Talks To Groups
Doug is very experienced at public speaking and has delivered numerous talks to audiences around the country. The content is lively,informative and illustrated by many superb photographs.
Current list of talks
Wildlife Of The Pennine Hills
My recent book, Wildlife Of The Pennine Hills (published by Merlin Unwin) reveals the nature of the Hills and their
contrasting wildlife habitats through well-researched text and many beautiful photographs. Its mission is to reveal the
wildlife that exists in the fells, woods and waterways and where to find it.
This talk, illuminated by many beautiful photographs, explains the geological origins of the light and dark peaks and
dales and explores some of the typical landscapes and the species found in them.
Wildlife Of The Chiltern Hills
The Chiltern Hills are one of England’s rare chalk landscapes, classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Although close to London and abused by infrastructure such as HS2 and the M40, areas of chalk grassland, beech
woodland and chalk streams contain rare ecosystems hosting a wide range of species.
In this talk, Doug Kennedy explores these landscapes and their habitats, revealing the plants, animals and fungi that
they contain in beautiful photographs. In particular, rare orchids and butterflies are discussed along with the
challenges faced in protecting this beautiful region.
The English Chalk Streams
England’s chalk downs and wolds are a globally rare landscape over which flow around 60 chalk streams: there are
only 210 chalk streams World-wide so these represent a priceless English phenomenon. With industrialisation and
the burgeoning of housing developments they have come under threat and many have been altered beyond
recognition. However, those that survive are fascinating and beautiful, and this talk seeks to reveal this and explore
how they can be protected.
The River Thame – Restoring a lovely waterway
In 2013 the River Thame in Buckinghamshire was polluted and its wildlife destroyed by sewage pollution from
Thames Water’s Aylesbury works. Nine years later, it is still in recovery, but the river and its valley have been
transformed into a developing wetland corridor which attracts a wide range of birds, dragonflies and other wildlife.
It is a river that flows through a variety of landscapes, infrastructure, history and wetlands, all of which are described
in this lovely talk.
Restoring English Rivers
England is traversed by dozens of rivers, from the mighty Thames, Avon and Tyne to crystal streams tumbling down
rocky beds and rural brooks meandering through the countryside. Many possess great beauty and rich ecologies, but
they are in decline. Many suffer from pollution, water abstraction, climate change and over-exploitation so water
quality, fish and biodiversity have all declined over the decades. This talk explores the current state of affairs, how it
came about, and the many initiatives to restore our rivers to good condition.
Exploring The Basque Country
This talk traces the unique culture, architecture and landscapes of The Basque Country from Bayonne, the French
Basque capital, to Bilbao in Spain. On the way I encounter some amazing fiestas, Basque music and language,
Basque separatism and politics, cities and the open countryside and some lovely landscapes. It’s a fascinating insight
into this very individual people and the land they occupy. The talk is illustrated with gorgeous photographs and a
couple of festive videos.
An Adventure In Transylvania
I spent ten days exploring the landscape, wildlife and culture of Transylvania, a region of Romania in the Carpathian
Mountains. There are picturesque towns, dramatic wooden churches, high tree-clad mountains, bears, orchids and a
high altitude wildlife hide. The talk is illustrated with many beautiful photographs and is a great introduction to an area
that is little visited by Brits.
