Dr Martin Williams found Hong Kong a haven for pursuing his love of nature

After obtaining a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Cambridge University, Martin Williams resolved to pursue conservation as a lifelong vocation. A study of birds in China led him to settle in Hong Kong, where he has lived for many years on the outlying island of Cheung Chau, working as a freelance wildlife writer and photographer. His work has appeared in many publications, including BBC Wildlife, Discovery and Reader's Digest. Dr Williams is also the principal author of several books and penned the best-selling hiking guide Hong Kong Pathfinder: 23 Day Walks in Hong Kong.

"I first arrived in late January 1987, following two bird migration surveys I led to Beidaihe, in east China. I was told that Hong Kong was a good place to live, and having heard of the Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve, figured it might be a base to try conservation work, including projects at Beidaihe.

At once I realised that Hong Kong is not just an international city, but wonderfully diverse, with an intense urban heart, yet in a magnificent natural setting. There are hiking trails, seemingly remote hills and beaches, coves with corals, an internationally important wetland, waterfalls in secluded ravines, fine places to eat in gorgeous surroundings, and islands set in the South China Sea - all within easy reach of the city. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that you can even live in rural places - in my case, on Cheung Chau - with ready access to city, and with facilities such as broadband to connect to the world.

My work is a bit complex, but broadly I freelance, and so far as possible try to promote conservation. Birds are my speciality. I have been obsessed with bird watching since my early teens. I write articles, and I've done books; I also take photos which I use to illustrate these. Sometimes I'm a bird tour guide. I also do some environmental assessment work, and am currently working with outdoor enthusiast and marine life expert Charles Frew on video on tourism in wilder parts of Hong Kong - Explore Wild Hong Kong, with funding from Cathay Pacific.

So much to explore

One highlight was close involvement in producing a coffee table book, The Green Dragon: Hong Kong's living environment. Despite sponsorship, we didn't make a profit, but I think it's a great book - had good reviews. Last spring, I set up a website on exploring and protecting wild Hong Kong - Hong Kong Outdoors - and though still growing, this is attracting visitors.

I find that it's not only visitors who are amazed to discover all that Hong Kong offers - even some Hongkongers express surprise at the great landscapes and diverse wildlife on their doorsteps. Some of my favourite experiences, that everyone should enjoy while they're here, include:

* Short walk: Dragon's Back, on southeast Hong Kong Island. This takes a couple of hours, yet affords diversity along the trail through woodland and open hillsides, and some tremendous views over southern Hong Kong Island and the South China Sea.

* Longer walk: Tai Long Wan, in the eastern Sai Kung Peninsula, is a tremendous area, with long beaches set amidst stunning scenery.

* Wildlife: visit Mai Po Marshes during winter or spring (April), especially when the forecast tide might help produce a spectacle of thousands of migratory birds, some of them rare worldwide.

For me Hong Kong is a many-splendoured place: with a vibrant city, and a superb natural setting. I urge everyone to go and explore it. With the various guidebooks and maps available and the excellent public transport system, your only concern might be: where should I start?"

Related link
Hong Kong Outdoors