was instrumental to the selection and continued management of many Brecknock reserves. Mike also shared his extensive knowledge and passion for botany with Trust Staff and volunteers.

Mike was a life-long naturalist, his love of wildlife and particularly botany began in early childhood. Mike went on to study botany at Bangor University where he also met his wife, Christine. Mike then worked as a lecturer in botany at Christ College Secondary School in Brecon until he retired. Mike was particularly fond of the unloved and under recorded species groups such as Rubus, sorbus, Taraxacum, and Hieracium. Taraxacum porterii, a dandelion species, was named for Mike in 1990 after Mike discovered the species in 1981. Mike kept detailed species records a well as herbarium specimens. Mike's species records have been donated to the local records centre. Mike’s vast herbarium collection has been donated to the Welsh National Herbarium. Both collections will continue to be used to add to our knowledge of local biodiversity.

Mike began botanical surveying in Breconshire in 1968. Mike then began work compiling a flora for the county in the early 1970s. His life’s work has been captured thanks to the work of John Crellin and Dr Tim Rich in The Flora of Brecknockshire. The Flora features hundreds of species accounts with photographs and distribution maps. Stunning floral landscapes by artist Meg Stevens are also found throughout the book. Unfortunately, Mike passed before the launch of the Flora but was able to see a printed copy on his 90th birthday. The recent launch of The Flora of Brecknockshire was a celebration of, and testament to, the reach and importance of Mike’s life and work. Mike’s wife Christine and his three sons Johnathan, Timothy and Robin were in attendance. Johnathan gave a moving tribute to Mike. He spoke of the unwavering support Mike and Christine showed one another and of their shared passion for wildlife. 

The Flora of Brecknockshire was officially launched by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland President Elect, Dr Stephanie Tyler MBE. It is now available at Summerfield Books.