David Wingate, the man dubbed the "grandfather of Bermuda's environmental movement'', retired yesterday after an accomplished career that included the rediscovery of the Bermuda Cahow.

Mr. Wingate, Government's Conservation officer until yesterday, said he plans to remain active on naturalist, conservationist and horticultural projects after his retirement.

He said he will remain closely involved with the Nonsuch Island Project, a nature reserve preserving plants and species endemic to Bermuda.

"I'm hoping I can work it so that people who are working with me won't notice the change. I want to stay very closely associated with the Nonsuch Island project,'' he said.

"It's so much my life -- I could only curl up and die if I couldn't do what I love anymore.'' Environmentalist and former Independent MP Stuart Hayward last month lavished praise on Mr. Wingate's achievements, calling him the "grandfather of Bermuda's environmental movement''.

Mr. Wingate's successor as Government Conservation Officer will be Jeremy Madeiros.

Mr. Madeiros was an apprentice in Parks, Agriculture and Fisheries and Horticulture.

"Jeremy is the best local naturalist with the least transitional change,'' said Dr. Wingate. "He had a long period in Parks Department.'' "It should be a smooth transition.'' said Mr. Wingate.

Mr. Wingate hopes to travel more during his retirement and is looking forward to writing about his experiences in Bermuda.

David Wingate honoured by old school: Page 3