Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright, Where will You Stay Tonight? Paul Goldstein's 1,000-Mile Tiger Trek Roars Through Norfolk for Conservation

A nine-foot tiger walking across Britain might sound like the plot of an adventure film, but there's no need to panic if you spot one on the Norfolk coast this month. 

It's actually strapped to the back of one of the UK's most passionate wildlife campaigners.

Wildlife photographer, safari guide and conservationist Paul Goldstein has embarked on an extraordinary 1,000-mile charity walk to raise £50,000 for tiger conservation, and next week his remarkable journey brings him through Norfolk.

The challenge, called 2 Legs for 4, is being organised in partnership with conservation charity Explorers Against Extinction (EAE). Paul will walk 500 miles from Anglesey to Southend-on-Sea before continuing another 500 miles from Southend to Land's End over just 42 days.

At 63 years old, Paul describes this as the toughest challenge of his life.

It continues a remarkable fundraising journey that began 16 years ago when he first completed the London Marathon wearing his now-famous tiger costume. 

Since then, he and his oversized feline companion have tackled another 49 marathons, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, conquered the gruelling Everest Marathon and helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for conservation projects around the world.

Those funds have supported everything from anti-poaching patrol vehicles and wildlife transport to schools, boreholes, ambulances and community initiatives in tiger habitats.

Paul says this latest challenge is about far more than endurance.

"This isn't a publicity stunt. It's a protest," he explained to That's Green.

Despite decades of conservation work, Bengal tigers remain endangered, with illegal poaching and the trade in tiger body parts continuing to threaten their future. 

Paul hopes that by quite literally carrying the issue across Britain, he can encourage more people to take notice and support conservation efforts.

The journey has already tested him, with soaring summer temperatures and a chest infection making every mile more demanding.

Norfolk holds special significance for Paul. His family has roots in the county stretching back more than a century, with Carricks Farm at Swanton Morley remaining part of that heritage. He has also introduced countless visitors to Norfolk's spectacular wildlife through his photography and guided experiences, making this one of the places he most wanted the route to include.

Local people are being encouraged to join him for part of the walk. There's no expectation to tackle all 1,000 miles, supporters can simply walk a few miles, complete a day stage or cheer him on along the route.

A generous supporter has also pledged to match the first £10,000 donated, doubling the impact of early fundraising.

Money raised will help fund practical conservation projects in India and Bhutan, including installing solar lighting around communities near Bandhavgarh National Park to reduce dangerous encounters between people and tigers, while also supporting research into how climate change is affecting tiger habitats.

Paul's Norfolk route runs from 19 to 24 July, with a special public evening at Blake Studio in Norwich on 22 July, where he'll share stories from decades spent photographing wildlife and explain why protecting tigers has become his life's mission.

Sometimes raising awareness means making a bold statement. Few statements are quite as memorable as walking 1,000 miles across Britain carrying a tiger on your back.

To learn more and to contribute please visit https://explorersagainstextinction.co.uk