Chris Searston
Photographer
Chris first visited Svalbard in 1991 with the Group as photographer. Chris then repeated Group expeditions in both 1993 and 1999. Since then Chris has visited the Archipelago more than 20 times, either taking first timers on introductory interest trips, or making solo visits.
Following a bear attack on the Group in 1993, Chris has developed and supplies perimeter tripwire warning systems for the protection of camps in wilderness areas. This has since been adopted as the system of choice by the BES (British Exploring Society – formerly BSES – British Schools Exploring Society), and promoted for it’s significant advantages during an inquiry by a High Court Judge into a serious polar bear incident which took place in 2011 on Svalbard. It is now being used world-wide for the protection of explorers. Chris is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Member of the Arctic Club. Chris took on the leadership of the 9 person 2023 Arctic Research Group expedition to Recherchefjord which was completed safely and successfully delivering research on Pingos, environmental pollution and archeological recording studies.
