On 26th November, Winchester College hosted the Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Talk to an excited audience of 470 primary school children in the afternoon as well as to an audience of 400 adults from the community in the evening.  

Our wildlife talk is delivered each year by a nature expert and this year, we were so honoured to welcome the Hawk Conservancy Trust, a local charity dedicated to the conservation of Birds of Prey.

The afternoon talk was an interactive talk full of fun facts, videos and the importance of looking after birds of prey.  The children were captivated by this educational fun talk and the vital importance of their work to protect these magnificent birds.  The children were delighted to participate in an excercise that demonstrated how birds of prey are rehabilitated at the Hawk Conservancy and how they are trained by continual positive reinforcement. 

Stephanie from All Saints Church of England Primary school won first prize. Her sketches of an eagle and an Andean Condor, along with her written account of their importance, the threats and protection of hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures and owls set her apart.

The afternoon talk was followed by a competition “Why are Birds of Prey vital to our world and how can we help their survival?”.  With many amazing entries to admire and marvel at, it was a very tough job selecting a winner.  After much deliberation, Stephanie from All Saints Church of England Primary school won first prize which is a day trip for her class to Cameron’s Cottage in the RSPB Franchises Lodge nature reserve in the New Forest. Her sketches of an eagle and an Andean Condor, along with her written account of their importance, the threats and protection of hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures and owls set her apart. 

Share this post