Noah Shawcross

Head of Biology

I studied Biology at the University of Bristol and then spent 8 years teaching in London before relocating to the beautiful countryside of Devon in pursuit of the “Good Life”. My teaching journey continued at West Buckland for 19 fulfilling years. My wife is a local GP, and we have two children in the senior school at WBS.

My lifelong passion for the natural world and conservation was evident from an early age. Even my primary school teacher noted to my parents, “He is a nice wee boy, but he does like creepy crawlies.” This passion translated into action over the years. I co-founded WEBS in 2019 with my students, although my involvement in conservation and biodiversity began much earlier. Notable endeavors include planting 2000 trees for the school’s 150th anniversary in 2008, organizing moth workshops for students ranging from Year 1 to A-level biologists, leading field trips to the extraordinary Braunton Burrows UNESCO biosphere reserve, and arranging excursions for Year 8 students to study local river ecology.

Beyond the confines of the classroom, I tend to 9 acres of wildflower meadow and woodland at home, nurturing my interest in butterflies, moths, and meadow and woodland conservation. As a member of the Devon Wildlife Trust and actively involved in the charity Butterfly Conservation, I am dedicated to protecting and preserving our natural environment.