A Biology teacher, who later established a successful field studies centre near Monmouth, has died at the age of 84.

Peter Carpenter joined Monmouth School for Boys as a teacher in 1964 and taught for five years before setting up Caer Llan.

He was chairman of the British Earth Sheltering Association (BESA) and, along with a small group of specialist architects, became the national centre for BESA information.

During one of his visits to the USA, Mr Carpenter discovered the concept of earth sheltered housing.

He took a great interest in researching and developing his own ideas for incorporating a zero-energy earth sheltered building into the landscape at Caer Llan.

His Berm House became an instant hit with the national media and it won a solar buildings award in 1995.

It was credited, at the time, as being the second most energy efficient building in Europe.

He penned a book about the building and close friend, the late Jake Thackray, a poet, musician and journalist, even wrote a song for him called, The Berm House.

Mr Carpenter was immensely proud of having been recognised by HRH, The Prince of Wales, after being on the panel for a prestigious conference in Stockholm.

Mr Carpenter attended Monkton Combe School, excelling in academia, sport and music. Whilst there, he was a runner-up for a place in the National Youth Orchestra and an accomplished player of the French horn.

He obtained an MA in Medicine at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, and achieved a blue in both rugby and cricket. At Cambridge, Mr Carpenter met his future wife, Sue, through a hockey match.

He became passionate about Biology and Botany while teaching at a local school and took up a position as a Biology teacher at Surbiton County Grammar School.

After marrying Sue in 1960, the couple moved to Monmouth, four years later, when Mr Carpenter accepted a teaching post in Biology at the school.

The couple bought Caer Llan in 1969 and Mr Carpenter had a passion for building it up and transforming it into an environment so that others could benefit.

Mr Carpenter travelled to universities in the USA and the centre became a popular base for students from overseas.

Although Mr and Mrs Carpenter separated in 1974, they remained neighbours for more than 30 years with him regularly visiting for family Sunday lunches.

With a continued interest in Biology and Botony, he was appointed as a lecturer at Cardiff University, and took students on field study walks to local areas of interest.

After retiring from work in 2010, Mr Carpenter still enjoyed meeting with friends and visitors, completing The Times crossword each day, venturing out on his mobility scooter, listening to birds and watching the stunning sunsets.

Mr Carpenter died peacefully on Saturday 24th April.

He is survived by sons John and Jake and daughter Lucy – who all attended Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools – and grandchildren Saffron, Sara, Josh, Jasmine, Charlotte and Georgia.

Mr Carpenter’s funeral service is being held on Tuesday 25th May. It is being streamed live due to Covid restrictions at the crematorium.

For more details about the service, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Peter-Ronald-Carpenter-104391138498029