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Illustrated Talks
Illustrated Talks
Mike Read is a popular speaker and uses his superb photographs to illustrate his presentations. Working as a professional wildlife and landscape photographer, Mike sees and photographs some amazing things and he gives his audience a chance to share some of these. An experienced speaker, Mike combines his informative and relaxed style of presentation with what he likes to refer to as his sense of humour!
Whatever focus of interest your group has, Mike will reflect it in the content of the presentation. He gives the information in a friendly, accessible and humorous way so that everyone feels engaged in the experience. No charts or graphs are used – just stunning visual images.
Mike is available each winter (September 1 – March 31) to give presentations to groups, societies and other organisations anywhere in Southern England. He sets the fee depending on group size and on distance from his home town of Ringwood in Hampshire. The length of each presentation can be varied to suit your requirements. It is best to book Mike in advance – but if your speaker falls ill or has to cancel at the last minute, Mike would be happy to fill in if he is free.
Mike has written or illustrated many books, and has used his beautiful photographs to produce delightful cards and postcards. He brings along a selection of these to sell at his presentations and they are very popular.
Below is a list of talks you can book. Bookings can be made by telephone, email or letter. See below for contact details.
The New Forest
Since it was established as a ‘Royal Hunting Preserve’ over 900 years ago, the New Forest has developed a landscape unique in Britain. This presentation explores the beauty of a National Park of woodlands, heaths and bogs and much of the amazing wildlife to be found there. This is Mike’s ‘local patch’ and he knows it extremely well. He is author or co-author of six different books on the New Forest.
Red Kite Country – mid Wales
Over a period of three years, Mike visited this area in different seasons and produced an amazing array of images. Some of the time he was joined by wildlife artist Colin Woolf –and they captured everything from grand vistas to small details and from birds to botanical subjects. The presentation leaves you with a sense of knowing this beautiful wild area. Mike’s photos combine superbly with Colin’s artwork to illustrate the lovely book ‘Red Kite Country’.
The Barn Owl – Under the Cloak of Darkness
The Barn Owl is one of Britain’s most popular birds. For 18 months, Mike joined nature’s night shift and the resulting presentation shows a world we rarely glimpse. Based around this beautiful bird, it also features other UK owls and various other nocturnal creatures. The unique photos and Mike’s observations give you a new insight into this magical world.
The Art & Skills of Wildlife Photography
With recent innovations in lens and camera technology, especially digital capture, wildlife photography has become an increasingly popular hobby. In this light and entertaining presentation, Mike deals with some of the problems and pitfalls as well as some of the good things about photographing nature. This presentation is not technical and is therefore suitable for all kinds of audience interest.
Scottish Wildlife
For many people, an annual visit to Scotland is a ‘must’ for their birding calendar and on clear days the scenery can be dramatic. Mike’s presentation covers all seasons. Winter on Islay hosts thousands of Barnacle and White-fronted Geese enjoying the warming influence of the Atlantic’s Gulf Stream. Heavy winter snow in the Cairngorms provides a background for Mountain Hares and Ptarmigan which turn white to match their surroundings. In spring and summer, there are many birds visiting to breed. The presentation shows life of grouse moors, mountains, ancient Caledonian pine forest, the west and north coasts for seabird cliffs and the magical Flow Country.
At Home with the Robin
Britain’s National Bird, the Robin has an interesting and sometimes violent life. This presentation includes the annual cycle of Robin behaviour in an informative yet entertaining way. Mike also introduces you to other garden wildlife and touches on ways of making gardens attractive to a wider range of creatures – including those that rid us of ‘pest’ species. These, and the Robin of course, are true gardeners’ friends.
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