The Project: The Wild Shift

The Wild Shift is a year-long mission to document 100 species of British wildlife—from the iconic to the often-overlooked—capturing their stories through my own lens. This coffee table book is the culmination of that journey, designed to pull you away from the noise of modern life and invite you to reconnect with the incredible, fragile natural world that exists right on our doorstep.

 

More Than a Change of Pace

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After 12 years in professional kitchens, I reached a turning point. The high-pressure environment of the hospitality industry had taken a toll on my wellbeing, leaving me navigating periods of significant depression. For me, wildlife and nature were never just a pastime; they were my lifeline. In the quiet of the wild, I found the clarity and peace I couldn't find anywhere else.

This project is deeply personal. It is about my transition from chef to full-time wildlife photographer and conservationist—but it is also about advocacy. I am undertaking this work to raise awareness for mental health within the hospitality industry. I want to show that it is possible to make a shift, that prioritizing your mental health is not a failure, and that nature has a profound power to heal.

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The Kickstarter Campaign

I am launching a 30-day Kickstarter campaign to turn this vision into a reality. This funding is the bridge that allows me to transition from a 12-year career as a chef into this full-time role as a conservationist and photographer.

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• Launch Date: August 31, 2026

• Funding Goal: £20,000

• Campaign Duration: 30 Days

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Your support doesn't just fund a book; it provides the flexibility needed to dedicate significant time to this project, ensures it remains sustainable, and allows me to begin vlogging these trips to share the raw reality of the field with you.

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My Commitment to Success

Wildlife photography is, by nature, unpredictable. Animals don't follow schedules, weather is volatile, and some species are incredibly elusive. I have approached this project with a mindset of preparation and adaptability to ensure the highest chance of success:

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• Strategic Planning: I have identified a wide range of locations across the UK. If a specific site becomes inaccessible due to weather, conservation restrictions, or seasonal changes, I am prepared to adapt my plans immediately.

• Realistic Goals: The target of 100 species has been carefully selected to be ambitious, yet achievable. I have spent years developing the necessary skills and understanding of animal behaviour to make this goal a reality.

• Production Reliability: To minimize risks regarding book production—such as printing delays or supply issues—I am working exclusively with established, UK-based printing partners. I have also built contingency directly into the budget.

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Ethics Above Everything

Conservation is the heartbeat of this project. My philosophy is simple: Wildlife welfare will always take priority over the photograph. If the pursuit of an image risks disturbing an animal, damaging a nest, or interfering with a habitat, I will choose ethical practice over the shot every single time. My goal is to protect these species, not just document them.

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Why I’m The Person for This

I know that documenting wildlife across the UK while managing a book production, a vlogging channel, and conservation partnerships is a massive undertaking.

However, after 12 years working in professional kitchens, I am no stranger to the grind. I am well-versed in long hours, meticulous planning, persistence, and performing under pressure. I thrive on the hard work required to deliver a high-quality result, and I am fully committed to completing this journey—producing a book that we can all be proud of, and creating a project that raises real awareness for Britain's remarkable wildlife.