WSC Stories | Wildlife Safari
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WSC STORIES THEATRE
Sponsored by Craghoppers
 

 

Craghoppers work with some fantastic Ambassadors who through their amazing challenges or their everyday work, test our clothing to its limits and give us valuable feedback. We have photographers, filmmakers, conservationists and adventurers. They travel across many environments and a range of climates, inspiring us all to join their adventures.

Quality is important to us. That’s why all our outdoor clothing and equipment is guaranteed for life. You can rely on your waterproof outdoor clothing from Craghoppers to shield you from the elements, whether you’re trekking through the rainforest or scaling a mountain. You won’t find more durable and hard-wearing outdoor clothing anywhere else.

When it comes to practical travel items, we offer functional and lightweight travel clothing. Shop our NosiLife range, from insect protective trousers to UV protective shirts, you’re bound to find lightweight travel clothing for just the occasion.

Please click here to visit the Craghoppers website.

 


In the WSC Stories theatre, we want to inspire you with our savvy line-up of stories tellers and travel experts who will encourage you to think about what you want from your next Wildlife – Safari – Conservation travel experience.

From wildlife film makers, presenters to photographers and conservationists, come and listen to their astonishing encounters in the field, bush and polar regions. These talks are not to be missed!


Past show to give you a flavour of what’s on offer


11:00 – 11:20 SREENING: Sides of a Horn

Written & Directed by Toby Wosskow. From Executive Producer Sir Richard Branson.

Two men, from the same family, fighting on opposite sides of Africa’s poaching war.

From Executive Producer Sir Richard Branson, Sides of a Horn is the first film to tell the story of
Africa’s poaching war from both sides of the fence.

Based on actual events and filmed in one of the communities most directly impacted by wildlife crime, we follow the journey of two brothers-in-law fighting on opposite sides of Africa’s poaching war.

This dramatic short film paints an unbiased portrait of a modern war that is tearing communities apart and driving a prehistoric species to the verge of extinction.

NOTE: SOAH is a dramatic and hard hitting short film about poaching and the demand for rhino horn, some content may not be suitable for younger visitors. 

 

11:30 – 12:10 Panel Session: Wildlife Travel Photography Adventures

 

Are you ready to unleash the photographer in you? Then don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to get tips and insight from our panel of wildlife travel photography experts, featuring:
• Aperture, Shutter Speed, Composition, ISO… get past the jargon and get impartial advice from those in the know
• What equipment to take on your trip
• Wildlife and landscapes
• Lighting – adding dimension to your wildlife images

 

 

Panel guest: Andy Skillen, Andy Skillen Photography
Panel guest: Bret Charman, Wildlife Worldwide
Panel guest: Rachel Sinclair, Safari Sinclair
Panel chair: Richard Symonds

 

12:20 – 12:50 Exploring a World of Wildlife Travel Experiences with Patrick Aryee

Patrick is a television presenter, biologist and adventurer who loves exploring the natural wonders of the world and taking his audience along for the ride. As a biologist and self-confessed thrill seeker, Patrick has always had a fascination with ‘how things work’. His guiding force is to allow his audience to travel the globe from the comfort of their homes and live vicariously through his daringly close animal encounters.

Patrick hosts the BBC’s 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter, he has a versatile presenting style which has allowed him a host a variety of other programmes; from the epic Amazing Animal Family franchise, to the expedition show Yellowstone’s: Wildest Winter, the heart-warming Nature’s Miracle Orphans and the fact filled Super Senses.

 

13:00 – 13:30 Wildlife Tales from Svalbard. Jim Mayer, Hurtigruten

Expedition Leader Jim Mayer from Hurtigruten has searched for the hidden people in Iceland, skied across Greenland with a man he met in a pub and written about Ernest Shackleton’s love of poetry.

This talk will focus on the amazing wildlife found in Svalbard, his favourite corner of the Arctic. Close to the north pole, yet warmed by ocean currents, these islands are home to walrus and polar bears.

Frequented by migratory birds and whales, they also have a fascinating human history. Jim shares his 20 years’ experience of when to visit, where to go and what to look out for.

 

13:40 – 14:10 Meet South Africa with Alison Towner, the Marine Expert. South Africa Tourism

Meet Alison Towner, Marine Expert and your captain when it comes to finding exciting sea life off South Africa’s coasts. Alison operates ocean safaris and shark cage dives for adventurers looking to take their thrill-seeking below sea level.

“South Africa is famous for its safaris, but its ocean life is just as rich, just as fascinating. On a cruise around the Dyer Island system in Gansbaai, you have the chance to see our Marine Big Five: the great white shark, African penguin, southern right whale, cape fur seal, and dolphin. I challenge anyone to find another place on Earth that can offer such diversity so close to shore… When you see a great white swim past, you have such a change in perception. They tend to be negatively portrayed in the movies so it’s a chance to challenge this misconception by seeing and appreciating just how magnificent and elegant they are.”

 

14:20 – 14:50  The Trials & Tribulations or a Natural History Presenter. Mike Dilger

An illuminating and entertaining look at what it takes to become a wildlife presenter and how to produce cheap and cheerful wildlife telly. Mike takes the audience on a 30 minute rollercoaster ride along his varied and colourful career – from his first bird book and early adventures as a young naturalist in the West Midlands, to his work as a Biologist in the tropical rainforests of Ecuador, Vietnam and Tanzania. Having spent long periods in the back-of-beyond, Mike was able to meet remote tribes, spot rare wildlife and rack up an impressive array of diseases along the way.

Returning back to the UK, Mike then explains how he made the sideways move from wildlife conservation to wildlife television. Perhaps now best known as the ‘wild man’ off BBC1’s The One Show, Mike reveals what often goes on behind the scenes and spills the beans on everything you ever wanted to know about his weird and wonderful job, but were afraid to ask.

 

15:00 – 15:40 Panel Session: Wildlife and Conservation Travel Experiences. Where to Go and What to Do.

Are you looking for a meaningful travel experience, where you can make a difference? A conservation safari or volunteering wildlife conservation project can be life changing with opportunities to learn new skills, explore offbeat destinations and give something back to local communities.

From tiger conservation in India to projects working with cheetahs in South Africa, join our panel of experts to get insight from the field.

Veterinary Work Experience – Volunteering Projects – Research + Rehabilitation and more…

Panel guest: Sara White, Real World Conservation Trust
Panel guest: Mohit Aggarwal, Asian Adventures
Panel guest: Quinton Gillson, Shamwari Conservation Experience
Panel chair: Holly Budge, How Many Elephants

 

15:50 – 16:20 My Work as Ocean Ambassador with the Marine Conservation Society, Tom “The Blowfish” Hird

Tom’s aim is to encourage conservation throughout the population by shaking up the established way of doing things.

“I’ve always loved the sea, and have been lucky enough to dedicate my life to protecting it. As things stand, we all now need to help the oceans and everyone has a role to play. We call this place Planet Earth, when really, it should be Planet Wet! The thing is, your average Joe Blogs in the street can struggle to engage with wildlife conservation – that’s where I come in! My background in marine biology allows me to take the heavy-going science and turn it into Heavy Metal Awesomeness! Getting everyday people so excited about conservation when they always thought it was for the scientists and eco-activists is what I live for. It is with enormous pride that I wear the Marine Conservation Society logo on my chest as an Ocean Ambassador. I know that, with the dedicated passionate people involved at MCS, the fight to save Planet Wet is one we are going to win”

 

16:20 – 17:00 Marine Conservation Society Charity Auction, with Ocean Ambassador and Heavy Metal Marine Biologist, Tom “The Blowfish” Hird

Whatever your plans are for visiting the Wildlife & Safari Travel Show, please make sure you don’t miss this great feature.

The Charity Auction will be packed with fantastic lots to bid on, sponsored by our event partners, speakers and exhibitors. All proceeds raised from the auction will be donated to Marine Conservation Society.

The Marine Conservation Society is the UK’s leading marine charity. They work to ensure our seas are healthy, pollution free and protected.

Lots include: A 7 day cruise, limited art, 7 day worldwide car hire, hotel and airport parking package,  gin, wine and more! To find out more and view lots for the Marine Conservation Society, to find out more about the MCS Charity Auction, please click HERE


past show day two


11:00 to 11:20 SCREENING: Sides of a Horn

Written & Directed by Toby Wosskow. From Executive Producer Sir Richard Branson.

Two men, from the same family, fighting on opposite sides of Africa’s poaching war.

From Executive Producer Sir Richard Branson, Sides of a Horn is the first film to tell the story of
Africa’s poaching war from both sides of the fence.

Based on actual events and filmed in one of the communities most directly impacted by wildlife crime, we follow the journey of two brothers-in-law fighting on opposite sides of Africa’s poaching war.

This dramatic short film paints an unbiased portrait of a modern war that is tearing communities apart and driving a prehistoric species to the verge of extinction.

NOTE: SOAH is a dramatic and hard hitting short film about poaching and the demand for rhino horn, some content may not be suitable for younger visitors. 

 

11:30 to 12:10 Panel Session: Wildlife Adventure and Expedition Cruising

 

The ultimate wildlife travel adventure! Wildlife and expedition adventure cruises on small ships present intimate travel experiences to places not easily reached by other means and the where the emphasis is on small group excursions accompanied by expert guides and lecturers.

• Polar expeditions, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska and more!
• Choosing the right destination and the right ship
• When to book and what to expect

 

 

 

Panel guest: Craig Upshall, Aurora Expeditions
Panel guest: Amanda Marks, Galapagos Specialists
Panel guest: Martin Johnson, Polar Routes

 

 

12:20– 12:50 From The Summit of Everest to the Front Line of Conservation, Meet Holly Budge.

British adventurer, conservationist and motivational speaker, Holly Budge, was quite literally on top of the world when she summited Mount Everest. Her passion for adventure is evident with two world records under her belt so far, including being the first woman to skydive Everest and race semi-wild horses 1000 kms across Mongolia in just nine days.

Holly is not limited to adventure, she is also an acclaimed artist and passionate conservationist. She is the founder of How Many Elephants, an award-winning campaign raising awareness of the plight of elephants in Africa and funds for anti-poaching projects. Recently, Holly immersed herself with the Black Mambas, an all-female front line anti-poaching team in South Africa and documented this on film. She has helped raise over £300k for a diverse range of charities through her adventures and campaign work so far.

 

13:00 – 13:40 Panel Session: Wildlife Travel Photography Adventures

Are you ready to unleash the photographer in you? Then don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to get tips and insight from our panel of wildlife travel photography experts, featuring:

• Aperture, Shutter Speed, Composition, ISO… get past the jargon and get impartial advice from those in the know
• What equipment to take on your trip
• Wildlife and landscapes
• Lighting – adding dimension to your wildlife images

 

Panel guest: Andy Skillen, Andy Skillen Photography
Panel guest: Nilesh Rathod, Nimtree Safaris
Panel guest: Rachel Sinclair, Safari Sinclair
Panel chair: Paul McGuinness, BBC Wildlife Magazine


13:50 – 14:20 Meet South Africa with Alison Towner, the Marine Expert. South Africa Tourism

Meet Alison Towner, Marine Expert and your captain when it comes to finding exciting sea life off South Africa’s coasts. Alison operates ocean safaris and shark cage dives for adventurers looking to take their thrill-seeking below sea level.

“South Africa is famous for its safaris, but its ocean life is just as rich, just as fascinating. On a cruise around the Dyer Island system in Gansbaai, you have the chance to see our Marine Big Five: the great white shark, African penguin, southern right whale, cape fur seal, and dolphin. I challenge anyone to find another place on Earth that can offer such diversity so close to shore… When you see a great white swim past, you have such a change in perception. They tend to be negatively portrayed in the movies so it’s a chance to challenge this misconception by seeing and appreciating just how magnificent and elegant they are.”

 

14:30 – 15:10 Panel Session: Bringing Your Wildlife Dreams to Reality, The Travel Trade View

In search of some inspiration for your next wildlife safari travel adventure?

Then join this panel discussion by wildlife travel experts offering practical tips on choosing the right wildlife holiday for you.

• How much do I have to spend? (comfort level, expertise and exclusivity of experience vs price)
• When is the best time to go, and how far ahead do I need to book for [permit-controlled] experiences such as gorillas, Galapagos, Antarctica?
• What should I look for in a good tour operator/travel company (credentials, group size, experience of guides)?
• How knowledgeable do I need to be about wildlife? • How can I travel responsibly?

 

Panel guest: Tim Henshall, Kamageo Africa
Panel guest: Jonathan Lillie, Go Andes
Panel guest: Malcolm Peasnall, The Independent Traveller
Panel chair: Pippa Jacks, Editor TTG

Please note that this is a past schedule