CONKER NATURE MAGAZINE: SPRING | APRIL 2022 | VOL VII ISSUE I

SPRING| APRIL 2022 | VOL VII ISSUE I

REVEAL OF A VIBRANT SPRING

. . . t i s Vi TES s ' t e L DOLOMI

DIB CRE N I S& TAIN SCAPES N U D MO LAN

THE

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ALGONQUIN PARK HONORING

The Mightiest Big Cats OF ITALY

Moose Safari WELCOMING THE SPRING COLLECTION OF 2022

SPRING HAS COME SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEWS WITH SHELBY BRERETON & KAYLEIGH HUNT & ROOSMARIJN BRUIJNS

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Inside Cover Photographer: Karen Blow IG: @kcb_myphotgraphyjourney WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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FOUNDER Editor-in-chief Lucy Morris Instagram @lucymorriswild Email: lucymorriswildmedia@gmail.com

Sally Marie Angela Mitchell Zoe Richards Heather Wilkins Darren Wynne Jaquelyn Rodgers Eric Jones Anna Clarke Laszlo Balogh Jenny Murphy Simon Hughes

Executive Editor Editor Junior Editor Advertising Director Photography Director Deputy Photo Editor Assistant Photo Editor Proofreader Contributor Logo Illustrator Digital Editor Digital Co-Editor

EDITORIAL OFFICE

Wildlife photography, art, and written articles are welcomed, once images are submitted they become the property of Conker Nature Magazine; which will be used to promote the magazine if needed, not for any other purpose.

Please send images to submissions@conkernature.com Conker Nature Magazine is published by Morris Media Publishing Group.

www.conkernature.com FRONT COVER: Photographer: Karen Blow IG: @kcb_myphotgraphyjourney

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LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THIS MONTH'S LETTER FROM CONKER NATURE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LUCY MORRIS. AS SHE DISCUSSES SPRINGTIME THAT IS IN FULL SWING.

08 - 10 THE VIBRANT SPRING SPRING IS ONE OF THE PRETTIEST TIME OF YEAR, WITH WILDLIFE NOW IN FULL BLOOM AND BUZZING. CATCH UP WITH LUCY MORRIS ON MORE

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BIRD, SQUIRREL & SWANS PHOTOGRAPHER ANDREA SANTONI CAPTURES A MULITUDE OF WILDLIFE

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ALGONQUIN PARK - MOOSE SAFARI AN EARLY MORNING START, CANOEING INTO THE SUNRISE, THE MIST RISING OFF THE WATER, A MOOSE WITH HER CUB APPEARED.

30 - 37 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER ROOSMARIJN BRUIJNS, TALKS ABOUT HER EXPERINEC OVER THE YEARS AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, AND HER GOALS FOR THE FUTURE.

NATURE LOVE PHOTOGRAPHER WALTER DE SIMONE CAPTURES NATURE PORTRAITS - WITH A FEATURE OF HIS CAT

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Photographer:rocter, getty images

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SPRING HAS COME PHOTOGRAPHER NELLI ZOLOTAYA SHARES SPRING ARRIVING AT UKRAINE

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49 - 53 COME TO LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHER NATALI URMA SHARES LIFE BLOSSOMING IN SPRING TIME, COMING TO LIFE

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LET'S VISIT THE DOLOMITES EXPLORE THE FEATURES OF SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES IN THE WORLD - THE DOLOMITES

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MOUNTAINS & WATER - DOLOMITES PHOTOGRAPHER CLAUDIO PARI CAPTURES THE DRASTIC LANDSCAPES OF THE DOLOMITES

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SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW PART 1 - SHELBY SHELBY BRERETON IS A WILD ANIMAL BIOLOGIST, AND A WILDLIFE YOUTUBER - FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE!

79 - 90 WILDLIFE IN KYIV, UKRAINE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER Ольга Кудина, CAPTURES WILDLIFE NEAR THEIR RESIDENCE.

92 - 98 WILDLIFE FROM ORE MOUNTAINS PHOTOGRAPHER JOHANNES BRAUER CAPTURES WILDLIFE IN THE ORE MOUNTAINS, GERMANY

100 - 108 FORT SMALLWOOD PARK PHOTOGRAPHER F.STALLWORTH CAPTURES A HISTORICAL ENDICOTT PERIOD COASTAL FORT.

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109 - 114 SPRING RED KITES ACROBAT DISPLAY CONKER NATURE BRAND AMBASSADOR AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, SCOTT DUFFIELD CAPTURES RED KITES IN ACROBATIC FLIGHT

116 - 120 SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW PART 2 - KAYLEIGH WILDLIFE BIOLOGY CONSERVATION STUDENT, KAYLEIGH HUNT DESCRIBES HER PASSION FOR WILDLIFE AND CONSERVING HER FAVOURITE HABITATS - CHURCHYARDS

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AS WINTER TURNS TO SPRING WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, SAMINA BULGIN SHARES HER SPRING WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY.

126 - 129 SPRING HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER CYDNEY Z. MARTIN CAPTURES THE BEAUTY OF THE NATURAL WORLD

130 - 133 THE MIGHTEST BIG CATS PHOTOGRAPHER, FLAWERACHY DEDICATES THESE IMAGES TO BIG CATS ACROSS THE GLOBE IN CAPTIVITY DUE TO CONSERVATION

134 - 148 SPRING COLLECTION

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149 - 154 SPRING WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER ELENA MATYUSHENKO CAPTURES THE BEAUTIFUL AND COLOUR FLOWERS OF SPRING

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SPRING IS ON THE WAY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, CLAIRE SWIFT SHARES HER SPRING WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY.

163 - 166 SPRING FLING PHOTOGRAPHER GENEVIEVE MA'YET SHARES HER COLLECTION OF AVIAN SPECIES FROM AN URBAN LAKE IN CENTRAL DALLAS, USA

167 - 174 WASHINGTON SPRING PHOTOGRAPHER VIOLET RANKIN AND RETOUCHER JDR, SHOWCASE THEIR WORK OF A WASHINGTON SPRING

175 - 177 THE WILD SIDE PHOTOGRAPHER GENEVIEVE MA'YET SHARES HER COLLECTION OF AVIAN SPECIES NEAR DALLAS, USA

178 - 182 GREEN VALLEY UP IN SMOKE

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Spring is well an truly in swing now! I can't b the only one embracing the buzzing of bees and the warmer weather - perfect season for some macro insect photography!

We are delighted to announce the launch of our Conker Nature Brand Ambassador Program! Which all applications are to be made via our website: www.conkernature.com - go and check out the rewards and benefits of becoming an ambassador (including a t-shirt!)

We are also super excited to be launching our NEW A-Z directory very soon. We feel this will be a useful resource for anyone in the wildlife conservation and media genre, to connect to brands and other creatives in the industry- keep an eye on social media for the announcements!

Lucy Morris Editor-in-chief LJM

This month be sure to keep an eye on our website of press releases and reviews of some inspiration people in the industry, such as Chris Packham and many more that are being announced this month on our website!

Have a lovely April break, and I'll see you all next month for our final spring-themed issue!

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Words by Lucy Morris Photographer: Natbata Schuit

Spring is here! Although admittedly the weather hasn't exactly been a spring role model, it starting to get warmer meaning your wildlife sightings will fly up.

Spring is my favourite season, watching winter finally melt away, bringing vibrant colour, glorious song and wildlife to be seen across Britain - April really is a wildlife party time in our gardens.

In a short few weeks, the end of April and heading into May marks perhaps one of my favourite migrant species to Britain in the summer - the magnificent swift.

After an arduous journey from their warmer climate of Africa, during our winter months, these vivacious small birds have one mission during their stay here successfully completing the mating season.

This month is also the month to see some nocturnal wonders in Britain if you are lucky enough - bats.

In April many of our British species, such as pipistrelle bats start to spread their wings and emerge from hibernation, and they usually emerge very hungry and head off to hunt for their food.

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Bats in April hunt actively and are ravenous, this helps build up their empty reserves, just in time to be ready for their mating season in May. Now moving on to our more aquatic-lovers, Water Voles are more active this time of year, as they kick of the breeding season this month.

Signs of of them on the banks include Burrows in the riverbank, with frequent signs of grass been nibbled off at the entrance of the burrow.

The best signs to look out for are signs of nibbled grass scattered around the water's edge - specifically nibbled off at a distinctive 45 degree angled cut at the ends.

You may also spot the water voles' toilet areas, with droppings that are small and rounded.

A final sign of spotting water voles is the soft sound of plopping, as the water vole gets into water. However, if you've heard this is it unlikely you'll see the water vole in full sight.

Moving onto another aquatic species to look out for in April is the large red damselfly. The large red is actually the first damselflies to emerge from their larval stage in the UK. They fly until late summer, and is one of the most commonest species to be found in Britain.

If you have a pond, its likely you'll see them looking for a suitable ground for breeding.

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Photographer: Natbata Schuit WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Shawn Williams

Photographer: phototrip

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Roosmarijn Bruijns

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Hi, I'm Roosmarijn.

Roosmarijn Bruijns Roosmarijn Bruijns is a is a wildlife photographer based in The Netherlands, and loves to shoot in macro photography

Follow Roosmarijn here IG: @roosmarijn.bruijns Hi Roosmarijn, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed on our photography spotlight for Conker Nature Magazine!

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself & what it is you do.

But most people call me Roos. I am living in the city of Groningen, in the northern part of The Netherlands, since I was a child. In the meantime, I find myself being 46 years old already, but I continue to feel 28. Probably because I'm very sporty and can't sit still very well.

During the spring and summer months, you most likely will see me walking around with camera in hand, all-ways ready to take the most beautiful photos. I'm quite a fanatic, and keep going until I succeed!

Usually I go out on my own, but I also really like to go on an adventure with my boyfriend or other acquaintances.

In the fall and winter months my boyfriend and I run an indoor

ski-school, and we are very busy with that. As a result, I am less on the road with my camera during that period.

When, and what inspired you to get into photography, and do you have any favourite photographers you admire?

About 24 years ago I started as a photo model myself, so I had a lot of contact with photographers and therefore sat in the middle of it. 10 years later, I brought a camera myself and I starting photographing models.

Mainly advertising for clothing stores and other commercial purposes.

I really liked it and soon developed my own style, soft and light, often with backlight. I preferred to photograph outside.

Then it was spring 2020 - the Coronavirus pandemic.

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This meant that many assignments were cancelled and I got fewer and fewer people in front of my camera.

Sitting still is not for me, so I went into nature and started with macro and nature photography. That still makes me very happy. It gives me a bit of relaxation and I can challenge myself enormously to create that one perfect image.

I see a lot of beautiful work from good and creative photographers, but I don't have one in particular that I think is the best.

What does your photography mean to you?

My wildlife and nature/macro photography is extremely important to me, I can express my creativity, and love to be outside and on the road. It simply makes me happy What is your process when photographing, do you have an area or species you WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

are most drawn to as a photographer?

The time of year is important, I adapt to that.

Like now, the Bluethroat come to the Netherlands, and yes, I really like to try to get them in the picture.

Soon more butterflies will appear and I will be more busy with that. I shoot most of it in the North of the Netherlands, but if I really have a challenge that is a 3-hour drive, then I also go for it.

I continue to like Bearded reedlings very much. They are really a challenge for me.

Although I have shot a beautiful series of them, it can always be better...

What is your favourite animal, and what has been your best wildlife encounter to date?

Butterflies I find very beautiful, and I really enjoyed that a beautiful Silver studded blue sat down on a twig right in front of

me, and it seemed as if he was giving me a catwalk show.

But also when the Bluethroat is going to sing right in front of me, and it seems as if he is giving a private concert.

What is the most interesting thing you have learnt about wildlife over the years?

That it takes a lot of patience, wildlife appears to be not 'manageable'.

And also that one animal is much more curious than the other animal. Even within the same species there is a lot of difference between them in their behavior.

Presently, what is your biggest aspiration in your photography?

First my ambition was and still is enjoying taking the pictures, and therefore being outside and on the road. Furthermore, by WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM 34

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doing so that my name becomes well established as a wildlife and nature photographer. Therefore, hopefully a lot of my work can be seen in magazines, on walls, on calendars and cards etc...

I strive to bring joy to the people that appreciate my work.

Is there a specific species or place that you've always wanted to experience?

In the coming months, the Common Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) is on the wish list for me!

Furthermore, the juvenile Bearded Reedlings Panurus biarmicus (known as Bearded Tits in the UK) And as Dutch as it gets, I would like to capture a

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Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) in a tulip.

Do you have a preferred camera you use and a favourite lens?

I like to use the Canon 90D with the Sigma 150-600 mm sports lens for my bird photography.

My Canon 5D MK4 with the Canon 100 mm lens is my go to for macro and butterfly photography.

What advice would you give to the past you, and what advice would you give people with similar interest and dreams?

Honestly, I would have liked to start wildlife and macro photography much earlier, but never gave myself the time to do so, and now I can't live without it...

To anyone who loves the outdoors and nature photography, I would say; don’t wait, go for it, and never give up!

Finally, what do think of our magazine?

Conker Nature magazine: surprisingly beautiful! I am honored and it’s well appreciated that my work is published. By doing so Conker Nature may well be the stepping stone that less established photographers all over planet earth need.

Thank you very much!

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Roos.

I’m sure the readers of Conker Nature Magazine will enjoy learning more about you and your photography experience & appreciate your tips & advice!

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Walter De Simone's

NATURE LOVE

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INTERVIEW WITH: SHELBY BRERETON

Shelby Brereton Shelby Brereton is a wild animal biologist, with a love for history and pop culture - together with her love for wildlife, she created her Youtube channel - Shelby on Safari.

IG & FACEBOOK: @selbyonsafari YOUTUBE: @SHELBYONSAFARI Hi Shelby, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed on our spotlight for Conker Nature Magazine!

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what it is you do.

Thank you for having me! I am a wild animal biologist that loves combining my interest of history and pop culture with reaching different audiences about the natural world!

I’ve worked with animals in both captive and wild settings, doing a variety of roles from wildlife rehabilitator to presenter.

Along my journey, I’ve been fortunate enough to study my MSc in London which is where I met my now husband. So, my adventure continues as I explore living in the UK and its incredible wildlife.

You are a Californian, currently living in the UK, what is your favourite British species and why?

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captivated by the beauty of the magpie! Many of my UK friends still tease me about this as I still get excited when I see one.

However, learning about the red kite and their conservation story has certainly cemented them as one of my favourites. It also helps that when I am out running in the South Downs National Park, I often hear them overhead! I am hooked on using Birda when I am out to track what birds I see and practice my identification skills.

Being a Californian, you no doubt have a favourite American species that you miss seeing in the UK and why is it your favourite American species?

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It is a strange thought, realising as to what I consider a native species, like a California King Snake or California Condor, is exotic to others and visa versa.

While I miss my old surfing buddies, California Brown Pelicans, I certainly admire the coyote. They are adaptable, opportunistic and have a unique call.

While they can have a bad reputation and are sometimes in humananimal conflicts, their resilience is what I find admirable.

The cheetah has always been my main passion. Shame I couldn’t get the book I wrote (and illustrated) when I was 7 published! I am not sure what sparked my lifelong love, however I can remember my family always supporting me in learning more about them and even seeing them at the San Diego Zoo.

Eventually, I got to work quite closely with one individual named Victor and it was surreal. In fact, it was my desire to study cheetahs which brought me over to the UK to begin with!

I chose the MSc programme I studied on because for the thesis You are a wildlife biologist and have studied extensively you could (within reason) into animals, what has been choose your own thesis project. your favourite animal to Luckily, they had cheetahs at study when you were undertaking your degree and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and so I why?

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INTERVIEW WITH: SHELBY BRERETON

studied the effects of enrichment on their behaviour and enclosure use. Some people warned me to not study a species I loved, as I would get bored of watching them.

However, those months were some of the best of my life!

You are a self-described lover of travelling, where has been your favourite wildlife-filled place to travel, and what did you love about it?

I was very lucky to live on the Hawaiian Islands for some time, and even studied on the Big Island. I enjoyed seeing the changes in habitat and wildlife from up on the top of Mauna Kea (dormant volcano on the Big Island) down to the coral reefs along the beaches. Hawaii hosts some beautiful native species, like the Hawaiian hawk and the Hawaiian monk seal.

While the landscape was WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

more than just palm trees, the waters of Hawaii are exceptional. Luckily the water temperature was pretty much perfect, so only thing that did take your breath away was the colours of the underwater world!

them. While they have a real-life superpower, that doesn’t mean their life is perfect. They still have to fight to keep their hardearned food, keep their young safe and more.

You have a YouTube, also What is one wildlife-filled called Shelby on Safari¸ paradise would you like to visit what has been your and why? favourite video to film and why?

Hands down Serengeti National Park! The intricacies Would you be surprised if I within the ecosystem would be said the video on when I compared The Flash to the a delight to witness in person. cheetah? This idea of To see the Great Migration comparing superheroes to would be fantastic of course, animals with real but we all know I am superpowers actually there to see cheetahs in the came to me while I was wild. I grew up watching “Big out running! In the effort Cat Diaries” and so to be a witness to the daily challenges to discuss something other than cheetahs, one of my the cheetahs face would be a others was comparing the privilege. That’s one of the superhero Shazam to an reasons I am fascinated by WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM 77

axolotl. Combing my passions into unique ways like this can help me reach a different audience that might not have heard of the axolotl and its conservation story. Turns out Billy Batson and the axolotl have a lot more in common than you might think!

You are a massive fan of pop culture, what is your favourite pop-culture reference that relates to wildlife, and what is it that makes it your favourite?

Pokemon has continuously surprised me with how much research and “easter eggs” they put into their creations.

For example, you know I loved my time in Hawaiian and so when they did a Hawaiian inspired region with corresponding pokemon, I was simply delighted.

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When I was researching the Alolan Vulpix, I found in their pokedex entry they said that people refer to it as Keokeo. This actually comes from the Hawaiian word for white, keʻokeʻo. It’s little nods like that, that make me feel like a detective when researching for my videos! Also, I am pretty sure they put in an owl (Rowlett) to pay homage to the pueo, or Hawaiian Short-eared owl!

Presently, what is your biggest aspiration in your career?

Inspire others to find the true magic of the world around us and not be afraid to continue to learn. I started my channel to challenge myself to continue to learn, explore and research.

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It just happens I get to bring people along with me on my journey! I hope that using pop culture that people know and love, to showcase the wonder of the natural world will help inspire change.

What advice would you give to your past self, and what advice would you give to people with similar ambitions and dreams?

Don’t be afraid of change: embrace it, learn from it and continue to challenge how things are done.

For many years I was stubborn about only wanted to work with cheetahs and I limited myself in terms of opportunities because they didn’t involve them.

However, when I did volunteer and work in a variety of roles (not just animal-related too!) I learned so many transferrable skills.

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Finally, what do you think of our magazine?

The photos are absolutely stunning! I still haven’t seen a kingfisher yet, but luckily the photos you share give me hope that one day I will.

I also really enjoyed seeing the brilliant artist Tiffany Francis Baker being interviewed.

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She is one of my absolute favourites. In fact, I am looking at the wall in my office which is covered with her work!

Fabulous, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Shelby. I'm sure the readers of Conker Nature will love to read about you and your work!

Shelby Brereton FOLLOW SHELBY HERE IG & FACEBOOK: @selbyonsafari YOUTUBE: @SHELBYONSAFARI WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM 79

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Wildlife in Kyiv, Ukraine Валентина Новицкая IG: @valentina_nova815 Ольга Кудина IG: @kudina.photo

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@conkernaturemagazine

OUR LAST SPRINGTHEMED PHOTOGRAPHY CALL FOR WORK - MAY

we want you!

WILDLIFE/NATURE/TRAVEL

Submissions: www.conkernature.com Email us: submissions@conkernature.com WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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WIDLIFE FROM THE ORE MOUNTAINS, SAXONY, GERMANY

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@conkernaturemagazine

CALL FOR WORK - LITTLE CONKERS MAY 2022, NOW OPEN! FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY, ART, STORIES, INTERVIEWS - AGED 16 & UNDER FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT - WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM PHOTO: BENAJIMN FALLOW

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@conkernaturemagazine

NATURALIST WITH A LOVE FOR WRITING? STORYTELLER? POET? WILDLIFE BOOK CRITIC?

we want you!

WILDLIFE/NATURE/TRAVEL Submissions: www.conkernature.com MAY SUBMISSIONS OPEN NOW

Kayleigh Hunt

INTERVIEW WITH: KAYLEIGH HUNT

Kayleigh Hunt is a MSc student in Wildlife Biology and Conservation and has been a advocate for conserving habitats within churchyards.

Instagram: @kayleighincornwall Hi Kayleigh, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed on our spotlight for Conker Nature Magazine!

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what it is you do.

Hello! Thank you for having me. I am an MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation student living in Cornwall!

Through my studies, I am very lucky to have met a lot of wonderful people and am on several wildlife-based group committees as well as a part-time helper at a local private nature reserve. Anyone that knows me will know that I am somewhat obsessed with our churchyards being managed in a nature-friendly way. I did my undergrad honours project on how the habitats and management within churchyards affect avian communities. I hope to carry on this research as a part of my MSc and the idea of doing a PhD has recently taken up residence in my brain! I am also a part-time pet sitter, which I absolutely love.

You are currently studying for an MSc in wildlife biology, what has been the most interesting species you’ve studied on the course and why?

My course is through Edinburgh Napier University, and I am studying as a distance learner. This works perfectly for me alongside my other work and means I get to stay in the wonderful county of WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM 117

Cornwall (with the added bonus of a three-week trip to Edinburgh next year!) As a distance learner, is a little less hands-on, however, during the first year we had to write a development proposal based on a site of our own choosing. I based my proposal on a water vole reintroduction project based at the private nature reserve I work at.

I soon learnt they are absolutely INCREDIBLE little creatures and our country desperately needs nationwide reintroductions.

You are on the committee for Cornwall Mammal and Kernow Conservation groups, what is the most exciting and interesting project that is being undertaken with both groups this year,

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and what will the positives of the project bring?

As a part of a water vole reintroduction project, it is vital that the presence of mink is So, it turned out my assessed, we have installed mink development proposal rafts at the release site, and so project would serve me well far, no individuals have been for when I joined the recorded!

Kernow Conservation group. Our biggest project I joined the CMG committee last so far is currently year and now run the underway, and it is the first Instagram page as well. The project to reintroduce water main focus of CMG recently has voles to southern Cornwall! been harvest mice! We have Water voles were largely been working hard out in the wiped out by a fellow field in search of nests to mammal, the invasive improve our understanding of American mink. the distribution of this oftenWe have secured funding for overlooked rodent. the captive breeding aspect of the project, and we have recently started crowdfunding to raise funds for maintenance as well as monitoring.

We recently surveyed the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and found the first ever recorded harvest mice nests there! A very rewarding survey.

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INTERVIEW WITH: KAYLEIGH HUNT

As a member of the committee for Cornwall Mammal and Kernow Conservation groups, what is it about their work that inspired you to become a member of the committee, and continue to do so?

Kernow Conservation was started by a group of students from Exeter uni, this is what drew me to them initially, being a student myself. It can be difficult sometimes to find groups that are made up of ‘younger’ nature lovers, and Kernow Conservation is exactly that. We’re all so passionate about the work we do, which mostly involves working with landowners to improve biodiversity at their sites, and despite us all being crazy busy with studies/jobs/general life, that passion never wanes.

I didn’t have much mammal knowledge and after meeting WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

chairman of CMG and hearing about their work, I decided that needed resolving, hence joining the group! Through surveys, I have learnt a lot about Cornwall’s mammals, with so many of them having either been completely lost or slowly being lost, and the work CMG is doing is SO important to ensure this doesn’t continue.

As a wildlife biologist and conservationist, what habitats or species are you most concerned about conserving and why?

The habitats within churchyards. These spaces have been largely undisturbed by the use of pesticides and would’ve once been full of the beauty of wildflowers and the buzzing of insects! However, there is this perception that in order to maintain the respect of the of the dead, churchyards should

be cut to within an inch of their lives, but this doesn't have to be the case.

You’ve described your main passion as being the wildling of churchyards, what is one thing you wish you could educate people with on wildlife in churchyards?

First and foremost a churchyard is a place of rest for loved ones. I would like people who use these spaces for this purpose to know that a churchyard does not have to be ‘let go’ or look untidy to conserve the habitats within it. A management plan can cater for wildlife areas, as well as keeping paths, access to graves and areas around visited graves maintained and presentable.

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What wildlife could someone find in their local churchyards and what signs should you look out for in hopes of spotting wildlife?

You can see all sorts of wildlife in churchyards, they’re incredible! Birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and not to mention all sorts of lichens! If your local churchyard has varied grassland management, this is a great indicator that all the above can be spotted.

Have a look under any rocks for reptiles that might be present and really look hard at the graves/church itself, you will be amazed by the variety of lichens living on them.

As a wildlife conservationist what is one species that you are concerned about protecting and why is that

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species so special to you?

Right now, we are facing a crisis regarding weather extremes and biodiversity loss. I think we need to be prioritising the ecosystem engineers of the world, such as beavers and water voles.

Beavers create dams that help prevent flooding, as well as increasing habitat for species such as otters, bats, fish and frogs. Through their foraging and burrowing, water voles increase other biodiversity such as plants, pollinators, reptiles, insect-eating birds, and small mammals. This shows just HOW important ecosystem engineers are, by conserving/reintroducing them, many other species are conserved in the meantime.

You often take photos on your social media, what's

one place or species you’d love to photograph?

I’m very lucky to live in beautiful Cornwall, and thus far I have not taken myself further east to photograph our resident choughs! Maybe I should make that a photography aim this year.

Presently, what is your biggest aspiration in your career?

My belief is that in this sector you must be open to all options. It is famously difficult to gain a job in conservation and if you set your heart on that one ‘dream job’ you may be disappointed.

I absolutely love learning and am hoping to begin a churchyard-based study for a PhD when my MSc finishes in 2024, so watch this space!

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What advice would you give to your past self, and what advice would you give to people with similar ambitions and dreams?

INTERVIEW WITH: KAYLEIGH HUNT

I wish I could tell past Kayleigh that the world is your oyster and you can do anything you want to if you put your mind to it!

To other people I would say, go for it! You might not earn a fortune in this sector, but if your love for wildlife and nature is great enough, you will thrive and quite frankly, love your life!

Finally, what do you think of our magazine?

I absolutely love that Conker nature mag showcases individuals such as myself, those people that have a huge passion for what they do. I really think the magazine will inspire younger naturalists to follow their dreams. So, a big thank you Conker nature mag!

Fabulous, a big thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Kayleigh.

Your work to conserve churchyards we hope educates our readers! follow Kayleigh, cornwall mammal group & kernow Conservation group here Kayleigh: Instagram: @kayleighincornwall twitter: @kayleighincornwall Kernow conservation: instagram: @kernowconservation twitter: @kernoconservation1 cornwall mammal group: instagram: @cornwallmammalgroup twitter: @cornwallmammal

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LITTLE CONKERS CALL FOR WORK - WRITERS, ARTIST, AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

we want you!

WILDLIFE/NATURE/TRAVEL Submissions: www.conkernature.com Email us: submissions@conkernature.com

As Winter Turns to Spring Photographer: Samina Bulgin IG: @bubs__photography

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SPRING HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE

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SCOTT DUFFIELD'S

Spring Collection

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s i g n i r p S y a w e h t on Photographer: Claire Swift IG: @claireswiftphotography

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Next Month....

Spring Wildlife, May Edition Deadline 28th April WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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PHOTOGRAPHER: CYDNEY Z MARTIN

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