Tolga Aktas

James Michael Forrest, aka ‘Mountain Man’

Tolga Aktas: How I moved from electrical engineering to working in conservation

My guest in this episode is Tolga Aktas. His story is one for those of you who are thinking of changing your career to be outdoors and in nature more.

Tolga is a conservation biologist, writer and photographer who has just finished his degree in Animal Biology.

His studies and love of animals and nature have taken him to Africa, Borneo and all over the UK, doing field work and volunteering on conservation projects.

But his current life is a complete transformation from what it was a few years ago.

Debbie North: Wheelchair adventuring all over the UK

My guest in this episode is Debbie North. She’s an extraordinary woman who has overcome so many challenges to pursue her outdoors life.

A passionate hill walker when she was younger, Debbie was diagnosed with spinal degeneration a few years ago, meaning that she is now in a wheelchair.

But losing her mobility didn’t stop her determination to be able to explore the outdoors. She just found a motorised wheelchair that can take her over hills and up mountains!

Tolga Aktas in Highnam Woods - where we recorded the episode

Tolga grew up in south London and admits that he got involved with gang culture and left school with poor grades

He then trained to be an electrical engineer and spent years working in a 9-5 job in London.

I travelled to Highnam Woods, near where Tolga’s now living in Gloucestershire, to find out how he completely changed his life and career.

Tolga Aktas

I hope you enjoy the podcast episode. Listen out for Tolga’s outdoors tips and the relaxing minute of sounds from nature at the end of the podcast. 

You’ll find Tolga on Instagram @tolga_aktas1

If would be fantastic if you spread the word about the podcast to your family and friends and rate, review and subscribe to the podcast to help other people discover it.

Thanks!

Liv x

Tolga in Highnam Woods in Gloucestershire - where we recorded the podcast
The Outdoors Fix is proudly supported by Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports – stores nationwide and online offering everything you need to equip you for the best outdoors experience.
Liv and Tolga at the start of our walk to Highnam Woods, where we recorded the podcast