Most castaways are surrounded by empty skies and palm trees, listening to waves lap on the shore.

Dave Wise will swap that for the mud and sirens of Chatham when he spends five weeks in the Medway estuary this summer.

The writer and photographer, 44, decided to live on the estuary's islands after he broke up with his girlfriend.

He will live only on what he can forage and fish - and wants artists to join him just a mile from the shores of Gillingham.

He said: "I don't really know where I want to live or what I want to do, so I thought I would use the time positively.

"It is a good way to get away and in touch with my creative side."

Dave has been a character on Medway's vibrant art scene for decades. Until recently he lived in Chatham and helped run publishing house Urban Fox Press.

He changed his outlook in 2006 after he was almost beaten to death in Maidstone.

Speaking of the unprovoked attack, he said: "It gave me a different perspective on life. It made me want to make the best of what I have.

"I am heading to the Lake District for two months and as soon as I come back down, I'll be parking the car somewhere and getting in the canoe.

"I can't think what will stop me apart from illness, and I've not been ill for a long time. I carry a first aid kit and I'm only an hour from the shore.

"I'm worried about my vitamin intake but I have a feeling I can get it all from seaweed, samphire grass, purslane and dog rose."

He added: "I'm not a real castaway. I have a phone and solar charger so I won't be too isolated."

Dave, an experienced canoeist who has created trails and tours round the estuary, will be joined by friends including wild food expert Fergus Drennan, fisherman Martin Booth and singer-songwriter Lupen Crook.

He is appealing for nature lovers to join him on the trek from July 9 to August 20, to provide him with fresh water and gas canisters.

"I'm looking for anyone happy in their own company," he said, "but they have to be reliable. If they don't turn up I'm stuffed."

If you would like to join Dave, email dave@davewise.biz to find out more