Winchester College welcomed over 900 local pupils and members of the public on Wednesday 15th November for our annual Cameron Bespolka Memorial Wildlife Talk and Lecture.
Guest speaker, Megan McCubbin, ecologist, conservationist and wildlife presenter enthralled a packed audience in New Hall in the afternoon and evening with her knowledge, passion and expertise. Whilst highlighting species’ vulnerability across the globe to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, Megan gave us hope through scientists ‘working miracles’ across six continents, from captive breeding programmes to conserve the Northern White Rhino, to the use of satellite imagery to protect remaining colonies of Emperor Penguin.
‘Look deep into nature and you’ll understand everything better’
Einstein.
Megan gave hope with talk of captive breeding programmes to conserve the Northern White Rhino. Photo: Jim Pascoe Photography
Bob Guan, President of the NHS, summed up the sentiments of all who attended, ‘What I found most elucidating yet harrowing about Megan McCubbin’s talk was the fact that ‘rock salmon’ and ‘huss’ were just euphemisms for fried shark, spiny dogfish to be exact, which has caused their populations to plummet by 98%.’
Megan had no problem engaging with her audience. Photo: Jim Pascoe Photography
Megan also attended an afternoon tea in College Hall for 100 local pupils and their families and presented prizes to the winners of the Primary Schools Wildlife Competition. The creativity of the 175 entries impressed the judges and brought optimism that our young generation is both deeply concerned about biodiversity loss and determined to bring systemic change to our precious Earth. The legacy of Cameron Bespolka continues to educate us all.
Megan and Corinne with one of the winners of the Wildlife Competition. Photo: Jim Pascoe Photography
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