While I acted as the voice of conservation at the Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa in 2010 I interviewed the incredible author and conservationist, Lawrence Anthony. We discussed his take on the rhino poaching crisis reaching an all time high and you can read the interview here. Sadly this amazing man who has done so much died in March 2012 and so I decided to finally read his amazing books. Starting with The Elephant Whisperer.

It is a tale of real heartbreak, Lawrence takes on a troublesome herd of elephants which have previously destroyed electric fences and broken out of reserves. Now Lawrence is their only hope before they face the final ultimatum. Death. He develops a unique bond with the matriarch and slowly brings them back from the brink. His wife Francois, also plays an important role, giving crucial assistance to ensure smooth running of the thula thula game reserve.

It is a really emotional story,  and it will capture your heart, animal lover or not, and I truly commend what this man has done. His story will have you crying with both tears of laughter and sadness as you follow his amazing journey with these incredible animals. His kind heart and strong head made a real difference to these animals and I thoroughly recommend reading this fantastic story.

Buy The Elephant Whisperer from amazon here and experience his journey for yourself.

I recently went down to Torquay for a couple of days away, and eagerly jumped at the chance to go on a wildlife cruise. They advertised seeing herons, seals, dolphins, and what I most looked forward to, Peregrine Falcons. As we chatted to the crew they explained the tour passed two active peregrine nest sites both of which they seen earlier in the day. This could be an opportunity to finally tick off one of those sightings on my to-do list.

As we set off I was eagerly scanning the cliff edge and skies, gull..... gull.... gull........ another gull. As time began to tick by my spirits were dropping and as we passed the last nest site I knew today wasnt going to be the day. After two hours all we had seen were gulls, not even a glimpse of a seal. I was gutted, but now the search continues for the incredible peregrine falcon.

 Peregrine Falcon by sombraala

Its amazing working alongside such incredible animals, including the agile cheetah. Here are just a few snaps I have managed to capture of these stunning animals.

Nestled in the gorgeous woodland of Andover is the Hawks Conservany Trust. Home to a huge variety of birds of prey and playing a vital role in conservation it is DEFINITELY worth a visit. Me and my boyfriend ventured into this stunning place a while back, and I was in awe. From their amazing flying displays to watching hungry vultures feeding, it is simply amazing.

We arrived bright and early as I was eager to get involved with all the demonstrations and first up was the vulture feed. Watching how these scavengers feed was extremely interesting, with each species having their own methods. We were also treated to a glimpse of the youngster who popped his head out of his nest for a brief moment. My boyfriend has now develoed a rather unusual love for these strange birds!

Next up was the World of Birds of Prey flying demonstration, the way these birds work with their falconeers is so impressive, its like they are in tune with each other and work as one. Watching the Lanner Falcon duck and dive as the falconer pushed its abilities to the limit. We also got to watch the beautiful Great Grey owl gracefully gliding through the air.

Now we had a chance to explore the trust, their are tiny pygmy owls to huge bald eagles, all just as impressive as each other, but what wowed me most was the Great Bustards, opening my eyes to some of the conservation work taking place right here on our doorstep. The Great Bustard in the heaviest flying bird around today and sadly was hunted to extinction in the UK in the 1840's. Now thanks to the reintroduction programme of Great Bustard Group they can be seen in the UK again on the Salisbury Plain.

After a bite to eat and a glimpse around their shop it was time for the Valley of the Eagles and WOW what a show! The sky was filled with a huge variety of incredible, vultures, eagles, kites and more, soaring high and swooping just above the heads of the crowd it is definitely not one to miss!

Now came the opportunity to get really close to one of the birds, a Harris Hawk, which with the temptation of a juicy morsel flew right onto your hand. Very Impressive!

 

The final demonstration was now upon us, and one which I had most looked forward to, Woodland Owls and Hawks, and I was not disappointed. Just the stunning woodland location was dreamy enough! Watching these birds move so gracefully just over your heads is breathtaking. The striking Eagle owl with its piercing orange eyes was definitely a favourite. My boyfriend was taken by Troy, a tawny owl afraid of heights!

To finish up our day we watched the wild herons come to feed in the meadow. A wonderful end to a beautiful day. Even if your not a lover of birds you will enjoy the Hawks Conservancy, my boyfriend came along just to please me but he came out of it a bird enthusiast, now as we drive through the country he eagerly points out buzzards or red kites circling over head. The Hawks Conservancy Trust is definitely worth a visit!

I love jewellery that has a touch of nature about it, whether its a hand carved lions head pendant, stunning wildlife charm bracelet or a ivy twisted necklace. I think it really captures a glimmer of nature in a person and recently I stumbled upon an absolute gem.

The Blowing in the Wind jewellery collection. Made from real leaves, whether its aspen, lacey oak or birch coated in copper, silver or gold. The leaves are hand picked and put in acid to reveal just the woody veins and then bathed in copper. The final step is to dip the leaf into either 24k gold, sterling silver or iridescent copper leaving a remarkable piece of jewellery.

I discovered these in the Romans Baths shop and chose a stunning iridescent copper oak leaf necklace, a truly remarkable piece of jewellery which really captures the essence of nature.