You probably won’t have heard of Dan Evans. Compared to some of the other illustrious figures in this category, Dan seems like an ordinary guy. Well, he is, but he’s about to become a pretty big name on the internet. Why, you ask? Well, he’s a third-year Geography student at Royal Holloway, and he is also my friend. He really loves his subject, and probably works far harder than most of us at university. Even in his spare time, he makes videos and radio broadcasts to showcase his love for the geography of his home county, Norfolk. These videos have been talked about in national media recently, including on the ITV panel show Viral Tap, popular website the LADBible, and he’s soon to be on Rude Tube. I chatted to Dan to see what he feels about it.
What inspired your love for Geography?
I’ve always been fascinated with the way the world works. As a young boy, I used to ask all sorts of weird and wonderful questions about the planet. Little did I realise at the time, but what was evolving in my mind was a natural curiosity about the world. I was, of course, delighted when I found out that there was a subject devoted to answering these questions. And I’ve been in love with Geography ever since.
How long have you been studying Geography?
My earliest recollection of Geography (the subject) is sitting in a relatively derelict and small mobile classroom at middle school. I can remember my first lesson looked at maps; one of those quintessential geographical topics! That said, I think High School was when I realised my passion for the subject. I was extremely lucky to have some exceptional teachers, who I still keep in contact with to this very day!
What do you find particularly interesting about the Norfolk countryside, even when lots of others would say it’s not that great?
Well, I’m a bit of an old-fashioned Romantic. The countryside, for me, is not just a place where I was brought up and a site of many great memories, but it is a haven for stability and peace away from the hurly burly of the bustling city. The Norfolk Broads reminds us that, amongst the brick and mortar, there is still some “green and pleasant land” to be enjoyed and celebrated.
Are there any other places in the UK you’d suggest visiting to our readers who might wish to get outdoors and enjoy Geography?
Geography is the study of Earth, so technically anywhere and everywhere, doing anything and everything! Those who wish to enjoy the fruits of Physical Geography, I would recommend Snowdonia for its majestic mountains, Dorset for its dramatic Jurassic coastline, the course of the Severn river and the Cairngorms for some true wilderness. But, essentially, the first step to enjoying the UK’s Geography is to explore your own doorstep. Take a wander down your own neck-of-the-woods and rejoice in the abundance of culture and nature.
Join us for part 2, where we’ll learn more about Dan’s videos and broadcasts. You can find them all on Dan’s YouTube channel, “TVGeog”, and you can visit his website http://www.geographywithdan.blogspot.co.uk in the meantime. See you soon!
Image credit: Alice Barnes-Brown
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