Conker Nature Magazine | Winter | December 2021 Issue I

WINTER | DECEMBER 2021 | VOL III ISSUE I

WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE REVEALED

LET'S VISIT THE CAIRNGORMS

BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN PUBLISH TROUBLING DATA

Nature's DECEMBER CALENDER

Spotlight Interviews With jACK HAGUE & DAWOOD QURESHI

WINTER SEASON MAGIC

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Follow us on social media @conkernaturemagazine PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDY ASTBURY

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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 low-resolution j.pegs to conkernaturephotography@gmail.com Conker Nature Magazine is published

by Morris Media Publishing Group.

Follow us on Social media @conkernature

www.conkernature.com front cover images: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia

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CONKER NATURE TABLE OF CONTENTS AUTUMN VOL I 2021 | ISSUE III

07 LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THIS MONTHS LETTER FROM CONKER NATURE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LUCY MORRIS. AS SHE REFLECTED ON THE SUPPORT CONKER NATURE MAGAZINE HAS HAD IN 2021

08 - 13 NATURE'S CALENDER: DECEMBER LITTLE CONKER, FREYA SALTER, AND OUR JUNIOR EDITOR, TOBIAS JAMES, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS MONTH'S NATURE CALENDAR

14 - 22 PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT JACK HAGUE IS A FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER & FILMMAKER, WORKING IN OUTDOOR, NATURE AND CONSERVATION AREAS. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIM IN OUR SPOTLIGHT

24 - 26 WHAT'S ON THIS MONTH'S BREAKDOWN OF OUR FAVOURITE TV SHOWS, BOOKS AND ALL THINGS WILD MEDIA THIS MONTH.

Photographer: Spiridon Sleptsov

28 - 35 PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE PT 1 THIS MONTH'S PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSIONS FROM OUR READERS

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CONKER NATURE TABLE OF CONTENTS AUTUMN VOL I 2021 | ISSUE III

36 - 38 BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN 5 - PUBLISHED TROUBLING DATA ON DECEMBER 1ST, THE BIRD CONSERVATION CONCERN 5 REPORT WAS PUBLISHED - WITH DATA BEING VERY WORRYING FOR CONSERVATIONISTS & BIRD LOVERS ALIKE

40 - 66 PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE PT 2 THIS MONTH'S PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSIONS FROM OUR READERS

68 - 76 SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW IS WITH TALENTED WRITER AND JOURNALIST, DAWOOD QURESHI.

78 - 83 OUT AND ABOUT THIS MONTH'S OUT AND ABOUT IS BRILLIANT FOR WINTER WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY - IN CAIRNGORMS.

85 - 89 WALK THIS WAY Photographer: chbd photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

A FANTASTIC RECOMMENDATION OF WALKS ACROSS THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES OF THE LAKE DISTRICT WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM 04

Photographer: Yaroslav Shuraev WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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As 2021 draws to a close, I wanted to leave a little letter to you all.

Firstly a huge thank you for your support of the magazine, considering we only launched in August, the magazine has already grown exponentially - we can't wait for new adventures this year with an entire full calendar year, with every season covered to be featured, we cannot wait to showcase every season!

Lucy Morris Editor-in-chief LJM

Next month we launch our first Issue of Little Conkers, we are so excited to bring education activities and give a voice to the young and inspiring naturalists!

We have exciting announcements planned over the next few months - keep your eyes and ears open!

Contact us

Conkernature submissions@ gmail.com Conkernature photography@gmail.com Conkernature@gmail.com for general inquires

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Image: Mark Fullbrook

Submit to us

PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Fullbrook

Nature's Calender: WINTER - DECEMBER Words by Contributor - Freya Salter Junior Writer - Tobias James @wildlife_drummer_girl

Photographer: Scott Duffield @scott.duffield.photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Jack Hague @jbhague_wildlife

but something just as simple as a robin's elegant and joyful tune can put a smile on your face. But if you don't have a forest or nature reserve that you can explore nearby, there are lots of things you can do in your own garden.

What comes to mind when you think of Winter?

Despite the cold weather, Winter is a cheery but chilly season!

Our wildlife finds it hard to survive the harsh temperatures, but each species has a unique way of getting through to the spring. The colder months are brilliant for observing this and the other smaller things that you might not usually notice in summer when there's so much going on.

One of my favourite things to do in winter is to just go for a walk; immersing yourself in nature doesn't only show you the wonderful wildlife around you but it also helps your well-being.

You might not see some of the most spectacular winter spectacles WILDLIFE WILDLIFE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

Blue tit on a snowy branch Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia

Like birdwatching - another way to help your well-being and learn about the birds that come to your garden.

Rewilding your garden - e.g putting a pond in, planting a tree, sowing some wildflowers, letting your garden just grow.

Bird song is a popular thing to do in winter - species such as robins and the tit family are very vocal this time of year and can be heard early morning.

From the twitch of small brown ears of a mountain hare to the crunching sound of ice as a herd of deer trudging past, here are the winter wildlife spotters guide for a wonderful opening for our winter season.

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Owls

Owls silently stalking the countryside hidden under the cover of darkness.

Photographer: David White

Owls are particularly active this time of year, as many small mammals have taken shelter more often to battle the cold or even in hibernation. It takes owls a lot longer to hunt for their food, often spending hours looking for the flash of a tail - this means it's a brilliant time of year for owl watching.

Mountain Hares White hares sitting in open grasslands, camouflaging with the snow.

Photographer: Bebedi B

Mountain hares are pretty spectacular this time of year - their coats are turning white! Only the tips of their ears stay black. Unfortunately, their coats no long camouflage them due to lack of snow.

Red Kites Red Kites gathering in vast numbers - a sight unimaginable years ago.

Winter is undoubtedly the best time to see these magnificent birds, and going to wales to see them is definitely worth the visit - you'll be able to watch the fantastic spectacle of kites being fed at feeding stations in Gigrin Farm near Rhayader and Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian Forest centre, east of Aberystwyth.

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Photographer: Peter's Pictures @Peter's_Pictures

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Photographer: Andy Astbury

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Photographer: Scott Duffield @scott.duffield.photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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JACK HAGUE

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER: JACK HAGUE IG: @jbhague_wildlife

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Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Hi Jack, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for Conker Nature Magazine!

Follow Jack Hague on IG @jbhague_wildlife Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what it is you do.

Hello! It’s my pleasure, thanks for speaking to me! I’m Jack Hague and I’m a freelance photographer and film-maker.

I work in the outdoor, nature and conservation industries mainly!

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

Growing up, I always enjoyed cameras. My dad had a 35mm camera when I was younger and I would walk around with it pretending to photograph things

and from there, the interest kept growing really.

There are so many photographers that inspire me nowadays, so it’s always a hard question to answer! But, Paul Nicklen is someone who I admire, not only as an incredible photographer, but for the invaluable work he and his team have done for conservation.

What does your photography mean to you?

Photography as a whole has always been a massive part of my life. From childhood, to studying photography, to working full time with my camera. It’s always been my escape and outlet for creativity!

What is your process when photographing, do you have a particular area or species you’re most drawn to?

I enjoy photographing all kinds of wildlife in different habitats.

But, I will try and have an image or 2 in mind that I’d like to achieve when trying to photograph a subject.

This helps to keep me focused, so I don’t get too trigger happy and end up with thousands of images that I don’t want haha!

I’d say the most important thing to think about when photographing your subject, is trying to put yourself in a position where the subject doesn’t know you’re there. That’s when you get to see nature at it’s best!

Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife

We were on an evening walk with our big lamps and head torches, looking for reptiles and amphibians, when we heard noises from the Another hard one to answer, canopy. We shone our haha! I genuinely struggle to torches up and there was it’s little furry face looking down think of an animal that I at us through the branches. I would class as a singular favourite, but one of my best was absolutely blown away! wildlife encounters was with As I said, I had always an animal I’ve always wanted wanted to see them in the wild, but we weren’t even to see in the wild - The looking for them and I was Binturong! If you haven’t definitely not expecting to heard of them, they’re also see them. So that was known as a “bearcat” and they’re found in South/south- incredible, for sure! east Asia. They’re these big, What is the most interesting furry, long whiskered animals thing you have learnt about with a long prehensile tail to wildlife over the years? help them as they manoeuvre through the forest canopies. I think the most interesting Fun fact, they also smell like thing I have learnt about wildlife is that we still have popcorn! so much to learn from wildlife! Haha!

I was in the rain forests of It’s been incredible to learn East Kalimantan, Borneo. so much about the world’s ecosystems (photo below) What is your favourite animal, and what has been your best wildlife encounter to date?

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and how each individual living thing has its perfect place within them to make things run smoothly.

Presently, what is your biggest aspiration in your photography?

I read a quote that said within conservation “Science is the brain, photography is the heart” and that really stuck with me. People can look at data, but not really understand what it means. But, if you show people images, they can connect on a more personal level.

Photography is a powerful, emotional tool that can connect people to the issues we face today around climate change, biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.

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Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Is there a specific species or I find this pairing is great place you’ve always wanted to due to the A7Riv having a experience? massive resolution (60mp) meaning when I’m shooting I grew up wanting to travel all at 400mm, I can crop in to over the world to see cool that image in the edit and places and wildlife and I’ve create an image that’s been fortunate enough to equivalent to shooting at travel to a lot of places that 600-800mm. So with that were on that list! Madagascar ability, I can effectively was a big tick off my bucket shoot 100-800mm with one list a few years ago! lens, which gives me much more However, since the pandemic versatility with my images!

I’ve found a whole new love Having said all of that, I for British wildlife and the would still love to try the ecosystems we have here at Sony 600mm F4 (anyone home. We have some amazing fancy lending me £12k? things on offer that I definitely Haha!) overlooked for the more “exotic” places!

Finally, what advice would

Keep your camera in your hand, keep taking photos as much as you can and share those images!

Social media is a great tool for sharing your portfolio of work, networking with other people and building foundations for yourself. So use it!

Brilliant! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Jack. I ’m sure the readers of Conker Nature Magazine will enjoy learning more about you and your photography experience and appreciate your tips and advice!

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

you give to the past you and what advice would you give people with similar Follow Jack's social media here interests and dreams?

IG - @jbhague_wildlife

I’m currently using the Sony A7Riv with the Sony 100400mm GM lens for most of my wildlife photography

My advice to my past self and any other young, budding photographers is this:

Website - www.jbhague.co.uk YouTube - Jack Buchanan Hague

Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Jack Hague IG: @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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CALL FOR WORK - JANUARY 2021 IS NOW OPEN FOR WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY Submissions: www.conkernature.com PHOTOGRAPHER: STEF VAN VUUREN

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what's on

Zoe Richards rounds up some our wild entertainment FOR THIS MONTH WINTER WALKS: SEASON TWO, presented by the bbc Take a gentle walk as familiar faces explore landscapes in the north of England in this series of immersive and intimate documentaries of winter walks across the north of the UK. You can watch the latest episodes on catch up at BBC iplayer

The Green Planet Written by simon barnes

WHATS ON

Plants live secret, unseen lives - hidden in their magical world and on their timescale.

From the richest jungles to the harshest deserts, from the snowiest alpine forest to the remotest steaming swamp, Green Planet travels from one great habitat to the next, showing us that plants are as aggressive, competitive and dramatic as the animals on our planet.

wildlife YouTuber of the month - Jack hague As well as being in our spotlight as a freelance photographer and filmmaker, Jack Hague is also an avid Youtuber and covers everything from travelling videos such as Madagascar to wildlife videos from his residence in Britain.

Find out more by visiting Youtube, and searching Jack Buchanan Hague Follow Jack's social media here IG - @jbhague_wildlife Website - www.jbhague.co.uk YouTube - Jack Buchanan Hague

Photographer: Photographer:Olly Scott Johnson Duffield @scott.duffield.photography @olllyjohnson WILDLIFE WILDLIFE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

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NaturVision FILM FESTIVAL

CALL FOR ENTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Photographer: Jeryl Tan WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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what's on - festivals nATURvISION FILMFESTIVAL COMPETITION: SUBMIT YOUR FILMS FOR 2022 'NaturVision is Germany's longest-running nature film festival, focusing on the natural world, wildlife, the environment and sustainability. Over four days we showcase powerful and absorbing nature and wildlife films on the big screen. We want to allow our viewers insights into unfamiliar worlds, inform them and reveal interrelationships and effects, so that they become aware of and inspired by nature and the environment. At the same time it is our wish to provide a forum for the genre, so as well as big productions there is also room in our programme for small filmic gems.'

From 21 – 24 July 2022, the festival will be taking place, celebrating the 21st NaturVision Film Festival here in Ludwigsburg, Germany, as well as online The submission for the International Competition 2022 will end on 28th January 2022. Films for the NaturVision Short Film Competition 2022 can be submitted until 25th February 2022.

There are multiple categories such as German Conservation & Sustainability Film Award NaturVision RETHINK Film Award NaturVision Short Film Award German Wildlife Film Award German Biodiversity Film Award NaturVision Camera Award NaturVision Film Music Award NaturVision Children's Jury Award NaturVision Newcomer Award Films that were completed after 1 January 2021 can now be registered via the website: naturvision.de/de/festival/wettbewer b/einreichformular OR https://natur-vision.de/ The closing date for entries is 28 January 2022.

For more information visit https://natur-vision.de/en/

Photographer: Jesus Frontelo WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Scott Duffield @scott.duffield.photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Dan Knight @danknightphotos WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Dan Knight @danknightphotos WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Dan Knight @danknightphotos WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Jack Hague @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Jack Hague @jbhague_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Birds of Conservation Concern 5 - Published Troubling Data Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife

On December the 1st, the Birds Conservation Concern 5 report was published.

declines of the species, having halved in population numbers or range of where they can be found in the UK in recent years.

Birds Conservation Concern 5 is the latest report of all the UK's 245 bird species that are regularly occurring most importantly, their status.

Other species remain below historical levels or are now or are considered under threat of extinction worldwide.

The newest report is incredibly troubling, with now 70 species classified as species of 'highest conservation concern' and placed on the Red List. As well as the 70 species, 103 species have been placed under the Amber List, with 72 on the Green List.

The most worrying part of these facts is that the Red List accounts for more than one-quarter (this is 29%) of UK species - this is been more of a decline in species than ever before on record.

Among the newest editions to the Red List is Bewick's swans, Greenfinch, House Martin's and Swifts.

Most of the species added were placed on the Red List because of the severe WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHER: BRIAIN CHARD (LEFT) CRESTED TIT (RIGHT) FIELDFARE

This report raised concern wintering waterbird population status, especially with species such as Berwick Swan's joining the Red List.

Climate has been warming across Europe, some birds that have been known to breed in the Arctic are now stopping in eastern Europe instead of flying to Britain.

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Photographer: Max George WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Discussing the concerning results is JNCC’s Director of Ecosystem Evidence and Advice, Dr Steve Wilkinson on JNCC's website where he said: "It is concerning to see three more longdistance migrants added to the UK Red List (Swift, House Martin and Bewick’s Swan). We will continue to work with overseas partners to better understand the challenges faced by birds such as House Martin and Swift as they make their annual round trip between the UK and wintering grounds in Africa. Only through co-operation with countries along these flyways can we hope to protect migrants like Bewick’s Swan whose distribution is shifting in a rapidly changing climate."

Although, there is good news that has come out of the Birds Conservation Concern 5 report, which supports and demonstrates that targeted conservation action can be well supported and can bring about significant change to species population and conservation effort.

A fantastic example of a species that has bounced back from the Red List down now to Amber, is the White-tailed eagle, as a result of conservation work including increased protection and reintroductions and years of targeted conservation work to ensure the safety of the White-tailed eagle's future.

Birds of Conservation Concern 5 is a report compiled by the Birds of Conservation Concern partnership, a group of the UK’s leading bird conservation and monitoring organisations, which includes the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Natural England, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, NatureScot, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

BTO - www.bto.org GWCT - www.gwct.org.uk JNCC - jncc.gov.uk NatureScot - www.nature.scot RSPB - www.rspb.org.uk

Photographer: Byshnev Byrok WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WIILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Paweł Bochenek @dzika_fotografia WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Ann Brown www.annbrown.photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Ann Brown www.annbrown.photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Antony Mulligan @a.mulligan_photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Harrison Hall harrisonhall_photography WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Brian Chard @chard.brian_photo_wildlife WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Interview with Dawood Qureshi Wildlife Writer & Journalist

Hi Dawood, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for Conker Nature Magazine!

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

Words by Izzy Fry

Hello there, my name is Dawood Qureshi and I identify as non-binary, and trans, which means I use the pronouns they/them, and in terms of what I do, I’ve accrued quite the list of titles at this point, but what has continued to be core to everything is writing and storytelling, so I guess I’d consider myself first and foremost to be a writer and a storyteller.

Building on these passions has helped me to get me other roles I love so much, such as Freelance Journalism; here I write for various magazines and blogs, either interviewing people or pitching stories based on ideas I have, on topics ranging from wildlife conservation to political ideology and media, which means I am able to explore and create narratives, hopefully changing people’s perspectives, and have focused quite a lot in recent times on issues to do with diversity and representation, in the conservation and STEMM industry in the UK and particularly the media, but also on some of my favourite wildlife and natural history topics.

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Photographer: Heather Glazzard @heather_glazzard WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM 68

I’m quite a staunch believer in the power of intersectionality, which is basically revealing how different issues connect, whether that be climate change, social justice, or even fiction, and using this to understand and write about different topics.

What inspired you to become a voice for wildlife, and who are your favourite activists in the industry?

This is an interesting question, mainly because I have so many answers. But I’ll try to focus on one and not go too off-topic! I grew up in a very urbanised cityscape, above a shop in a flat, on a main road in West London. Definitely doesn’t seem like the place to get super involved with wildlife or nature, does it?

Well, I’m a big supporter of urban wildlife awareness and conservation and the role that cities have to play in our ecosystems, and also the representation of nature in cities, because I love it and really, it all started here. I’d find moths in stairwells, earwigs and woodlice under skirting boards, bees in flowerboxes and roadside wildflower verges, and mice and pigeons in gaps in bridges and walls – I think my love of it was also greatly helped by me and my siblings inane obsession with David Attenborough documentaries, and my mum encouraging me to read wildlife books. The documentaries kept my love of the natural world at large quenched but simultaneously hungry for more.

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The wildlife on my doorstep, propped up by random excursions to faraway reserves and local parks, kept me involved and inspired me to start writing my blog at around age 14, something I’ve kept up and now basically houses all my other work.

So, in answer to what inspired me to become a voice, I’d have to say a mix of my mum’s encouragement early on, wildlife documentaries with the most incredible and beautiful wildlife onscreen, but also my own discoveries and regular periods of me creeping away to watch Springwatch Unsprung in secret, and a general feeling of needing to tell someone about these discoveries and feelings, and understanding that if we didn’t say anything, we’d be losing a lot of our natural world in the years of me growing up before I could even get a chance to experience it.

It did have its downfalls of course, and I lost a lot of that inspiration growing up, as I faced obstacles to do with race and identity, but my love of the natural world kept pulling me back in...

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and I found it grew back ever stronger, to weave into me who I am today. But I also saw in these later years how much the natural world was interconnected with the struggles I and many others faced, and it made me even more determined to fight, for both humans and wildlife.

My favourite activists are people whom I’ve seen love the natural world, but also who have overcome a great many obstacles to be here, and who I also continue to see as amazing storytellers, writers and communicators, such as Mya-Rose Craig, Chris Packham, Tori Tsui, George Monbiot, etc.

Do you have a favourite species, and what has been your best wildlife encounter to date?

I have MANY favourite species, and it changes all the time, but probably topping that list right now is the fantastic Orca, but also the incredible White Ermine moth. I studied marine biology at university, and the main reason I wanted to do so was to study cetaceans...

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I wanted to understand the links between their intelligence and their communication, and out of all the whales, dolphins, porpoises and marine mammals around the world, orcas have always stood out because of their brilliant intelligence, terrible ferocity under the waves, but also just general beauty and of course communication.

The White Ermine moth on the other hand is just such a beautiful little insect, and as someone who is OBSESSED with moths and butterflies, it really is the cream of the crop when it comes to moths species, with its Cruella DeVille style cape of wings, and fascinating behaviour.

I’ve actually never seen either of these animals in the wild and am quite a novice when it comes to seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, as I’ve never been able to travel far for just wildlife, due to finances, responsibilities or just generally not being in the habit of doing that from a young age, but I’d say my stand-out wildlife encounter to date is quite a lot closer to home…badgers.

I’d sit for HOURS in the garden when we moved to the suburbs as a kid, and wait till dark, because of a badger sett in the next garden, and one day, just as dusk set in and it was getting a little too cold for my liking, and my legs were beginning to cramp up just a little…a mother and pups climbed from their den, and went of yapping into the night, a mere metre and a half from where I was holding my breath…I never forgot that night, and I never will.

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You have a blog on your website Wild Heart, how do you get started on your writing and creative process? Do you have people that inspire you?

As a writer, I have a habit of staring at a blank page for about an hour quite angrily, trying to form words out of thin air, with little luck…no but really my process usually involves brainstorming a load of ideas, noting them down on my phone or in my notebook, then word vomiting onto a page, just trying to flush out every idea and flesh it out, be it good or bad, and then trimming it down into something that helps push the story or narrative I’m trying to tell, or one that fits the theme.

I am a great believer in emotion and passion being fundamental drivers of stories and writing, and I think without these I am quite unable to churn out anything interesting, so to be in the mood is a great tool I use. I love to imagine, and imagination is often fuelled by experiences and interest, so it also helps me to go out into nature or become enthralled and read up extensively on a subject before I write about it.

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I also look to books I’ve read and especially descriptive pieces, as these have really been my forte over the last few years, and just that feeling of being able to construct an image in someone’s mind using words.

There are SO many writers I look up to I would probably be here for ages making lists, but off the top of my head, George Monbiot (I enjoy the clarity of his articles and the way he communicates), Shon Faye (she has a very clear communicative and systematic style and is an inspiring writer and storyteller, I have been using her writing for guidance), Dara McAnulty (a really fabulous young author, such a comfortable way with words, and brilliant descriptions), David Zindell, Michael Morpurgo (an early childhood inspiration of mine), and Bernadine Evaristo (almost no words for her way with those very words just wow).

I really hope there are more diverse names on this list in the coming months and years, but the reality is this is quite a whitewashed world, the world of writing I mean, and nature writing even more specifically, but I’ve seen much change and I am hopeful.

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What is one wildlife-filled paradise would you like to visit and why?

I would love to go to New Zealand or Madagascar one day, I’ve always dreamt of travelling through jungle and bush to discover superbly coloured and strangelooking wildlife, and writing about it and filming it, not to mention sketching it, and these places have always appealed in terms of their natural beauty, and just the sense of adventure that I want to have when I explore them.

You are an ambassador for the bumblebee conservation trust, what is it about their work that inspired you to become an ambassador for them, and continue to do so?

I but I was actually asked to be an ambassador by the wonderful CEO Gill Perkins after I penned an article on diversity in the conservation industry, and my love of bees, which has been strewn all over my various social medias for as long as I can remember, became quite apparent to her. The reason I accepted it is pretty simple: I love bumblebees and pollinators.

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They’ve been a core part of my wildlife experience, as I’ve said, from a young age, and they really do affect so many other species and habitats, and so the chance to raise awareness to a great many issues they face and help to conserve them was just brilliant.

Every time I see a project that has links to bees, or that has helped to inspire people to grow more wildflowers in their gardens or one that has allowed for farmers and landowners to see how much they can help our wildlife and pollinators, I’m really reminded of why I wanted to become an ambassador, and why I continue to be so enthused by these little buzzing creatures.

You are a marine biologist, with a recognizable passion for wildlife media, what is your preferred media format for conveying your messages?

I’d say my preferred media format for conveying messages is still blogging and journalism; I find such incredible joy in writing and being able to convey messages through writing, that it really must be top of my list, but I’d say it’s very close to film and photography...

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because for me these are all working at their best when they are working together, and they intertwine to make a story. When I am writing I try to imagine how the piece would also work well with pictures or even audio, because really, the gift of communication comes from understanding many different formats of communication, and how to approach it from different angles, so that it’s accessible for everyone, especially when it comes to wildlife and nature.

You're a junior researcher for BBC Natural History Unit, what has the role taught you about wildlife, & how and where do you find inspiration to pitch ideas?

The role has taught me more about how wildlife behaves when interacting with people, but also about how to present wildlife & the environment in a tangible way that will make people understand more of the issues that they are facing, without losing the attention of the audience.

I think wildlife film & television are not as different from other forms of TV and Film as they are made out to be sometimes,

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and often the best films and documentaries come from people who aren’t even in the wildlife industry, working with people who are in the industries themselves, to build something that attracts people but also spreads a strong, useful message. It has also taught me about some very strange and wonderful habits and wildlife individually, for example, did you know that there is a marsupial in Australia that will mate itself to death?!!

I find inspiration to pitch ideas from the people around me, who are always coming up with brilliant ones to bounce off, and also from the experiences I’ve had in the natural world, and what I’d like to watch - this is really important; it’s all got to be watchable, but in my opinion also useful as a tool for saving wildlife, and so I use things like the euphoria I get from watching a bumblebee take off, to my love of a good soundtrack in a movie, to inspire me.

You are a voice in the queer community, especially in wildlife storytelling and nature.

What advice would you give to young people in the same situation that aspire to be in the same industry?

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I’d say have faith in yourself and lookout for people who have had similar experiences or have a similar outlook to you, because we are here, and we are gaining ground. I’ve found myself struggling quite a bit with my identity in general over the last few years, in terms of my queerness and sexuality, but very much specifically when it comes into rather jarring contact with the natural world, and it has pushed me backwards when I’ve felt unwelcomed in the natural world and spaces that champion that, because this is where I used to feel my highest level of comfort, and it was hard realising I might have to drawback for a while.

I’ve found a lot of support in other people like me on social media, and this community has pushed me to educate those not even like me so that they can support too, so find your community and your support system, but never doubt that you belong here too, this earth was never made for one person or one type of people, and those who say otherwise and push this narrative of discrimination are ignorant and simply wrong. You belong here as much as the next person.

I’d also say to keep writing, and to keep speaking, or creating or doing whatever you wish, in - and I stress this - the EXACT way that you want. There is no ONE way to communicate science or wildlife conservation, if you want to do it in drag, via pencil drawings, singing, puppets, clay models, dance, poetry, whatever, it can be whatever way you wish, and often benefits from fresher, newer perspectives.

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You are a voice in the queer community, especially in wildlife storytelling and nature.

What advice would you give to young people in the same situation that aspire to be in the same industry?

I guess I’ve kind of touched on this already, but I would just tell my past self to never stop for other people, even if you felt like you weren’t doing things the way they wanted, and so limited your preferred way of doing things. I would tell them that they can still love wildlife and the natural world and still, be fascinated by everything in it, whilst loving fashion, art and dance and all the many other things that I thought I would have to drop to be a scientist, and that there are people out there who do support you even if you think there’s no one left. Advise wise I’d say all of this and that there is always something interesting about your individual perspective on life because we are all so incredibly different, so remember your inherent value and treasure that, because it will make you more confident and far happier.

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Also, network…people are scary, but they are useful, and some of them are the best you’ll ever meet, offer the best guidance and make the best curry.

Finally, what do you think of our new magazine?

In one word: BEAUTIFUL. In many words; fabulous, well put together, attractive to readers, fun and sooo artsy! I’m honoured to have been asked these questions by you!

Brilliant! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Dawood.

I’m sure the readers of Conker Nature Magazine will enjoy learning more about you and appreciate your tips and advice and discussion on diversity!

Follow Dawood here Website - dawoodswildheart.com Instagram - @wildheartwithacamera Youtube - Dawood Qureshi

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LET'S VISIT....

CAIRGORMS NATIONAL PARK, SCOTLAND, UK Photographer: Ian Appleton

From stunning landscapes and scenery to outstanding wildlife, castles to visit and cycle paths to explore, Cairngorms National Park is a place of great outdoor adventure.

Cairngorms National Park is really unlike any

other - with its impressive wildlife and landscapes that outdo many places across the world.

The Cairngorms is famous for wildlife species such as the Red Squirrel, Red Deer and the magnificent Golden Eagle, the Cairngorms is also a place to see the Park's most famous, rare, and remarkable species, the Capercaillie The Cairngorms is also arguable one of the most diverse National Parks in all of Britain with the diverse number of habitats that can be found in the Park.

Cairngorm is a living and working landscape, home to farms and crofts, high mountains, heather moorlands and peatlands, breathtaking forests, and magnificent rivers and wetlands flowing through the flood plains, WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

Photographer: Abraham Tomahawk

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Photographer: Abraham Tomahawk WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Wildlife In The Cairngorms

Cairngorm National Park is home to 9 individual nature reserves, with each different from the others - from plateaus to mountain ranges, to wetlands to woodlands.

North of the Cairngorms National Park is Abernethy Nature Reserve, in which resides Scotland's most spectacular wildlife.

Abernathy is home to species such as ancient Caledonian pinewood forest in which residents such as Red Squirrels, yellow siskins or even get a glimpse of Cairngorms summer visitors, the Osprey.

A little further south of Abernethy is Craigellachie, a Nature Reserve with fantastic opportunities for walking, birdwatching and enjoying fantastic views of the Scottish landscapes.

Another Nature Reserve, a little east of Craigellachie is the Glenmore Nature Reserve, a haven for outdoor and nature lovers - a short walk from Glenmore is Loch Morlich as well as it's beach. In Glenmore Nature Reserve is also forests home to

species such as red squirrels, crested tit and crossbills.

The most southern of the 9 National Nature Reserves of the Cairngorms is Corrie Fee which in winter is where you get a real glimpse of arctic and alpine environments in Scotland.

Snow can be very deep and Corrie Fee in winter can be a very dramatic and beautiful landscape.

The most southern of the 9 National Nature Reserves of the Cairngorms is Corrie Fee which in winter is where you get a real glimpse of arctic and alpine environments in Scotland.

Snow can be very deep and Corrie Fee in winter can be a very dramatic and beautiful landscape.

Finally, if you're after birdwatching to our winter waterbird visitors and are in the Cairngorms visiting Insh Marshes is a must!

Insh Marshes is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. In winter the marsh floods, which provides the perfect habitat for winter visitors such as whopper swans and greylag geese.

Photographer: Karl Jensen WILDLIFE WILDLIFE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Dan Knight danknightphotos WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Mike Lane

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Walk this way Across Lake District's Best Walks

Photographer: Joe Dunckley

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Jos Pannekoek

1 Buttermere and Rannerdale 2 Ennerdale and Haystacks, Knotts, Cumbria

Cumbria

Very few places are as delightful as Rannerdale to Buttermere with winding woodland walk in Rannerdale Knots to a quaint village of Buttermere.

Arguably one of the most ragged and beautiful terrains in all of Cumbria. Even getting here is a challenge, driving through twisty and winding roads to reach, but getting to Ennerdale is totally worth the journey.

The best time to walk Rannerdale is no doubt in May time, this is the blooming season of Rannerdales famous flora species - Rannerdale bluebells. A blue blanket of bluebells covers the ground for as far as the eye can see.

There are two walks available - the shorter one takes you along the bottom of Rannerdale Knots, along the woodland walk to see the bluebells scattered around.

The second alternative route is going over the top of Rannerdale Knots, which brings you spectacular views of Crummock Water and Buttermere village

PHOTOGRAPHER: Danielle Chester

There is a lake situated over all the rugged hills and mountains and can only be reached on foot.

However, once you are there the result is spectacular. Ennerdale and Haystacks is the place to be for tranquility and solitude and can be found here much easier than any other place in Cumbria.

Footpaths surround the lake itself, and are accessible by either the two car parks situated near by or via Broadmoor woods to the west of the lake and Bowness Knot.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Joe Dunckley

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3 Loweswater, Cumbria In Loweswater, along its bank, lies a traditional old English type of woodland called Holmes Wood. In Holmes Wood tree species such as English Oak, Ash, Chestnut, Sycamore, Limme and Alder can be found, as well as bluebells blanketing the floor seeking sunlight in spring.

Fauna species found here include red squirrels and birds of prey and is perfect for anyone wanting toe relax in nature with tranquillity and serenity.

Photographer: Bri Bar WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Drew Rawcliffe

Photographer: Mike Base

Photographer: Drew Rawcliffe

Photographer: Drew Rawcliffe

BELLS, CUMBRIA, 3 CAT'SLAKE DISTRICT Cat's bells is an iconic peak in the Lake District and for good reason, the peak offers panoramic views of the Lake District from its summit and is the perfect location to start your walking journey from - a brilliant way to see wild mountains, lakes reflecting the wild greatness and outstanding and lush valleys to explore.

Cat's Bells is believed to be a distortion from over the years from what was perhaps once named ' Cat's bields' which actually translates and means 'the home of the wild cat'.

The Cat's Bells sits above the lovely town of Keswick as well as Derwent Water, both places highly recommended to visit.

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4 Castle Crag, Cumbria Castle Crag is very small in comparison to some of the Lake District's towering mountains and peaks. However, it is no less stunning.

Famous fell-walker Alfred Wainwright was enchanted with its sylvan charms, and that is what lured Wainwright to its slopes, and prompted him to include it in book six of his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.

He described Castle Crag as “so magnificently independent, so ruggedly individual, so aggressively unashamed of its lack of inches.”

Photographer: Drew Rawcliffe WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Harriet Day WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Harriet Day WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Photographer: Harriet Day WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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PHOTO: BRIAN CHARD

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