‘Better than a hit of smack’ - Former drug addict turns to wildlife photography

Proceeds from the calendar will go towards homelessness based charity St Martins Housing Trust. Picture: St Martins Housing Trust (Image: David Cullingford)

David Cullingford, who also spent time in prison, has now produced a nature calendar focusing on Norfolk wildlife and beauty spots.

He was lent a camera by Norwich-based homelessness charity, St Martins Housing Trust, which supported Mr Cullingford during the lowest points in his life, and he spent lots of time taking photographs at the River Wensum.

Mr Cullingford, who developed an interest in birdwatching as a child, said: "I was getting more and more into wildlife and noticed the local otters and the kingfishers. Finally getting a shot of a kingfisher with a 2.5 x zoom compact camera was better for me than getting any hit of smack or cocaine that I've ever taken in my life."

Receiving the camera triggered Davids love of photography and he has captured hundreds of exceptional images of birds, wildlife and Norfolk landscapes ever since. Picture: St Martins Housing Trust (Image: David Cullingford)

Twelve of his photographs feature in St Martins' 2020 Norfolk Wildlife calendar, available from Under 1 Roof, 102 Westwick Street, or at the Donation Station, 33 Bishopate.