Dwayne’s
Story
From Jamaica and inner-city London to the Magnetic North Pole, television, natural history, youth engagement and the role of UK Chief Scout.
A life changed
by adventure.
Dwayne Fields was born in Jamaica and came to the UK at the age of six.
Growing up in inner-city London, he experienced social stigma and became a victim of knife and gun crime. After a life-threatening incident, he made a decision that changed the direction of his life.
As a child in Jamaica, Dwayne loved nature and wildlife. That connection became a powerful part of his identity and inspired him to reconnect with the forests and hilltops of his childhood through exploration and adventure.
In 2010, Dwayne set himself his first major expedition challenge: walking more than 400 nautical miles to the Magnetic North Pole.
He became the first Black Briton to achieve that feat. On his return, he was invited to Buckingham Palace to join polar explorers and adventurers at a reception marking the centenary of Scott’s expedition to the South Pole.
A life of adventure.
A purpose beyond exploration.
Since then, Dwayne has built a career around adventure, exploration, television, natural history and inspiring people — particularly young people — to experience the outdoors.
A journey that
keeps moving.
From his first major expedition to his work with young people and his role as UK Chief Scout, each chapter has continued to shape Dwayne's story.
Magnetic North Pole
First Black Briton to walk more than 400 nautical miles to the Magnetic North Pole.
Freedom of the City of London
I received the Freedom of the City of London.
Street to Peak Expedition
I created the Street to Peak expedition.
Royal Geographical Society
Recognised by the Royal Geographical Society for empowering young people to explore the world.
#WeTwo Foundation
Co-founded the #WeTwo Foundation with Phoebe Smith to expand opportunities for young people through adventure.
7 Toughest Days
The release of my series '7 Toughest Days'.
UK Chief Scout
Appointed the 11th UK Chief Scout, bringing his experience in exploration and youth engagement to the voluntary role.
Chasing the Sun
Preparing for Chasing the Sun — a new expedition combining exploration, solar energy, electric mobility and storytelling.
Inspiring the
next generation.
Since his earliest adventures, Dwayne's story has remained closely connected to encouraging young people to explore the outdoors.
He has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his work with young people, a passion which continues to be an important part of his work.
His focus includes encouraging young people growing up in inner cities to experience nature and a life with which they may not previously have been engaged.
Dwayne is an Ambassador of The UK Scouting Association and a 'Get Outside' Ambassador for Ordnance Survey and The Woodland Trust.
Exploration became
a career in storytelling.
Since his first expedition, Dwayne's life has grown into a career spanning adventure, exploration, television, natural history and youth engagement.
He has been interviewed about his exploits across major media, including the Daily Politics Show, BBC's One Show, BBC Breakfast, Countryfile, The Guardian and The Telegraph.
As a naturalist, Dwayne also appeared as a special guest on BBC's SpringWatch Unsprung with Chris Packham, exploring the wonders of the Great British countryside.
His drive to engage and enthuse a new generation with natural spaces, climate challenges and adventure has led to work across a variety of projects.
A new chapter
as UK Chief Scout.
In September 2024, Dwayne became the 11th UK Chief Scout, succeeding Bear Grylls.
This voluntary role was offered to Dwayne as the Scout Association recognised that the values Dwayne held, his commitment and desire to help young people closely aligned with their own.
During his time as Chief Scout, Dwayne aims to inspire even more young people and adult volunteers to join the organisation from all backgrounds.
Exploring
My Limits
For the full story, listen to Dwayne's autobiography and hear the journey in his own words.
Discover the experiences, challenges and adventures behind the explorer.