A tireless conservationist who cared for a site of scientific special interest and grew up in Basildon has died.

Peter More, aged 60, died after suffering from prostate cancer.

He was well known in the village of Tiptree for his voluntary work, leading conservation volunteers caring for Tiptree Heath and the Park Lane nature reserve.

He was brought up on a chicken farm in Basildon and in the mid-1950s the family moved to Worthing and ran a greengrocers.

Mr More worked in the electronics industry and joined Marconi at Chelmsford.

Friend Frank le Poidevin said: "One of Peter's great interests was the natural world and all aspects of conservation. He was not merely an authority on the local flora and fauna - he was a practical man and was in his element when on Tiptree Heath or the Park Lane local nature reserve leading his group of volunteers on management work."

Mr le Poidevin said Mr More was above all else a family man. He added: "Peter had an indomitable spirit and he fought his illness bravely and cheerfully - he did not give in.

"In many ways Peter was a very private, deep man. He was unassuming and self-effacing, shunned the limelight and looked for no recognition of the work he did."

Another friend, Fred Boot, chairman of Essex Wildlife Trust, said: "Peter was a gentle man as well as a gentleman and many people in Tiptree will mourn his loss now and into the future. Only then will it be apparent how much he has done for the community."

He said Mr More was indefatigable in his enthusiasm and energy to maintain Tiptree Heath - a site of scientific special interest.

Peter Wilkin of jam-makers Wilkin and Sons, who owns the heath, said: "He was very dedicated to his work on the heath."

Mr More met his wife Sue through mutual friends on the hockey field and they married in 1972. They have two children, Sarah and John.

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003

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