The plant explorers of Kew Gardens
Kew has more scientists working behind the scenes than it does horticultural staff, and here's a taster of what they do...
Kew has more scientists working behind the scenes than it does horticultural staff, and here's a taster of what they do...
At the opposite end of the spectrum to Blue Planet II, which indulges us all in precisely the guilt-free natural world we love, films like 'Trophy' set out to challenge our views, disagree with us, and make us uncomfortable. I love it.
If you've ever wondered what a couple of decent cameras and a small drone can do for conservation, then perhaps this is a good start.
Fearing we may reach a linguistic impasse, I smiled, gave a big British thumbs up, and signaled that I would follow him. Best decision I ever made.
I'm reminded that the most important thing about expeditions and fieldwork is legacy.
A huge bugbear among many aspiring conservationists, is that most interesting conservation jobs and roles require experience. To get experience, you often need some previous experience.. and so it goes on and on until, eventually, you get lucky.
I first attended Explore as a green, keen, undergraduate. It was one of the best things I ever did, and I'm very luck now to call some of the regular attendees my friends. This year - the 40th anniversary! - I was chuffed to be asked to give a Friday night lecture.
Of all the adventures that working in conservation has brought my way, premiering a film has to be the one that I least expected. I've never been to a premiere before, I don't know anything about films - in essence, I really have no idea what I'm doing!
I still find it amazing in the 21st century, with Iphones, curved LCD TVs and 3D printers that species can still slip to extinction.
It's a lesson in simplicity, persistence and dreams (it ought to be compulsory reading for conservationists!).
Sometimes the most important things to say can be made so obvious, that they don't need to be said
I'm an optimist, so I try to make sure when I give talks on conservation, that there is a healthy mix of depressing reality and hope for the future. Unsurprisingly audiences don't really enjoy leaving thoroughly depressed.