A 73-year-old from Macclesfield has gained 17,000 followers after setting up a TikTok account posting nature and wildlife videos.

Ian Coppack has lived in Langley for 25 years working as a park ranger for Cheshire County Council and last year, like many others, set up his very own TikTok page.

"I started because my son chucked out a selfie stick and I started using that all the time to film myself," Ian recalled.

"I have lots of young children who inspired me to do TikTok. I started making TikToks to talk about the state of nature really.

"I've got this funny mind that has collected bits and pieces of information over the years, and it was somewhere to send it all."

Ian's first TikTok was uploaded in May 2021, and he has already found viral stardom. Ian's account has 109,000 likes as of January 2021, and each TikTok averages 1000 views. (Image - Ian Coppack / @iancoppack)

His account has picked up a lot of popularity in the last year and Ian has now gathered a huge following who have a passion for nature, just like himself.

"I have been very touched because all the comments I get have been favourable really and I have had so many people sending me nice comments," he added.

"I get recognised now which is really strange, I went to a bar and this chap said he recognised me because of my voice on TikTok. I thought it was quite funny."

Ian also shows no sign of slowing down on the site and has said to be eager to continue posting throughout 2022.

Ian teaching his fans how to cut cornflower. His TikTok topics span climate change, bird-spotting and nature Q&A's from fans. (Image - Ian Coppack / @iancoppack)

"My main aim is to introduce and educate people on nature, but also on what is going on countryside," Ian said.

"I think it is the key to the future, if we lose nature and if we lose wildlife and diversity then it wouldn't be good at all.

"I am hoping to do more on TikTok on what you can do in your gardens at home to help."

Studies have also show that engaging with nature also benefits individuals mental and physical health, which Ian has also found himself.

His family are proud of the ex-civil servant's TikTok success. (Image - Ian Coppack / @iancoppack)

"The countryside is one way to settle your mind if you get out there amongst nature. I feel so sorry for these kids that are having to cope with Covid the last few years," Ian also said.

"I've got a daughter who is 20 and it will take a bit chunk out of her life and it's been really tough for them I think not getting to see the real world.

"If people get close to nature, I find that you will see your mental health definitely improve."

He regularly shoots on the Danes Moss Nature Reserve in Macclesfield, and recently made a TikTok on the importance of preserving peat bogs on the controversial Bellway Homes development in Henbury.

Go have a look at Ian's TikTok account: @iancoppack.

Macclesfield: Have you signed up for our Friday weekly newsletter? It contains each week's top 10 Macclesfield news stories, and one FREE exclusive article?

1000 of you have signed up already. Simply enter your email address in the shaded box below or on this link.

Free from pop-up ads, or unwanted surveys, Macclesfield Nub News is a quality online newspaper which produces 30-40 stories a week for our town.

You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.