Taking a walk on the wild side

Martin said he loves teaching people about wildlife

They say never work with children or animals - but Martin Kitching has done both.

The former teacher - who has a PhD in medicinal chemistry - left the classroom two years ago and set up his own business running wildlife tours in the north of England.

Instead of teaching students the ins and outs of atoms and elements, he now shares his knowledge of flora and fauna with visitors to the region.

"It's the best career move I've ever made," Martin said about setting up his company Northern Experience Wildlife Tours.

"I'm happier and healthier than I've been for I don't know how long."

Amazing wildlife

Martin, from Choppington, Northumberland, takes his clients around some of the most beautiful spots our region has to offer - including Holy Island and the Cheviots.

He runs "safaris" to see otters, whales and seals; bird-watching trips; general and bespoke wildlife tours and wildlife photography sessions.

The most popular tour is currently the 'otter safari'

We met him for a trip to Druridge Bay one sunny, autumn afternoon and he explained that he got hooked on wildlife at a very young age, when he would go bird-watching on his own early in the morning.

"I guess it was the effect of being young and seeing things that I found amazing, like waxwings, bullfinches or goldfinches," he said.

"If you put yourself somewhere and blend in, it's amazing what you can see.

"I had badger a cub come up to me and sniff my trouser leg a couple of months ago when I was watching a set. As soon as I moved it legged it off down the path!

"I've had a wren sit on a branch right by my shoulder and pick insects off the branches around me.

"It's pretty extraordinary when that happens."

Rare sight

On our trip to Druridge Pools reserve, we were lucky enough to catch sight of a glossy ibis.

The bird has caused quite a stir among local bird-watchers, as it's only one of a handful of times the species has been spotted in Northumberland.

The glossy ibis has only been seen a few times in Northumberland

But, of course, wildlife is not always so obliging.

Or as Martin puts it: "The wildlife's not going to work to our timetable."

So, his job is to "stack the odds" in the favour of his clients.

That means regular recces to each site to check what wildlife is there and taking the daily rhythms of the animals' lives into consideration - there is no point looking for badgers at midday!

Plus he also has a pager, which receives alerts about bird sightings in the area.

It's about timing and patience - and, sometimes, a little bit of luck.

"Last week I saw a hen harrier by the side of the road. I was taking some keen bird-watchers out at the time and they'd never seen one before, so they were very pleased!"

Still teaching

Martin also leads seal 'safaris' to the Farne Islands

Martin said he picked up his knowledge about nature and wildlife over many years in his spare time - but that he is constantly learning new things to help with the tours.

And - although he's glad he's no longer cooped up in a classroom - he said he's really enjoying the teaching side of his current role.

"It's just about the best bit really, still educating people about the world around them.

"I'm trying to create a connection with the environment and wildlife for people who maybe don't have one already."