
Ben Chapple giving a talk on South Africa at the 2019 Bird Fair
Book a Naturetrek Speaker for No Cost!
Several Naturetrek staff members – all of whom are tour leaders and expert naturalists – are regulars on our lecture circuit, regularly speaking to a variety of birding and natural history-themed clubs, groups and societies.
In normal times, we offer these talks within 2 hours’ drive of our base in Hampshire (or an alternative home base specified next to the speaker profile below), but at present we are delivering our talks via the same Zoom webinar format as our very successful live Online Roadshow. Our speakers typically present for 1.5 hours plus time for questions, but this can be altered for your requirements.
Our talks are free of charge for charitable natural history groups, such as RSPB and Widlife Trust groups, ornithological societies or Photographic Societies with a strong interest in wildlife. We are very happy to speak to other clubs for a fee of £100. Please contact the the speaker of your choice below to arrange a talk, or email us for general enquiries.
All of these talks are designed to be highly informative and enjoyable, and are not commercially-angled. They tend to focus on the wider ecology of the area, conservation issues, background information and, of course, the possibilities for those wishing to see the various wildlife spectacles. We also offer the donation of a prize in the form of a travel voucher if your club or society happens to hold a fund-raising raffle!
The staff and topics currently on offer include (scroll down to the bottom of the page for reviews):
Tom Mabbett (Cheltenham)

Brazil
Borneo
Europe’s Best Birding – Extremadura,
Donana, Camargue, Sicily and more …
Guyana
Mammal-watching in Europe
UK wildlife – Somerset Levels,
Forest of Dean, Ardnamurchan
Richard Bashford (St Neots/Sandy)

Birding the Gambia
Birding in Morocco
Lemurs of Madagascar
Spitsbergen – The Realm of the Polar Bear
The Realm of the Spirit Bear
Wildlife and Birds of Poland
Matt Eade

Nepal
Papua New Guinea
Thailand
Bulgaria’s Butterflies
California
Argentine Patagonia
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Uganda
Western Sahara
Ben Chapple (London)

Wildlife of Southern Africa
Uganda
India/Sri Lanka
Costa Rica
Lands of the Tiger: From India to the
Russian Far East
Reviews for Naturetrek speakers
“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
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!
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 Madagascar
Madagascar has been isolated from mainland Africa for 165 million years, allowing evolution to take its own unique course. Today over 80% of all Malagasy wildlife is endemic, occurring nowhere else on Earth, meaning it truly is an island of the “weird and wonderful”! During this talk, Kerrie will describe all corners of Madagascar, from the lush eastern rainforest, over the dry deciduous forests to the spiny deserts of the south-west. Across these habitats an incredible range of wildlife lies in wait for us, including the iconic Ring-tailed Lemurs, enigmatic Fosas, the bizarre-looking Aye-aye, 6 endemic (or near-endemic) families of birds, plus untold numbers of chameleons, geckos, insects, and more. There will also be time to touch on a little Malagasy history and culture, and discuss the island’s conservation priorities.
The birds of Ecuador and Colombia
Ecuador and Colombia are two of the best birding destinations on the planet. In fact, Colombia has more species than any other. In this talk, Andy covers a variety of ecosystems with stunning photography of the region’s birds. The talk covers some of the tactics used by bird guides in these challenging forest environments, some of the conservation issues present, and some of the rich history of both countries. Above all though, the talk is a celebration of the birdlife of the Andes, from the experience of a raucous Cock of the Rock lek and an antpitta feeding station to stunning fruiteaters, shimmering hummingbirds and endemic tanagers, and from the mighty Condor to the bizarre Hoatzin.
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.
Ecuador and Galapagos
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, Galapagos Penguins and much more!
Canada: The West
The province of British Columbia in the west of Canada embraces vast areas of wilderness and spectacular scenery and plays host to a large and diverse range of wildlife. Peter has led tours and privately travelled through the variety of different habitats and recounts his sightings of Orca, Humpback and Grey Whales as well as some excellent birdwatching. The talk covers Vancouver Island and the Nekite Valley on the mainland, where the Great Bear Rainforest, a remote and temperate coastal rainforest, is home to several threatened species and one of the last strongholds of the Grizzly Bear.
A Wildlife Cruise Around the Maldives
In this talk, Sara will transport you to the warm tropics of The Maldives, an archipelago that comprises nearly 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean which are world famous for their warm turquoise waters, coral reefs and white beaches! The marine life here is superb, and Sara will recall exciting encounters with the different species of cetacean seen here (from small tropical Spinner Dolphins to large Sperm Whales) as well as the heart-stopping moments of swimming with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. The snorkelling is also idyllic, the colourful coral reefs providing a mesmerising visual feast for the visitor, and are home to turtles and an astonishing variety of tropical fish.
Monterey Bay
A favourite destination, Peter has visited Monterey Bay over twenty times in the last 12 years and this talk will illustrate why he continues to do so. Humpback Whales leaping clear of the ocean, pods of dolphins swimming at the bows of the vessel, a Blue Whale ‘fluking -up’ in the Bay and a menacing group of Orcas sending fishing California Sea Lions in a frantic dash to the safety of shore. These are just a few of the amazing sights illustrated. The beautiful ‘Big Sur coast’ of California is an ideal destination for wildlife watching and away from the water, Peter will show other highlights such as Sea Otters, Elephant Seals, California Condor and a great selection of seabirds, all amid a setting that is strangely familiar from countless depictions on film and TV.
The Night Sky & Astrotourism
Although David is a keen naturalist, by night he turns his eyes to the sky to observe the wider Universe. Over the past decade, David has arranged tours to see many total solar eclipses, displays of the northern lights, meteor shows and holidays which simply enjoy the stars under pristine desert skies. In this lecture, David will talk about the amazing celestial wonders he has witnessed and the factors that should be considered to optimise the chances of seeing them.
Poland in Spring
Poland’s Bialowieza Forest is home to over 200 species of bird, as well as mammals such as Wolf, Lynx and Elk and Peter has been visiting the area for 15 years. His two-part talk will firstly illustrate the rich bird and other wildlife found in Bialowieza , such as Pygmy Owl, Red-breasted Flycatcher and River Warbler, plus Thrush Nightingale and all of Europe’s woodpeckers. Bialowieza is also home to one of Europe’s last remaining herds of Bison.
In the second part of the talk he heads north-west to the flooded meadows, lakes and rivers of the Biebrza Marshes in search of White-winged Terns, Aquatic Warblers, Spotted Eagle, Bluethroat and Common Cranes. together with a variety of breeding waders, waterfowl and passerines.
The Wildlife & Geology of Iceland & Norway
Ice and fire have shaped Iceland and, together with the country’s position and isolation, have given it a fascinating flora and fauna. The northerly position of Iceland, Norway and Svalbard give 24 hours of daylight during the summer, making them prime locations for breeding birds with chicks to feed around the clock. Rich seas are home to whales, dolphins and seals and on land the short summers bring floral abundance during the brief flowering season.
Poles Apart – Spitsbergen and the Antarctic
Having travelled as a guide to both the Arctic (Spitsbergen and beyond) and the Antarctic, Peter’s talk shows the similarities in species and the obvious differences. Both areas can be rich in whales and seals but then Polar Bears and auks occur in the north and Penguins in the south.
His talk shows some of the fantastic scenery that can be found, visiting both areas during their respective summers and an insight into the species to be found. His interest in seabirds is shown with the albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and prions in the south and auks, gulls and skuas in the north.
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.
Poles Apart – Spitsbergen and the Antarctic
Having travelled as a guide to both the Arctic (Spitsbergen and beyond) and the Antarctic, Peter’s talk shows the similarities in species and the obvious differences. Both areas can be rich in whales and seals but then Polar Bears and auks occur in the north and Penguins in the south.
His talk shows some of the fantastic scenery that can be found, visiting both areas during their respective summers and an insight into the species to be found. His interest in seabirds is shown with the albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and prions in the south and auks, gulls and skuas in the north.
Alternative Africa! The Gambia, Ethiopia and the Seychelles
In this unusual talk, Kerrie introduces three of her favourite destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Affectionately known as the’ Smiling Coast of West Africa’, the Republic of The Gambia is a tiny country that packs a mighty avian punch, being home to more than 570 species! Jumping over to East Africa, Ethiopia combines some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and a long and fascinating history, with outstanding wildlife, including many interesting, endemic species. Finally, what better way to finish the evening than dreaming of the idyllic islands of the Seychelles, which – in addition to their glorious beaches and warm waters – boast an exceptional and diverse natural history.
Spain: Extremadura and Coto Donana
This talk is about the contrasting habitats of south and central Spain – the sun-drenched steppes and plains of Extremadura, including the rugged oak-forested hills of Monfragüe National Park, and one of Europe’s finest wetlands – the Coto Doñana National Park. Peter’s talk is divided into two parts visiting Extremadura in both spring and winter followed on by spring visits to Coto Donana and the surrounding oak forests.
The talk shows a variety of the country’s birds, such as Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures; Booted and Bonelli’s Eagles and the endemic Spanish Imperial Eagles. Grassland birds like Great and Little Bustards and a number of Mediterranean specialities — Black Wheatear, Melodious Warbler, and Spotless Starling to name but a few The southern marshes and wetlands hold birds that just have a toehold in western Europe — Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, Crested Coot and Purple Gallinule all depicted along with some of the diversity of Iberia’s magnificent scenery.
Botanising and birding around Europe
A talk with something for everyone! Kerrie takes us on a tour of some of her favourite parts of Europe – many of them snowy and mountainous! Together, we’ll visit Iceland in search of Gyr Falcons, Orca and the Northern Lights, and travel through Sweden in search of owls, woodpeckers and some wonderful northern bird species resplendent in their breeding plumage. We’ll botanise in the little-known Julian Alps, before ending our evening in Switzerland’s stunning Lauterbrunnen valley, enjoying the spring flowers, birds and butterflies under the north face of the Eiger.
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.
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!
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.