Since 2001, Nigel Roberts has worked on sustainable development projects with rural communities in Belarus blighted by the Chernobyl catastrophe. By profession a lawyer, he is also a Russian speaker. His interest in the former Soviet Union was kindled as a boy and since then he has researched and travelled widely in the area. Since publication of Belarus: The Bradt Travel Guide, he has written about his travels there for a number of periodicals in Europe (including 'hidden europe' magazine in Berlin), particularly concerning the close relationship he has developed with communities and families in the district of Vetka.