Matt in Papua New Guinea, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands

When and how did your interest in wildlife begin?

My interest in wildlife began at the very young age of seven, when my Dad used to take me out Badger-watching near to my home town of Seaford, in East Sussex. During the many Badger sessions, he would continuously point out the various birds on our walks, and one which certainly caused excitement back then was the Yellowhammer! From there, I went slightly bird-mad and went on to learn all of the British and European birdsongs by the age of 12. My interest in foreign birding commenced in 2011 with a 3-week intensive trip to South Africa. It’s not just birds, though; I have keen interests in lepidoptera, odonata and botany.

When and where did you lead your first tour for Naturetrek?

I led my first trip for Naturetrek in December 2019 to the Somerset Levels – a highlight of which was a stunning Starling murmuration!

What is your ‘day job’?

I work full-time in operations at Naturetrek HQ. Since embarking on a Naturetrek holiday to Ethiopia in 2012, I knew I wanted to one day work in the operations team and have the responsibility to design and lead wildlife tours! Already, I have designed a wide range of UK tours, including in my home county of Sussex and further afield in Cornwall. However, superb birdwatching areas which I’m excited about bringing into the framework are new trips to Vietnam, South Korea, Ohio and Michigan, amongst others. Closer to home, the opportunity to give those who wish to see all of the UK butterfly species in a year, or 2-year period, has also been an enjoyable quest, with new tours in Cumbria, Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex. I’m in the process of developing similar ideas for the UK’s odonata and orchids!

What current conservation projects or issues most concern you?

Deforestation across the globe is the most aggravating of all for me. It is very depressing to think there are potentially species being wiped out which are yet to be discovered. It is also horrific to hear that some of the vibrant ecosystems, which I’ve visited previously, are at risk of being flattened.

Do you have a favourite bird, mammal, or plant?

Well, having been fortunate enough to have set foot on all seven continents, my ‘favourite’ list is relatively long. However, a male King Bird-of-paradise in Papua New Guinea was completely mind-blowing and tops the list to date. Close contenders are King Penguins on South Georgia and Tigers in Nepal.

What is your most memorable wildlife encounter to date?

My independent travels have led me to some remote corners of the planet, and one such event just so happened to be my top wildlife encounter. On the remote Strobel Plateau of Argentina, after much sourcing and searching, I found a group of 12 Hooded Grebes! This critically-endangered species – belonging to one of my favourite bird families – was a top target for me during a self-organised Patagonian adventure back in 2016, where I travelled across Argentine Patagonia and La Pampa region. In addition to the grebes, other specialities of this area I enjoyed seeing were Pampas Meadowlark, Austral Rail and Magellanic Plover!

What do you enjoy most about leading tours?

Without doubt, showing clients the wildlife and sharing my expertise provides me with the greatest sense of joy and accomplishment.

What are you reading at the moment?

Ed Stafford’s ‘Walking the Amazon’ is my next to read. Any physical challenge that tests human endurance is a must-read in my eyes.

What new destination would you most like to travel to next?

With two cancelled holidays to Madagascar now firmly under my belt, Madagascar is my most-wanted country to visit. The endemic birds, reptiles and mammals are all a major lure – the day I see a Helmet Vanga will be most memorable! Peru is another country I’m keen on visiting – its long list of endemic birds can hardly be ignored!