Suffolk Bird Group / Suffolk Wildlife Trust Talk by James Firebrace
7.30 pm 21 October 2021 at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Rd, Woodbridge IP12 4AU
James has made numerous trips to this area while working on its most significant development challenges, including to areas of conflict and drought seldom visited by outsiders. He will illustrate his talk through the stories of 12 species of birds, mammals and a couple of insects.
The talk will illustrate how wildlife has enriched human culture, while focussing on the interrelated human impacts of hunting (including leisure hunting during both colonial and recent times), wars, climate change, droughts, chemicals in the environment and the wildlife trade. As a result many species are now ‘critically endangered’. There are vast areas, which only 150 years ago experienced a rich biodiversity, where numerous species are now locally extinct. The impact is sometimes in the other direction - the talk will show how one species regularly threatens the livelihoods of local people.
Phil Smith, Chair of SWT Woodbridge Wildlife Group commented “James is a keen wildlife watcher and member of Suffolk Bird Group, with whom we are joining to present and publicise this talk. James has known this region for over 40 years and is Chairman of the British Yemeni Society. We hope to see friends old and new at the talk.”
Adam Gretton, Events Organiser for the Suffolk Bird Group said “SBG are delighted to be holding this joint talk with SWT’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group, especially as it will be our first face to face indoor event since February 2020. James has had long experience of this fascinating area and we greatly look forward to his insights.”
Admission to the talk is £3 (at the door) for adults with under 16’s free. It is not necessary to book in advance, but please arrive in plenty of time so that we can start promptly at 7.30 pm. Seating will be set out to give room for distancing and extra measures will be in place to keep our audience members safe during attendance. All are welcome - you do not have to be a member of SWT or SBG to attend.