In 1986 Anne set up her own business, designing gardens and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening. 'Natural Surroundings: The Wildflower Centre', was based initially in Holt and then at nearby Bayfield Hall. After a break of several years (working for wildlife film-makers 'Survival') Anne has now returned to garden design, and believes passionately that gardens can both look fantastic and be full of wildlife.

An accomplished naturalist, Anne is co-author of Wildflowers in the Garden as well as the best-selling Orchids of Britain and Ireland: A Field and Site Guide. She has recently organised projects to restore the village pond in Edgefield, where she now lives, and to create a pond and wildlife area at the school her daughter attends, both projects attracting significant funding. She also runs an after-school Eco Club for children.