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Ben Chapple giving a talk on South Africa at the Birdfair
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Sara Frost
St. Kilda & the Hebrides - cruising to the Edge of the World
In a world where long-haul travel is now so accessible, it can be all too easy to overlook the treasures in our own backyard. St Kilda is a very special place, and one of only 35 sites in the world to hold joint UNESCO World Heritage status for both cultural and natural heritage. This exciting talk will take you on a journey to St Kilda from Oban, as Sara details the excitement of sailing to this remote archipelago through the beautiful Inner and Outer Hebrides. She also gives insight into the life of the hardy St. Kildan people, which was one of remarkable self-sufficiency. Having lived in the Hebrides for 3 years as a Wildlife Guide, Sara recounts the wonderful wildlife which inhabits these islands and surrounding waters – from otters, eagles and seabirds to dolphins, sharks and whales.
Antarctica, The Falklands & South Georgia
Antarctica is a land of superlatives. It is the coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses of the world. It is a continent of extremes, but also one of extreme beauty! In this talk, Sara takes you on a journey from Ushuaia (Argentina) to The Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, describing the countless wildlife delights en route – up to 7 species of penguin, a host of seabirds (including the wonderful Wandering Albatross) and a colossal amount of cetaceans, all to the backdrop of breathtaking scenery. With Shakleton’s infamous expedition also providing listeners with some historical and cultural interest, an evening of ‘armchair travel’ to this remote continent is not to be missed!
Indonesia - Sailing from Bali to Komodo
The archipelago of Indonesia comprises a staggering 17,000 islands, of which Bali and Komodo are two. This talk covers the wonderful wildlife of this remote archipelago (famously explored by the great naturalist Alfred Wallace), much of which is encountered on Naturetrek's exciting cruise which sails from Bali to Komodo, the latter being well-known to naturalists for being home to the world’s largest species of lizard, the formidable Komodo Dragon! Indonesia is also home to an astonishing 30 species of whales and dolphins, such birds as the Red-tailed Tropicbird and the critically-endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo, the mighty Manta Ray and pristine coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. Visiting here is a ‘must’ for anyone interested in tropical wildlife!
Baja California and the Sea of Cortez
There are few, if any, whale watching destinations that can rival Mexico’s Baja California! In this talk, Sara will transport you to Mexico’s vibrant waters to enjoy a breath-taking array of whale and dolphin species, from huge Blue Whales to the diminutive Harbour Porpoise. Other highlights include ‘eye-to-eye’ encounters with Grey Whales, thousands of dolphins in the Sea of Cortez and several other whale species. Northern Elephant Seals, turtles, sea lions and a variety of birds make up a fascinating supporting cast – hearing about this fantastic part of the world is not to be missed!
Whales and Dolphins of the Azores
Twenty three species of cetacean have been recorded in the Azores, including the largest animal to ever have lived, the Blue Whale. This is without a doubt the best whale watching in Europe – and it is possible to see 7+ species in a single visit, including the rare and elusive ‘beaked whales’ which live at depths of 2000m! This talk takes listeners through the biology of the cetacean species which inhabit the waters around these islands – from the deep-diving Sperm Whales which raise their calves here in the safety of these waters, to the attractive Striped Dolphins, which arrive in the Azores for the summer months. Sara also touches on other areas of interest to the natural historian, including huge lava caves, stunning UNESCO vineyards and Europe’s largest colony of Cory’s Shearwaters.
Trekking and Birding in the Everest Region
In 2017, Sara spent 3 weeks trekking to Everest Base Camp and around the Gokyo Lakes – an adventure she still remembers vividly: lack of oxygen, camping in -12c and trying to avoid frostbite, all the while with binoculars in hand! Nowhere in the world is the mountain scenery as magnificent as the Everest National Park and, in this talk, Sara takes you in search of the region’s sought-after pheasants, thrushes, bluetails, rosefinches, grosbeaks and other birdlife, as well as flora and smaller mammals, to a truly breathtaking backdrop of glaciers and peaks. In equal balance, she also covers the rich history of mountaineering on Everest – from early explorers first sighting the mountain, to it finally being conquered in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
Tom Mabbett (Cheltenham)
The Best of Britain: From Ardnamurchan to the Forest of Dean
In this talk, Tom will cover his favourite wildlife locations across the UK from the "wild west" of Scotland to his local Forest of Dean. Appreciating what is close to home and on our doorstep has never been more important and Tom will also talk about some local wildlife discoveries and the joy and excitement of finding wildlife on your home patch, including an introduction to camera trapping.
Europe’s Best Birding
In this talk, Tom talks about his personal favourite destinations within Europe, with a focus on the spectacular bird life in particular. Destinations will range from the Camargue, Extremadura and Hortobágy, to the uplands of Sweden. From Bustards to Bee-eaters, Spoonbills to Skuas, a great range of birds and their habitats will be covered, all achievable with short haul travel!
The Big Cats & Other Wildlife of Brazil, Borneo & Mongolia
In this talk, Tom will talk about the special wildlife of the Brazilian Pantanal, the incredibly diverse Bornean rainforests and the mountains and wilderness of Mongolia. We will search for Jaguars, Sunda Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard and a huge amount more with some very special birds and landscapes and the odd snake or two!
Richard Bashford (St Neots/Sandy)
Birding Morocco
A rich and memorable experience awaits the traveller to Morocco. Although separated by a short sea crossing from Europe, the culture and the wildlife are so different making Morocco such a popular place to visit. Richard has led many tours to Morocco and will take you through one of the most popular tours starting off in the sensory overload of Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Atlas Mountains and into the edges of the mighty Sahara, before heading west to explore the rich estuaries of the coast. During this talk, Richard will introduce many of the spectacular species you can expect to see (including several found nowhere else on earth), from the delightful Moussier's Redstart, the bizarre Bald Ibis, many species of wheatears and larks, sandgrouse and highlights such as roosting Pharaoh Eagle Owl and Egyptian Nightjar.
Spitsbergen – The Realm of the Polar Bear
The Arctic islands of Svalbard are breathtaking! In this talk, Richard highlights the natural wonders of this archipelago and our 9-day cruise aboard our ice-strengthened ship. We'll see our first wildlife from the very start of the trip in Longyearbyen, with Arctic Terns overhead and Eiders off the shore. Once aboard, we'll visit spectacular nesting colonies of Little Auk, see our first Reindeer, and continue our journey looking for sea mammals such as Blue Whale and even Beluga. In addition to the incredible seabird colonies (including Brunnich's Guillemots), we'll be looking for the more famous inhabitants of these islands – Walrus and of course, the Polar Bear. Seeing a Polar Bear, the King of the Arctic, out on sea ice is one of the most magical wildlife encounters to be had, and Richard's talk will bring this experience to life!
Birding the Gambia
With a flight time of fewer than six hours and no time difference to the UK, The Gambia is a popular choice for a wildlife holiday. Richard has led a number of tours to this tiny, but diverse, country and this talk bring to life our popular "Gambia in Style!" holiday, based in one beautiful, relaxing location, with canoe trips, forest walks and a couple of coach trips to the coast. Here, we can expect to see several species of bee-eaters, kingfishers and hornbills – many around our own swimming pool – in fact you can enjoy a relaxing swim and watch the bee-eaters come down for a drink! Add to that, regular sightings of birds like the bizarre looking Violet Turaco and Bearded Barbet – and perhaps a local troop of Guinea Baboons passing by – you really know you’re in Africa!
Georgia in Spring
Georgia’s location, on the eastern side of Europe and just north of Turkey, means much of its wildlife is a vibrant mix of both European and Middle Eastern, with a bit of Asia too! The magnificent Caucasian mountains, in particular, are home to some very special birds. Richard’s talk will showcase this superb region with such show-stoppers as Güldenstädt’s Redstart and Great Rosefinch, alongside more familiar highlights such as Lammergeier and Wallcreeper. In the east of the country, the rolling steppe and lakes are home to a wide variety of such sought after species as Green Warbler and Armenian Gull, a range of wheatears and larks, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and other eastern European specialities such as Black Francolin, Krüper’s Nuthatch and Demoiselle Crane… all set amongst spectacular scenery.
Wildlife and Birds of Poland
Join Richard on a virtual tour of Poland’s most well-known wildlife locations. Richard has made many trips to Poland over the last twenty years, and this talk will firstly illustrate the breath taking the world-famous Biebrza National Park Marshes – home to terns dancing over the wetlands and waders galore, including the bizarre Great Snipe and multi-coloured Ruffs. The fields and meadows here are also home to iconic species such as Corncrakes and Cranes. Richard will then show you the atmospheric primeval forests of Białoweiza, where most of the European woodpeckers can be found, alongside Nutcrackers, Pygmy Owl and the star of the show – European Bison.
Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia
One of the world's best wildlife destinations? Definitely!
This talk details the incredible experience of joining Naturetrek's cruise to the southern oceans – from Ushuaia, along the Beagle Channel towards the Falkland Islands, passing spectacular seabirds and cetaceans. After a few days exploring the Falklands, we sail to one of the most beautiful places on earth – South Georgia, where we walk amongst thousands of penguins and seals. Our last few days are around the spectacular Antarctic peninsula, enjoying the incredible richness of this polar habitat – from whales and albatrosses to immense icebergs. With many landings throughout, this really is the trip of a lifetime!
Ben Chapple
Wildlife of Southern Africa
Africa is the world’s greatest wildlife continent, and Southern Africa in particular contains some of the most spectacular natural landscapes left on Earth. In this varied talk, Ben will take you on a tour of the region’s wildest places, from the immense oasis of the Okavango Delta to the dramatic cliffs and rich coastal waters of the Western Cape. Remarkable mammals are everywhere, many (but by no means all) familiar to nature-lovers worldwide. Ben will cover such iconic species as Lion, Leopard, White Rhinoceros and Southern Right Whale, while more obscure – but equally fascinating – creatures include Aardvark, Caracal, Aardwolf and Black-footed Cat. The birdlife is just as astonishing, with giants like Ostrich, Southern Ground Hornbill and Lappet-faced Vulture complemented by a glittering array of bee-eaters, kingfishers and barbets. He will also discuss interesting aspects of conservation and animal behaviour, and suggest how you can experience Southern Africa’s natural abundance for yourself.
Costa Rica – a wildlife photographer’s paradise
This tiny central American country (the size of Wales), is rightly renowned among wildlife enthusiasts for the huge range of species to be found here. From the incomparable Resplendent Quetzal to the majestic King Vulture and Great Green Macaw, to the throng of diminutive, but bedazzling, hummingbirds, it’s hard to know where to begin! In addition to birds, Costa Rica offers mammals, insects, orchids, reptiles and amphibians in abundance as well as some spectacular scenery. Ben takes us on a tour of this country and shows just some of the wildlife to be found and photographed on a holiday there.
Uganda
The land of the Mountain Gorillas, Eastern Chimpanzee and the mighty Shoebill.
India/Sri Lanka
Lands of the Tiger: From India to the
Russian Far East
Andy Tucker
Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands
In this two-part talk, Andy first explores the richness of mainland Ecuador, from the moss-laden cloudforests of north-west Ecuador, to the high Andes and the lowlands of the Amazon in the east, where Andy once spent a year as a resident naturalist guide. The talk features stunning photography of such iconic species as Cock of the Rock, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Anteater, Torrent Duck and Hoatzin. After the break we move on to the Enchanted Islands, covering the geological history and geography of the archipelago, the Darwin story, current conservation issues and the visitor experience, including snorkelling, marine life, seabird and sealion colonies, Giant Tortoises, Marine and Land Iguanas, the Darwin’s finches, Galápagos Penguins and much more!
The Birds of Ecuador & Colombia
On this talk Andy begins in Ecuador, showcasing the wonderful birding to be enjoyed in the subtropical forests of north-west Ecuador, with stunning photography capturing the myriad colours of the resident hummingbirds, tanagers and other species. Moving to the Amazon next, we cover the birds, mammals and ecology of the humid lowlands of eastern Ecuador before finishing on the high, desolate slopes of the Papallacta pass with stunning views across to the hulking mass of volcano Antisana. After a break we move to Colombia and the varied habitats of the Cauca Valley, western and central Andes, and the endemic-rich Santa Marta mountains.
Wildlife of Peru
Peru is a magnificent country full of contrasts, from the richness of the Humboldt Current offshore, to the high Andes and the pristine lowland rainforest of the Amazon basin. In this talk Andy delves into the marine ecosystem of the Peruvian coast and its countless seabirds and sealions. The talk then moves to the jungles of south-east Peru, where Andy spent a year as a guide, looking at antbirds, primates, macaw clay licks and oxbow lakes. We then move to the Andes, with glittering hummingbirds and tanagers and spell-binding mountain scenery, framed by a welcoming and colourful people and a rich history, culminating in the remarkable conquest of the Incas and the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu. This is a talk not to miss!
Wildlife of Spain
With this popular talk, Andy offers a breath-taking tour of the wildlife of the spectacular Spanish mountains and wilderness. Beginning with the ferry journey across the deep, rich waters of the bay of Biscay, we visit the Cantabrian mountains, the Pyrenees, steppes, wetlands and other wonderful habitats and destinations across this wildlife-rich country, taking in along the way whales, dolphins, eagles, bustards, cranes, Brown Bears, Wildcats, orchids, butterflies, stunning landscapes, blue skies, blue cheese and vineyards! We also touch on conservation, looking at the current status of the Iberian Lynx and Iberian Wolf, and discussing how to see these iconic species in the wild!
Paul Stanbury
Antarctica
Madagascar
Spitsbergen – Realm of the Polar Bear
Western Canada
Matthew Capper (Derbyshire)
Florida – the Sunshine State
Florida is one of the best birdwatching locations in North America and this talk covers some of the special species that you might expect to see on a winter visit such as Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite, Sandhill Crane, Burrowing Owl and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. In addition to birds, a wealth of other species – from dolphins and manatees, to butterflies, dragonflies and both crocodile and alligator – can be found. This talk covers many of Florida’s outstanding wetland and coastal habitats, including the world-famous Everglades National Park, with its impressive concentrations of herons and waterbirds. Florida is the perfect introduction to American birds!
Spitsbergen – Realm of the Polar Bear
The Arctic islands of Svalbard are breathtaking! In this talk, Matthew highlights the natural wonders of this archipelago and our 9-day cruise aboard our ice-strengthened ship. We'll see our first wildlife from the very start of the trip in Longyearbyen, with Arctic Terns overhead and Eiders off the shore. Once aboard, we'll visit spectacular nesting colonies of Little Auk, see our first Reindeer, and continue our journey looking for sea mammals such as Blue Whale and even Beluga. In addition to the incredible seabird colonies (including Brunnich's Guillemots), we'll be looking for the more famous inhabitants of these islands – Walrus and of course, the Polar Bear. Seeing a Polar Bear, the King of the Arctic, out on sea ice is one of the most magical wildlife encounters to be had, and Matthew's talk will bring this experience to life!
Tony Williams (La Brenne, France)
La Brenne
Tanzania
Upcoming Talks in 2024/2025
2nd January 2025, 7.30pm – St Kilda by Sara Frost: Sheffield RSPB Local Group (online talk)
14 January 2025, 7.30pm – Florida by Matthew Capper: West Midlands Bird Club
15th January 2025, 7.15pm – St Kilda by Sara Frost: Sandhurst Gardening Club
15th January 2025, 7.15pm – Ecuador and Colombia by Andy Tucker: Bath RSPB Local Group (online talk)
6th February 2025, 7.30pm – Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands by Andy Tucker: Sevenoaks RSPB Local Group
24th February 2025, 7.30pm – Trekking and Birding the Everest Region by Sara Frost: Ruislip and District Natural History Society (online talk)
26th February 2025, 7.30pm – Baja California and the Sea of Cortez by Sara Frost: Guildford RSPB (online talk)
28 Feb 2025, 7:30pm – Spitsbergen by Matthew Capper: Market Rasen Area Group
11th March 2025, 7.30pm – Florida by Matthew Capper: Hull RSPB members group
13th March 2015, 7.30pm – The Nature of the North – Scottish Wildlife Highlights – What to see, and when to go by Bob Elliot: Scottish Wildlife Trust (Callander local group)
3 April 2025 – Florida – Isle of Axholme LWT Group. 7.30pm. Belton All Saints Centre, Church Hall, Stocks Hill, Churchtown, Belton, DN9 1PE
10th April 2025, 7.30pm – St Kilda by Sara Frost: Gay Birders' Club (online talk)
16th April 2025, 7.30pm – Indonesia: Sailing from Bali to Komodo by Sara Frost: Basingstoke RSPB Local Group
19th May 2025, 7.30pm – Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands by Andy Tucker: Bracknell Forest Natural History Society
1 Sep 2025, 7:30pm – Spitsbergen by Matthew Capper: Nottingham RSPB Local Group
4th November 2025, 7.30pm – Indonesia: Sailing from Bali to Komodo by Sara Frost: RSPB Medway local group (online talk)
11th November 2025, 7:30pm – Trekking and Birding the Everest Region by Sara Frost: South Wiltshire RSPB Group (online talk)
Reviews for Naturetrek speakers
“The group really enjoyed Matthew’s talk on birding in Florida. It was informative, interesting and packed with wonderful photographs. All from a place that many of us would never have thought to visit for a wildlife holiday!”
Barbara Cromack, Leader, York RSPB Local Group
"Tom took us on a tour of some of Europe's top birding destinations – the Camargue, Coto Donana, Extremadura, Hungary and Sweden – and we were immersed into the wonderful habitat and scenery of them all. The best of Europe's birds can be seen in these locations from bee-eaters and rollers to owls and woodpeckers. It was a well structured presentation at a comfortable pace from someone who knew the birds and the places intimately. Thanks Tom – we all really enjoyed your talk!”
Tony Goddard, South Wiltshire RSPB Group, December 2024
"Andy, thanks so much for your fantastic talk! It was amazing to learn about the diversity of wildlife in the remoter regions of Spain – and the photography incredible! It was extremely well received and we have had many appreciative comments since. The evening raised in the region of £400 towards repairs for our village church, for which the PCC are extremely grateful."
David Findley, Dever Valley Local History Society, December 2024
"Richard's talk [on the wildlife of Antarctica, Falkland's and South Georgia] was from personal experience as a guide in those countries, which enabled him to add personal perspective and anecdotes during the talk and slide show. He gave a wonderful insight into the amazing and beautiful wildlife found in these areas and came over as very passionate and excited about the wildlife, as well as being a natural speaker, inviting and honestly answering questions. People who attended said the talk was very interesting, and almost as good as going there!"
Jane Woodhead, Paxton Pitts Nature Reserve, December 2024
"Sara gave an excellent presentation [on St Kilda] last night. Such a competent presenter, imparting lots of educational insight. One of the best: 10/10"
Jim Newell, Watford RSPB Local Group, Dec 2024
"Sara visited us to talk on her exhilarating journey to the remote island of St Kilda. The story of the residents of St Kilda, and their eventual evacuation from the island, was very moving. Photographs taken at the time compared with the same locations today gave a vivid view of what life was like for these rugged islanders. Sara is a brilliant speaker and her enthusiasm for the wildlife and the history of St Kilda was infectious. We all came away with a greater appreciation of the wildlife, beauty and history of the islands."
Steve Ormerod, Talks Organiser, Wokingham and Bracknell RSPB, May 2024
"We welcomed Sara to our RSPB Local Group last week for her talk "St Kilda – Sailing to the Edge of the World". Her enthusiasm for the subject was evident from the start, and our members were treated to an excellent evening of wildlife and history, with humorous stories thrown in for good measure!"
Geoffrey Sharp, Talks Organiser, Basingstoke RSPB, April 2024
"On behalf of Guildford RSPB’s committee and members, I would like to thank you very much for presenting to us yesterday on the subject of Shetland's Wildlife. Your presentation gave us all a terrific insight into the wildlife delights of the Shetland Isles, and may I say, you did a great job of presenting it. I’m sure many more of our members will be queueing up to get on one of your trips to see the Shetlands for themselves, weather and all!"
Malcom Tyrrell, Guildford RSPB Group, April 2024
"That was a super talk last night. The Everest trek was spectacular to see - a real feat of endurance. Splendid landscape pics, lovely bird pics and most interesting talk. Sara's personal take on the Everest experience brought it to life in such an engaging way. The historic bits were interesting too!"
Comments from Surbiton Birdwatching Society Members, February 2024
"Sara's enthusiasm for the natural world shone through in this wonderfully evocative talk on a journey to St Kilda and the birds and mammals can that can be seen along the way. Video clips added to the realism, capturing the sounds, the atmosphere and the experience of seeing dolphins riding a bow wave and seabirds circling above the cliffs. Even during the talk we felt that a Minke Whale might make a surprise appearance! Such a great trip, such a great talk."
Tony Goddard, Group Leader, South Wilts RSPB. February 2024
"Andy, thank you ever so much for your excellent talk on the "Wildlife of Spain" which was extremely well received. With your superb photographs, you transported us from a dark winter's evening to beautiful blue skies and stunning scenery across a wide range of landscapes with diverse wildlife to match. Thank you for managing to pack in so much very interesting information and hope for future wildlife conservation measures in Spain. Another highly professional and entertaining talk - thank you!"
Anne Ardill, Winchester Local Area Volunteers HIWWT, February 2024
I have now heard Sara speak twice, both webinars to the Wharfedale Naturalists society. On quite different subjects; St Kilda and, more recently, the west coast of Mexico (Baja California and the Sea of Cortez). The photography and videos were perfect. All described with Sara’s infectious enthusiasm, it was a perfect talk for a winter’s evening, via zoom delivered to your own home. It was just the right mixture of interesting facts and accompanying stories – thank you Sara. If you are lucky enough to travel with Sara as your guide, I am sure her guests must come away with memories that will last a lifetime.
Ian Brand, President of the Wharfedale Naturalists Society, January 2024
"Matthew, on behalf of our club, I would like to send this message of appreciation for your very interesting and well presented talk. Florida the sunshine state is a subject you are obviously enthusiastic and knowledgeable about. You have definitely kindled an interest in joining one of your tours to see for ourselves the wide variety of wildlife in the area."
Ken Ritchie, Fife Bird Club, January 2024
"Tom, this talk really brightened up a cold evening and certainly made us want to go on holiday! I also wanted to pass on a couple of nice comments we received: '"Last night was a really excellent and very inspiring talk" & "It has been a delight to watch this talk about areas of the wildlife world I will now no longer be able to see in person."'
Recebba Dunne, Richmond and Twickenham RSPB, January 2024
"Matt, many thanks for your excellent presentation 'Papua New Guinea' which clearly highlighted the wonderful birdlife, the risks they face, and that it is up to us to give a helping hand to any agencies there which might show the forest dwellers it is to their benefit to care for the areas in which they live."
Jean Nobbs, Sevenoaks RSPB Local Group, December 2023
"Sara gave a captivating talk to our bird club last night about her Indonesian cruise from Bali to Komodo. We were treated to amazing photography and videos showing spectacular coral reefs with their abundance of crinoids, nudibranchs, pipe fish and crustacea. There were Hawksbill and Green Turtles, graceful Manta Rays and remarkable fish. The Komodo Dragon was undoubtedly a highlight. The islands are home to a wonderful array of birds too, including colourful bee-eaters, barbets Kingfishers and Mynahs. Thanks Sara for a thoroughly enjoyable talk. We look forward to the next one!"
Thelma Caine, Surbiton & District Bird Watching Society, November 2023
"Sara Frost presented a wonderful talk to the RSPB North East Hants local Group, inviting us to join her ‘Sailing from Bali to Komodo’. Wonderfully illustrated with high quality photographs of birds, cetaceans and ‘dragons’, also including brilliant drone footage which really gave everybody a sense of the majesty of the whales. Sara’s passion for the wildlife and particularly the marine environment was obvious, many members adding this trip to their bucket list! Very highly recommended."
Andy Golder, Indoor Meeting Coordinator, RSPB North East Hants Group, November 2023
"Andy Tucker delighted the Reading RSPB group with his talk on Ecuador and Colombia, transporting us from a dark, wet and windy Pangbourne to a wildlife wonderland. With the help of superb photographs, Andy took us through a whole range of habitats from cloud forest to river valleys, Andean mountain terrain and high Paramo grasslands. Both countries are a treasure trove of birds, mammals and even tree frogs. The colourful tanagers and hummingbirds alone were dazzling in their variety with many species being endemic to these countries. The story of how the development of ecotourist lodges on poor quality agricultural land is helping the local communities struck a very encouraging note, especially given the deforestation affecting parts of Ecuador."
Judith Clark, Reading RSPB Local Group, November 2023
"Just a note to say a huge thank you Andy for such a lovely talk, it’s great to have the result of your time and love for a remote part of the world [Peru]. The variety and the colours were just wonderful. I know the members present were delighted by such a great start to our 51st season!""
Diana Smith, Amersham Birdwatching Club, September 2023
"We were all really captivated by your talk [Andy] on Ecuador and Colombia this evening – what a stunning array of birds! Thanks so much for a very impressive slide show. Good to know that Colombia takes good care of its wildlife too!"
Thelma Caine, Surbiton Birdwatching Society, July 2023
"Sara, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for your wonderful talk last night. You really brought the trip to life and I think everyone wants to go on a Naturetrek trip to St Kilda now. Amazing job, well done! We've never had so many people at one of our talks either! You certainly drew the crowds in! So thank you for a fantastic talk, we really enjoyed it and hope you will come back and visit us again soon."
Geth Tillin, RSPB Winchester & District Local Group, April 2023
"Many, many thanks for yesterday evening’s presentation. A fascinating, stimulating talk, with lots of new ideas, not only of places to go (and who to go with) but how to look for wildlife and even encourage them to come to us. We are grateful, it will be remembered with pleasure for a long time to come."
Paul Stillman, RSPB Crawley and Horsham Local Group, March 2023
"Thank you for coming and giving your enjoyable talk to our group last night Richard….you have inspired some of our members to suggest to me that our next venture might be a Naturetrek holiday to Poland.”
Hilary Sharp, RSPB Potters Bar and Barnet Group speakers and outings organiser, Jan 2023
“We wanted to say what a superb talk it was by Richard and so enlightening in a part of the world I think none of us knew anything about. Look forward to meeting again”. John Lane, Treasurer West Midland Bird Club (Solihull) Jan 2023
"Thank you very much Tom for coming to speak to the Malvern Group of the WWT last week. Your presentation was very well received by our members who enjoyed the excellent photography, the unique 'near to home' video clips and your obvious enthusiasm from childhood for observing wildlife in their natural habitats."
Sue Benjamin, Indoors Meeting Organiser, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Jan 2023
"Many thanks Sara for this evening’s presentation which I honestly think was the best we have had in the three years we have been running webinars! The talk was extremely well received not least because it was thoroughly entertaining and very professional."
Peter Riley, President and Programme Secretary, Wharfsedale Natural History Society, Nov 2022
"Last night Andy Tucker gave a delightful talk to the members of our RSPB group. He started the talk with a tour of Ecuador which is a fabulous birding destination with the chance of seeing 500 species in a visit. Andy described how large mixed flocks of birds would suddenly appear and the excitement of picking out individual species. The photography was incredible, birds aplenty and bears, monkeys and even exotic frogs. The second half of the evening we toured Colombia. This country has only been open to tourists in recent years and is unspoilt and rich in bird life. The sight of mile upon mile of pristine untouched forest was such an inspirational and optimistic sign for the future. Andy’s bird skills are second to none as he explained the identification of many of the colourful exotic species in an engaging knowledgeable manner. The evening ended with lots of questions from the enthusiastic audience who had a thoroughly enjoyable taste of these beautiful countries."
Steve Ormerod, Wokingham and Bracknell Local RSPB Group, Nov 2022
"We were pleased to welcome Matt to one of our Seaford Natural History Society meetings. He delighted us with his knowledge and photographs of the staggering landscapes and stunning wildlife to be found on this, the most northerly island in the British Isles. We were introduced to some of the plants, mammals and cetaceans to be seen on and around the islands and to many of the birds for whom the archipelago is their home and breeding ground. Matt certainly whetted our appetite for these remote windswept islands and as a result, several of us who are not familiar with them are very tempted to go."
Chris Davis, Chairman of Seaford NHS, Nov 2022
"Matt Eade gave RSPB Oxford Local Group a very enjoyable talk about the Shetland Islands. It was equally relevant to those who had visited the islands themselves and those who only knew it as the location of the tv show ‘Shetland’. After Matt’s enthusiastic tour of key locations and the wildlife to be found there, I’m sure that most of the audience wanted to visit or return."
Lyn Ebbs, Oxford RSPB, Nov 2022
"Matthew gave a superb presentation last night Florida the Sunshine State. His enthusiasm for the area visited and his knowledge and photographic skills were excellent. It certainly made me think about joining Matthew on a tour of Florida the Sunshine State."
David Brierley, Indoor Meetings Organiser, Huddersfield Birdwatchers Club, March 2022
"Thank you [Andy] for a superb talk last night, it is amazing how you can identify and remember so many of the birds. That is also evident on the virtual bird watching held on zoom during the pandemic. You really gave a very full and informative presentation supported with magnificent photography which showed Ecuador and Colombia at their best. Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep up the good work with your virtual tours and bird watching on Zoom."
Mary Coulson, Chorleywood RSPB, Feb 2022
"Thank you again for such a brilliant evening last night. I have been indoor meetings organiser for 32 years and Sara’s St Kilda presentation was one of the very best. If not THE BEST! I have messages coming in already from members who said how much they enjoyed it. The lecture was beautifully presented without an ''errr'' or an ''ummm' anywhere. The pictures were wonderful and it was all so very interesting!"
David Langley, Indoor Meetings Organiser, The RSPB North East Hampshire Local Group, Feb 2022
"Thanks so much [Kerrie] for the lovely talk tonight, much appreciated. It went really well and you helped us raise £75 for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust! All the places were stunning with the scenery and diverse wildlife. I really want to visit them all now!"
Caroline Hancock, Events Coordinator, HIWWT Fareham Local Group, Jan 2022
"Sara was a great choice of speaker. She spoke with obvious passion, not just for St Kilda and the wildlife there and en route, but also for her role as a guide and about her substantial background working in different parts of the world. Her up to date survey knowledge was complemented with wry observations, informative and engaging narratives, a thought-provoking history of St Kilda and a readiness to answer all of our questions. Members have been keen to express how much they enjoyed the talk and I would recommend Sara to any group looking for an evening with an engaging expert."
Rachel Purchase, Programme Organiser, Buxton Field Club, Nov 2021
"Sara Frost gave an exceptional presentation about her journey from Oban through the Hebrides to the St Kilda archipelago in a Zoom presentation to Sevenoaks RSPB Local Group. Her deep knowledge of natural history and the status of wildlife above and below the sea shone through, as did her understanding of the historic human history of the area. I think a Naturetrek cruise with Sara has entered the wish list of many of the meeting participants! Many thanks Sara.
Jean Nobbs, Sevenoaks RSPB Local Group, Nov 2021
"My email has been red hot from the members saying how much they’d enjoyed Sara's talk on St Kilda. I thought it was fantastic!"
R.H, Ayr Photographic Society, Sep 2021
"Thank you very much Tom for tonight’s presentation on 'Best of Britain'. It was absolutely perfect for us to get a taste of birding on our own doorstep, given the relative inaccessibility of overseas trips at present. All aspects really whetted the appetite and I already have a note to look at your Ardnamurchan trips for the future. Your timing and presentation skills were spot on – not the most easy thing to achieve with Zoom, as we are all finding out. Once again, many thanks for giving up your time on our behalf."
A. King Huddersfield Birdwatchers Club, Sep 2021
"During our 2020/21 season of Zoom talks we were extremely fortunate to discover such a talented speaker in Sara Frost. Her talk on sailing from Oban out to the St Kilda archipelago was inspiring, with just the right amount of knowledge and humour to keep our audience captivated. Her tales of the islanders on St Kilda in days past and information on the wildlife seen en route through the Hebrides and beyond has wetted all our appetites for the Naturetrek cruise. Many thanks Sara, from the Zoom participants all over the UK and beyond, even from USA and Canada!"
Kathy Farrell, Keynsham Group of Avon Wildlife Trust, May 2021
"Sara took us on a fascinating trip discovering the very colourful wildlife of Indonesia, both on land and below the waves. Sara's obvious passion, and her knowledge of the wildlife featured, shone through and made her talk informative and exciting. The presentation was accompanied by stunning photographs and videos of the wildlife observed, from birds and bats to whales, dolphins, turtles and Komodo Dragons to name but a few. It certainly made us all want to start packing our bags, for that long-awaited trip that we've all been denied during this awful pandemic! I have no hesitation in inviting Sara back to present further talks from her portfolio."
John Sutton, Programme Secretary, Thame & District U3A, May 2021
"Can I again thank you [Tom Mabbett] for an excellent talk, as I said, it gave me some food for thought on locations I haven't been to yet as well as reminiscing on locations I have visited in the past! I particularly liked your 'patch' observations and successes with your camera traps."
Steve McDonnell, Chair, Teesmouth Bird Club May 2021
"Thank you very much indeed [Andy] for your talk on the wildlife of Spain. I have had a number of appreciative comments including ‘A great choice of speaker!’ and ‘Thoroughly enjoyed the talk especially the wider ‘picture’ of travel, scenery, food, flowers, mammals, conservation, etc, besides the riveting photos of the birds. Very well done with a much wider perspective’. We are very grateful to Naturetrek for offering the talk for free and we look forward to many more holidays with you (including Spain now!)"
Richard Dixon, Secretary, North Cumbria RSPB Local Group, April 2021
"Sara, thank you for a fascinating talk about the Naturetrek voyage to St Kilda. We so enjoyed your well-rounded travelogue, with maps to reference the journey and overnight stops, beautiful close up photographs of the wonderful wildlife, interesting informative observations about each one and a feel for the onboard experience of the voyagers. The precious photographs of the harsh life of the St Kildan people were backed up with a gentle and sympathetic insight into the island's history. You are a very engaging speaker and impart information with enthusiasm and humour. A well crafted blend of a myriad of fascinating facts, beautifully delivered and very appreciatively received by our audience, thank you very much."
J.F., Secretary, Ambleside Kirkstone Rotary, March 2021
"Many thanks for the excellent talk last night Sara. The photos were great and it was really interesting to hear of the history of St Kilda and how the people that once inhabited the islands lived, as well as seeing the habitat and wildlife as it is today. Our members have been emailing to say how much they enjoyed the talk. We had a record number attending and will certainly recommend this talk to other groups. Looking forward to the next one!"
Thelma Caine, Management Committee, Surbiton & District Bird Watching Society, March 2021
“Thank you so much Sara for a wonderful talk on St Kilda this evening. There was so much of interest: not just the marine and bird life, but the fascinating history of the islands and their former inhabitants. The photos were excellent too. We have had very positive feedback from members and I am sure we will be looking to book another talk from Naturetrek”
J. Tyler, Talks Officer, Bromley RSPB Local Group. March 2021
“We would like to thank Andy for his excellent presentation about the wildlife of Spain. He started by outlining the different types of environment by region before giving us up to date information concerning the recovery of the Iberian Wolf & Lynx. Outstanding photography with a well informed commentary turned this into a very enjoyable evening”
Eric Sloan, Chairman, Spelthorne Natural History Society. September 2019
“Thank you very much [Kerrie] on behalf of the Alpine Garden Society East Surrey Group, for your talk on ‘Adventures of a Naturetrek Tour Leader’. We all enjoyed your talk which was clearly delivered with enthusiasm and energy. As well as plants you showed us a wonderful selection of birds, animals and insects from different parts of the world which was an excellent mix for a talk. Thank you for sharing your experiences and love for nature with us. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
M.S., Alpine Garden Society East Surrey Group, Aug 2019
“Many thanks [Sara] for your presentation on the Naturetrek trip to St Kilda. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all at the RSPB New Forest group meeting. Your talk was both informative and very entertaining. Some comments from our guests at the end of the evening included: 'That was the best talk we have ever had' and 'Sara is such an entertaining speaker!'”
S.W., New Forest RSPB, June 2019
“Thank you [Sara] for giving a very entertaining insight into the wonderful wildlife to be seen en route to St. Kilda. Your photographs and short video, gave stunning views of the scenery and possibility of spotting the many dolphins and whales that visit the north. Also to mention the thousands of sea birds, especially the White-tailed Eagles. The history of the island was also fascinating. A thoroughly good presentation. Many thanks!”
H.M., Portsmouth RSPB, April 2019
“You [Kerrie] were brilliant! Thanks for the talk and the stunning pictures on Madagascar, just the right balance of general interest and science.”
C.R., New Forest RSPB Local Group, February 2019
“Andy gave a terrific talk on the Wildlife of Ecuador and the Galapagos, which had everyone enthralled. The photos were first class and he judged perfectly the pace and content of his talk so we were all entranced. A thoroughly professional and fascinating presentation.”
G.L., Portsmouth Hispanic Society, February 2019
"Thank you for a really interesting talk tonight Tom. I learnt a great deal about amazing wildlife in places I never knew it could be found"
E.H., Bookham Camera Club, December 2018
"Thank you Tom for taking us on a trip to the far reaches of Europe, the West Coast of Scotland, the Forest of Dean, the Somerset Levels and Brazil! It certainly was a whistle stop tour and we all really enjoyed the great photos and your enthusiasm for the wildlife"
G.M., Bookham Camera Club, December 2018
"Thank you so much [Andy] for an excellent evening. Peru, Andes to Amazon, incorporating the Humboldt Current, Amazonian Rainforest, macaw clay licks, Incan and other pre-Colombian history, and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was so very interesting with such wonderful photography. Lots of good comments afterwards from our members showed how much they enjoyed it. One member said the evening was ‘’100% ‘’ which is an accolade not given to any of our previous meetings! Hope you will come again and present your lecture on Spain."
D.L., North-East Hants Local RSPB Group, September 2018
"Andy Tucker kindly came to give us a talk on the wildlife of Spain. Andy began with the long boat crossing from the UK to Bilbao showing us the dolphins and seabirds which we might see. At Bilbao there is the Guggenheim Art Museum which is also not to be missed. We were gently taken around the country, taking in the vultures, flowers and butterflies of the Pyrenees to Extremadura, Gibraltar and the Coto Doñana with the chance to see the Iberian Lynx. The talk was very informative, most entertaining, clear and beautifully illustrated. It was delivered with passion and humour . We all enjoyed it very much. We will aim to book Andy again in the near future."
J.J., Amersham Birdwatching Club, September 2018
“Thank you so much [Kerrie] for your talk on Thursday night, it was wonderful! We all really enjoyed it and I know it brought back memories for a couple of people who have been lucky enough to tour Madagascar before. Many, many thanks again.”
R.R., Wokingham & Bracknell Local RSPB Group, October 2017
“Our second indoor meeting of the season saw Andy Tucker, from Naturetrek, take us on a breath-taking tour of the spectacular Spanish mountains and wilderness. How to sum up Andy’s talk? Amazing birds, Ibex, Iberian lynx, wolves, brown bears, wildcats, orchids, butterflies. Alpine Chough sitting beside you while you’re eating your picnic, stunning landscapes, blue skies, blue cheese, vineyards and wine-tasting. Thank you Andy, what a great evening!”
R.R., Wokingham & Bracknell Local RSPB Group, October 2017