Tuesday 1st September, 7:30pm York House, Hyde Room
Sennen Powell – ‘Beyond Bird Photography: exploring the visual culture of birds’
PLUS insights into her time on the RSPB’s Youth Council
Sennen is a photographer, artist, ornithologist, member of the RSPB’s Youth Council, observer to the board of trustees and a member of our group. She works to raise awareness of the ecological crisis, highlight the role young people can play and explore how the media influence people’s connection to nature. Her talk will examine how birds and ornithology are experienced through visual culture and how historical events and modern economics have shaped that imagery. She will share her photography project which looks at how we understand birds through cameras. New ideas on nature connection, the folklore revival and sci-fi may be included! Finally, Sennen will provide insights from her time on the RSPB Youth Council and the importance of youth campaigning in conservation charities.
Tuesday 8th September, 2pm York House, Hyde Room
Ian Guildford – ‘Protecting our Birds and Wildlife – Enforcement Partnership at Work’
The UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) assists in the prevention and detection of wildlife crime by obtaining and disseminating information from a wide range of organisations and by assisting police forces in wildlife crime investigation. Drawing on 25 years of experience, Ian will demonstrate how the police work in partnership with other agencies, both enforcement bodies and NGOs such as the RSPB, to investigate wildlife crime.
Tuesday 6th October, 7:30pm York House, Hyde Room
Ben Chapple – Naturetrek – ‘Wildlife of Southern Africa’
Covering habitats from the Okavango Delta to the cliffs and rich coastal waters of the Western Cape, with iconic species such as Lion, Leopard, White Rhinoceros and Southern Right Whale, plus the more obscure, but equally fascinating, Aardvark, Caracal, Aardwolf and Black-footed Cat. The equally astonishing birdlife includes giants like Ostrich, Southern Ground Hornbill and Lappet-faced Vulture and a glittering array of bee-eaters, kingfishers and barbets. Ben will also discuss interesting aspects of conservation and animal behaviour and suggest how you can experience Southern Africa for yourself.
Tuesday 13th October 7.30 pm – ONLINE (Zoom)
Jacob New – ‘The Wildlife of the Scottish Highlands’
A look at some of the most interesting species that the UK has to offer from Jacob New, Head Ranger at the Aigas Field Centre. This talk will consider the historical and current significance of land use in the Highlands and how this has impacted its wildlife, whilst also looking at ongoing projects and the status of various species that specialise in the Scottish wilderness.
***THURSDAY 5th November, 7:30pm – ONLINE (Zoom) PLEASE NOTE DATE
Michael Warren – New Book ‘The Cuckoo’s Lea- A Forgotten History of Birds and Place’
Michael Warren is a keen birder, author, teacher and medievalist who’s fascinated by birds, words and landscapes. Hidden in English place names are the ghostly traces of birds conjuring powerful identities for people in ancient landscapes. What are their stories and secrets? How did people encounter birds over a thousand years ago? In The Cuckoo’s Lea, Michael sets out on the trail of these ghosts. Weaving together personal quest with early literature, history and ornithology he contemplates the nature of place and discovers the fascinating heritage behind it.
Tuesday 10th November 2pm York House, Hyde Room
Ralph and Brenda Todd – ‘Return of the Osprey’
Ralph and Brenda have spent many separate weeks, over a long span of years, as volunteer wardens at the famous RSPB Loch Garten reserve in the shadow of the Cairngorms. This talk tells the history, changes and developing story of Ospreys returning to Scotland as a breeding bird, the protection they have been afforded and the conservation issues surrounding them plus some of the beautiful habitats, scenery and wildlife within striking distance of the reserve. They will tell this story through a typical volunteer’s week.
Tuesday 1st December, 7:30pm – York House, Hyde Room Short Talk and Quiz + FESTIVE SOCIAL
+ Second hand book stall
John Strachan – Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
A short presentation of John’s latest photographs from his trip to the south-west of England.
Tuesday 15th December, 7:30pm – ONLINE (Zoom)
Rob Parry, CEO Wild Cymru – Species and Habitat Restoration: The Work of Wild Cymru
This talk will look at the work of Wild Cymru, including farm and habitat restoration projects across Wales, for species such as Yellowhammer and Willow Tit. In addition, the talk will look at some species-specific conservation measures being undertaken including the reintroduction of Marsh Fritillary, Beavers and Water Voles.