Spring is in the air and wildlife adventurer Gordon Buchanan is already feeling its pull. The acclaimed cameraman and presenter, who has worked on nature programmes such as Springwatch, The Lost Land and the award-winning The Bear Family and Me, is finding time between filming to embark on a major UK tour.

With a reputation for relishing dangerous and tough assignments, Gordon will talk to audiences about his incredible encounters in a live show The Lost Adventures, which is illustrated by his own film footage and photography.

His enthusiasm for nature shines through on screen and he proves equally as passionate about the natural world when we speak.

“There are birds all around us,“ says Gordon in his distinctive Scottish burr, “so when you’re standing at a bus stop, take time to look around and see what’s there. None of the technology in our pocket fulfils us, it’s just a distraction that leaves you more frustrated than you were to begin with. There are simple pleasures to be had from observing wildlife that are hugely valuable. Seeing birds nesting, signs of spring and activity, it’s something I find nourishing and really rewarding.“

So what can we do to protect it?

Whether it’s choosing an energy efficient car or reusing a plastic bag, Gordon says we can all do our bit.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“Everything we surround ourselves with has impact on the natural environment and it should be a way of life for everyone. Climate change really is one of those things that affects the entire planet and everything we do in life has a carbon footprint. Across the world from the Arctic to the rainforests and all over the UK it’s about the protection of habitat and really drawing a line on the encroachment into the few wild places we have left.“

The globe-trotting father of two currently shares his Glasgow home with ten stick insect eggs and a dog.

“I’ve increased the biodiversity here by about 200 per cent,“ says Gordon. “It was all power-hosed surfaces and gravel before. There are bird boxes in my garden and a little stick pile too, which is home to insects and you occasionally get wrens nesting in there. I’ve also rigged up a bird feeder right outside my office window.“

One of the biggest lessons Gordon has learned from animals over the years is to show them respect.

“We’re all individuals, whether we are sloths, polar bears, anteaters or human beings, we are all equal in the end game of survival. We’ve all fought for millions and millions of years for our right to be on this planet and we have absolutely no right to destroy that for anyone else.

“When I was working with the snow wolves last year my take home message was that they’re remarkably similar to us in that they have a unique personality, but they are highly social animals and their strength comes from the pack. We’ve lost that community spirit, so it’s no wonder we’re stressed and dysfunctional. If we were more like wolves we’d probably find our lives were a lot happier.“

From cuddling up to Super Cute Animals, which aired on the BBC last month, to being chased by elephants, tigers and bears, Gordon has no shortage of hair-raising, behind-the-scenes stories to share.

Recently, while filming The Polar Bear Family and Me, there was only a perspex cage between him and the powerful paws and jaws of a seven-foot tall sow.

“Some people think I’m crazy, or that I have a death wish, but I don’t see it as dangerous. If you know an animal well enough you’re perfectly safe.

“I’ve spent the last quarter of a century getting close to lots of different animals, many of them seemingly or potentially dangerous, and in that time you build up a huge knowledge and can predict what they’re going to do.

“There’s not an animal in the world I’m not comfortable with. Having said that, if I get eaten by a polar bear in the next six months you can say ’I told you so’.“

The Lost Adventures tour comes to the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington Gore on Tuesday, March 17, 7pm. Details: 020 7609 1800, www.pleasance.co.uk