Talks
RECENT
27th May 2014 at Selsdon Park Hotel, Croydon, UK
"Tanzania Travels"
Testimonial - "The glory of the sights and sounds of the Serengeti, the excitement of the adventure and much else besides! I was transfixed".
11th May 2015 at The Wharf, Tavistock, Devon, UK.
"Serengeti Safari"
Testimonial - "an atmospheric personal journey to the Serengeti with sights and sounds and stunning wildlife images"
June 2017 at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
"Terrific Tanzania"
Testimonial - terrific photography at amazing locations
29th October 2017 at the U3A, Oban, Scotland
"Travels across Tanzania"
Testimonial - "Peter's presentation transported us across Tanzania capturing, in his excellent photographs, the beauty of the environment and the animals that live there. It was interesting and informative throughout, holding our attention to the end".
8th July 2019 at SAMS Oban, Scotland
"Magical Madagascar"
Testimonial - "Peter brought the endemic flora and fauna of Madagascar to Argyll; his presentation was insightful and full of vivid photographs, sounds and recordings.".
12th August 2019 at the Wharf, Tavistock, Devon UK
"Magical Madagascar"
Testimonial 1 - "A beautifully illustrated talk on the lemurs, chameleons, birds and people of Madagascar using the speaker’s excellent photographs. The talk was completed with a theory on the endemic biodiversity of the magical island of Madgascar and offered a solution to help conserve the wildlife. The speaker encouraged all to visit Madagascar and experience the wildlife there. Dr Ann Pulsford"
Testimonial 2 - "Fascinating detailed insights into Madagascar's remarkable biodiversity, high proportion of unique species and spectacular habitats revealed by a feast of superb images. Dr Colin Kilvington" .
16th December 2019 at the Wharf, Tavistock, Devon UK
"Namibia: Nature's Miracle"
Abstract: Namibia is the driest country in sub-Sahara Africa with less than 5 cm rain in some areas. It also has the world's second-lowest population density of any sovereign country. Yet it teems with wildlife! Why? My talk will show a photofest of the country's wildlife from elephants to birds and spiders and address the question of how life survives in a truly arid environment.
Testimonial 1 - "A most enjoyable talk on Namibia's wildlife, climate and varied landscapes complete with maps of the areas visited. Ideal if you are planning a special trip or simply want to know more about this remarkably interesting country. Dr Colin Kilvington".
Testimonial 2 - "Professor Peter Burkill took us on a fascinating journey through the spectacularly beautiful country of Namibia. His talk Namibia Nature’s Miracle was fulsomely illustrated with stunning photographs of the landscape and wildlife. A tour de force. Dr Anne Pulsford"
9th January 2020 at the University of Stirling, Scotland
"Magical Madagascar"
Register via Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/magical-madagascar-tickets-86803643033
Testimonial - "Peter’s sound and visionary adventure immediately transports you to Madagascar, making you want to have your own tropical expedition there. The quality of the photography and insightful commentary made me eager to learn more about this fascinating wildlife in Madagascar. The beautiful collection of photographs showing some of the most unusual animals living in Madagascar is a real treat for any wildlife enthusiast. Prof Selina Stead"
2nd March 2020 at The Wharf, Tavistock, Devon, UK
"Japan's Winter Wonderland"
Abstract: Japan differs from the UK in so many ways. Its climate is more extreme than ours. Hokkaido, Japan's most northerly island, is blanketed by snow in winter yet lies at a more southerly latitude than anywhere in the UK. Hokkaido's state emblem, the Red Crowned Crane, is unique in being the only crane species in the world that does not migrate. It is part of Hokkaido culture and is nurtured by locals. Red Foxes, similar to our own, are common in Hokkaido and less afraid of humans as they are not hunted. Blakiston's Fish Owl, one of the rarest fish-owls in the world, is venerated in local culture. Steller's Sea Eagle, the largest sea-eagle in the world, is found in winter on Hokkaido's northern coasts. My talk will cover my photography of these and other species as well as some insight on the local Japanese attitudes to their wildlife.
Testimonial - "A fascinating talk on Japan's winter wildlife on the island of Hokkaido. The beautifully illustrated talk includes stunning images of cranes dancing, fish eagles catching their prey and owls. Special cafes permit close encounters with the wildlife. Dr Ann Pulsford".
December 2020 at Noss Mayo, Devon, UK
TBD
23rd August 2021 at The Wharf, Tavistock, Devon, UK
"Tiger, tiger"
Abstract]: It was 4th March 2020, the day before we were to fly to India for 3 weeks, and we deciding whether to go. At that time, coronavirus which was a strangely remote concern, was blowing up but our sense of adventure prevailed. We flew on 5th March with Finnair to Delhi and onto Madhya Pradesh in central India, where we felt both safe and exhilarated – we were in the middle of nowhere, in Kipling’s country, with an incredible array of wildlife. Bandhavghar, Kanha and Pench National Parks were fabulous with early morning and late afternoon safaris each day in tiny 4WD vehicles; we felt on top of the world and brushed aside the Indian Government announcement not to issue any more tourist visas. No worries, we were already there and the local Indians were incredibly welcoming. Our first glimpse of tigers was to die for – three brothers lazing in a small open lake. Then our tranquillity was shattered by an email on 15th March from Finnair announcing they had cancelled our return flight. They went on to politely suggest that we waited in India until they could fly us home! Alarms bells really started to ring after a phone call that night to friends in the UK, we decided we should return. Trying to book a flight from India with a foreign credit card was an experience in itself but we succeeded (probably illegally). On 16th March we were on a BA flight out of Mumbai and after 26 hours travelling got home to Devon. But we had 5000 photos and seen nine tigers. My talk will be of our adventure and the fabulous photographic experience we had had in India.
7th April 2022 7pm at Tavistock HeritageTrust, Devon, UK
"Rewilding Pine Martens"
Abstract: An introduction to Pine Martens including whether they could be a good candidate for reintroduction on Dartmoor. In this country, all the top predators have been decimated by man. They have been considered a threat to our livelihood and sometimes even to ourselves. Yet we live at a time when 'rewilding' is being actively pursued. The focus of rewilding has so far been on the habitat (plants) and herbivores; yet sooner or later we need to consider predators. How far up the natural food web should we go in the rewilding process? Let me consider Pine Martens. Pine Martens are incredibly photogenic and I have spent 3 summers photographing them in Scotland. Some of my talk will be an introduction to Pine Martens and some will be a discussion on whether they could be a good candidate for reintroduction here on Dartmoor.
I hope to meet you at one of my talks!
______________________________________________________________
I enjoy giving talks on wildlife and welcome suggestions for venues for future talks. My aim is to entertain, educate and hopefully inspire the audience. As a professional biologist, I can tailor my talks to have as much, or as little, underlying science according to the audience's tastes. My talks, which are normally an hour in duration, are based on stunning digital images and short video and sound clips. I normally end my talk with a 'Fun Zone' quiz followed by a Q&A session which is always illuminating.
A question that is often asked is "do you have a very expensive camera"? I like Chris Weston, a noted wildlife photographer, response to this: “Yes”, he would reply and then add “and Monet had really expensive paint brushes.” Like many things in life it's not so much what you have, it's how you use it!
Please use the Contact Form if you have a suggestion.
27th May 2014 at Selsdon Park Hotel, Croydon, UK
"Tanzania Travels"
Testimonial - "The glory of the sights and sounds of the Serengeti, the excitement of the adventure and much else besides! I was transfixed".
11th May 2015 at The Wharf, Tavistock, Devon, UK.
"Serengeti Safari"
Testimonial - "an atmospheric personal journey to the Serengeti with sights and sounds and stunning wildlife images"
June 2017 at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
"Terrific Tanzania"
Testimonial - terrific photography at amazing locations
29th October 2017 at the U3A, Oban, Scotland
"Travels across Tanzania"
Testimonial - "Peter's presentation transported us across Tanzania capturing, in his excellent photographs, the beauty of the environment and the animals that live there. It was interesting and informative throughout, holding our attention to the end".
8th July 2019 at SAMS Oban, Scotland
"Magical Madagascar"
Testimonial - "Peter brought the endemic flora and fauna of Madagascar to Argyll; his presentation was insightful and full of vivid photographs, sounds and recordings.".
12th August 2019 at the Wharf, Tavistock, Devon UK
"Magical Madagascar"
Testimonial 1 - "A beautifully illustrated talk on the lemurs, chameleons, birds and people of Madagascar using the speaker’s excellent photographs. The talk was completed with a theory on the endemic biodiversity of the magical island of Madgascar and offered a solution to help conserve the wildlife. The speaker encouraged all to visit Madagascar and experience the wildlife there. Dr Ann Pulsford"
Testimonial 2 - "Fascinating detailed insights into Madagascar's remarkable biodiversity, high proportion of unique species and spectacular habitats revealed by a feast of superb images. Dr Colin Kilvington" .
16th December 2019 at the Wharf, Tavistock, Devon UK
"Namibia: Nature's Miracle"
Abstract: Namibia is the driest country in sub-Sahara Africa with less than 5 cm rain in some areas. It also has the world's second-lowest population density of any sovereign country. Yet it teems with wildlife! Why? My talk will show a photofest of the country's wildlife from elephants to birds and spiders and address the question of how life survives in a truly arid environment.
Testimonial 1 - "A most enjoyable talk on Namibia's wildlife, climate and varied landscapes complete with maps of the areas visited. Ideal if you are planning a special trip or simply want to know more about this remarkably interesting country. Dr Colin Kilvington".
Testimonial 2 - "Professor Peter Burkill took us on a fascinating journey through the spectacularly beautiful country of Namibia. His talk Namibia Nature’s Miracle was fulsomely illustrated with stunning photographs of the landscape and wildlife. A tour de force. Dr Anne Pulsford"
9th January 2020 at the University of Stirling, Scotland
"Magical Madagascar"
Register via Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/magical-madagascar-tickets-86803643033
Testimonial - "Peter’s sound and visionary adventure immediately transports you to Madagascar, making you want to have your own tropical expedition there. The quality of the photography and insightful commentary made me eager to learn more about this fascinating wildlife in Madagascar. The beautiful collection of photographs showing some of the most unusual animals living in Madagascar is a real treat for any wildlife enthusiast. Prof Selina Stead"
2nd March 2020 at The Wharf, Tavistock, Devon, UK
"Japan's Winter Wonderland"
Abstract: Japan differs from the UK in so many ways. Its climate is more extreme than ours. Hokkaido, Japan's most northerly island, is blanketed by snow in winter yet lies at a more southerly latitude than anywhere in the UK. Hokkaido's state emblem, the Red Crowned Crane, is unique in being the only crane species in the world that does not migrate. It is part of Hokkaido culture and is nurtured by locals. Red Foxes, similar to our own, are common in Hokkaido and less afraid of humans as they are not hunted. Blakiston's Fish Owl, one of the rarest fish-owls in the world, is venerated in local culture. Steller's Sea Eagle, the largest sea-eagle in the world, is found in winter on Hokkaido's northern coasts. My talk will cover my photography of these and other species as well as some insight on the local Japanese attitudes to their wildlife.
Testimonial - "A fascinating talk on Japan's winter wildlife on the island of Hokkaido. The beautifully illustrated talk includes stunning images of cranes dancing, fish eagles catching their prey and owls. Special cafes permit close encounters with the wildlife. Dr Ann Pulsford".
December 2020 at Noss Mayo, Devon, UK
TBD
23rd August 2021 at The Wharf, Tavistock, Devon, UK
"Tiger, tiger"
Abstract]: It was 4th March 2020, the day before we were to fly to India for 3 weeks, and we deciding whether to go. At that time, coronavirus which was a strangely remote concern, was blowing up but our sense of adventure prevailed. We flew on 5th March with Finnair to Delhi and onto Madhya Pradesh in central India, where we felt both safe and exhilarated – we were in the middle of nowhere, in Kipling’s country, with an incredible array of wildlife. Bandhavghar, Kanha and Pench National Parks were fabulous with early morning and late afternoon safaris each day in tiny 4WD vehicles; we felt on top of the world and brushed aside the Indian Government announcement not to issue any more tourist visas. No worries, we were already there and the local Indians were incredibly welcoming. Our first glimpse of tigers was to die for – three brothers lazing in a small open lake. Then our tranquillity was shattered by an email on 15th March from Finnair announcing they had cancelled our return flight. They went on to politely suggest that we waited in India until they could fly us home! Alarms bells really started to ring after a phone call that night to friends in the UK, we decided we should return. Trying to book a flight from India with a foreign credit card was an experience in itself but we succeeded (probably illegally). On 16th March we were on a BA flight out of Mumbai and after 26 hours travelling got home to Devon. But we had 5000 photos and seen nine tigers. My talk will be of our adventure and the fabulous photographic experience we had had in India.
7th April 2022 7pm at Tavistock HeritageTrust, Devon, UK
"Rewilding Pine Martens"
Abstract: An introduction to Pine Martens including whether they could be a good candidate for reintroduction on Dartmoor. In this country, all the top predators have been decimated by man. They have been considered a threat to our livelihood and sometimes even to ourselves. Yet we live at a time when 'rewilding' is being actively pursued. The focus of rewilding has so far been on the habitat (plants) and herbivores; yet sooner or later we need to consider predators. How far up the natural food web should we go in the rewilding process? Let me consider Pine Martens. Pine Martens are incredibly photogenic and I have spent 3 summers photographing them in Scotland. Some of my talk will be an introduction to Pine Martens and some will be a discussion on whether they could be a good candidate for reintroduction here on Dartmoor.
I hope to meet you at one of my talks!
______________________________________________________________
I enjoy giving talks on wildlife and welcome suggestions for venues for future talks. My aim is to entertain, educate and hopefully inspire the audience. As a professional biologist, I can tailor my talks to have as much, or as little, underlying science according to the audience's tastes. My talks, which are normally an hour in duration, are based on stunning digital images and short video and sound clips. I normally end my talk with a 'Fun Zone' quiz followed by a Q&A session which is always illuminating.
A question that is often asked is "do you have a very expensive camera"? I like Chris Weston, a noted wildlife photographer, response to this: “Yes”, he would reply and then add “and Monet had really expensive paint brushes.” Like many things in life it's not so much what you have, it's how you use it!
Please use the Contact Form if you have a suggestion.