Amanzimtoti conservation festival planning in full flight

NATURE lovers are reminded not to miss the fast-approaching Wagtail Conservation Festival which takes place on Saturday, 10 November at the Amanzimtoti Sports Centre’s grounds.

Environmentalists from KZN and beyond will gather to celebrate the province’s biggest conservation festival.

The day runs from 8am until 5pm and will be jam-packed with birding and conservation talks, nature walks, conservation stalls, a craft beer tent, food, a children’s zone, 4x4s on display, camera and optics equipment stalls and a whole lot of other fun-filled activities.

The line-up of speakers include the very best from throughout South Africa, including well-known bird author Faansie Peacock, the developer of the Birdlasser application Henk Nel, frog expert Dr Jeanne Tarrant, world-renowned butterfly author Steve Woodhall, Durban’s very own snake ‘whisperer’ Nick Evans, and author Steve Davis will present his highly sought-after basic bird ID course, to name a few.

This year also sees the addition of two paid talks. Faansie Peacock will present a three hour wader identification seminar. Organisers are excited to host Albert Froneman, one of South Africa’s leading bird photographers, who will present a three-hour bird photography workshop. These seminars are being offered at a great price, and tickets can be purchased either in any Pick n Pay or on the Webtickets website.

The festival kicks off on Friday, 9 November at 7pm with dinner and a talk by Faansie Peacock. His is a humorous talk which will appeal to both serious birders and anyone with a love for nature. The talented musical duo, Tim Lewis Music and TONY will play music on the night to add to the atmosphere.

The price of the ticket includes a buffet style meal (with vegetarian options), a welcome cocktail and drink, as well as an entrance ticket to the Wagtail Festival on Saturday. Again, tickets for the dinner can be purchased either in any Pick n Pay or on the Webtickets website.

The festival will also serve as the official KZN launch for Faansie’s new children’s bird book. He will also conduct a children’s talk and walk on the day.

Entrance to the day festival on Saturday costs R20 for adults, R10 for children and R10 for pensioners. Any pre-booked tickets to the dinner or any of the seminars include an entrance ticket for the day.

The organisers need volunteers to help make the day a success. If anyone is able to volunteer in any way on the day, contact Adam Cruickshank on 061-485-3625. There will be a volunteer preparation orientation night in the week of the event.

This is a festival that the Amanzimtoti community should not miss. For more information contact Adam on 061-485-3625 or wagtailconservationfestival@gmail.com.

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