Hazel Pittwood

My name is Hazel Pittwood. I am an expedition naturalist/guide working primarily for an IAATO Operator. 2021 was my first time working in Antarctica. I truly fell in love with Antarctica and I can’t wait to return there! I previously worked as a Wildlife Officer/Ocean Conservationist and my areas of specialism are marine mammals and seabirds.

As a guide I work to inspire and educate visitors to Antarctica regarding the wildlife of this region and the ecosystems/habitat. By utilising my skills, experience and enthusiasm I strive to foster interest and enjoyment in the natural splendour of this incredible area whilst also instilling values of wanting to conserve and protect it for the future. I also seek to contribute to research by collecting sightings data for wildlife, submitting photos to HappyWhale as one example. 

Alongside this, when I am back home in the UK I find opportunities to engage with people regarding Antarctica, such as delivering talks for local community groups, and how we all have a part to play in safeguarding this awe-inspiring frozen wilderness and its wildlife, whether or not we are ever fortunate enough to visit, and no matter how far away we live from this remote region: what happens in Antarctica affects all of us, worldwide. 

I really want my experiences to count, so I am dedicated and committed to advocating for Antarctica in any way I can, both when I have the privilege to be work there and when I am at home (wishing I was there!) I am also making changes in my personal life such as minimising the use of single use plastics and only consuming locally sourced, sustainably caught seafood.