WILDLIFE enthusiasts flocked to the grounds of Amanzimtoti Sports Club on Friday evening and Saturday, 9 and 10 November for the second annual Wagtail Conservation Festival, which has been deemed another Sapphire Coast success.
The event aimed to raise awareness around conservation issues, give exposure to conservation organisations and to show the amazing natural beauty located in the heart of our town.
Presented by Birdlife Port Natal and Amanzimtoti Sports Centre, the event again catered to all ages and interests, with a number of environmentally-themed talks and activities for festival-goers.
It kicked off with a dinner by well-known author bird author Faansie Peacock, who also used the weekend to launch his newly released children’s bird guide in KwaZulu-Natal. The dinner was attended by some 40 people who enjoyed the talk by Faansie, and being entertained by the music duo of Tim Lewis and Tony.
Saturday kicked off with sunny skies and just under 50 stalls displaying everything from conservation material, plants, bird feeders and books to food stalls and a craft beer tent that kept the festivities going throughout the day.
“The talks were out of the top drawer, with the who’s who of conservation talking. Speakers such as KZN’s snake guy Nick Evans, international butterfly expert Steve Woodhall, local plant guru Gill van Wyk, author and bird experts Steve Davis and David Allan, frog expert Jeanne Tarrent and many others,” said organiser Adam Cruickshank.
“The talks were all well supported in both the conservation and the birding tent. There were also bird and nature talks which took place throughout the day. Participants saw many special species of birds over the course of the event.
Faansie Peacock did a great interactive children’s bird walk and talk which saw many young nature enthusiasts have a taste of the great outdoors. One of South Africa’s leading bird photographers, Albert Froneman held a well-supported photographic workshop, which drew people from throughout the province.”
Local Marcel Gerhard gave an informative talk to children and adults about rhinos and anti-poaching, which he is involved in.
Cruickshank deemed this year’s Wagtail Festival a success, with people travelling from throughout the province to enjoy the birds and nature that the Sapphire Coast has to offer.
“The Wagtail Committee thank every person who supported the event, stallholders and all the sponsors who so generously gave towards the event,” he beamed.
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