Talks and lectures

John Rhyder is able to provide talks and demonstrations to societies and organisations on a number of topics related to wildlife, tracking ethnobotany and bushcraft. We have several events designed and ready to go or can design something specific to your requirements? Each is designed to run for one and a half to two hours with a short break part way through. John uses a mixture of talking, slides and real objects to deliver this information.

Trees, Bows and Woodcraft

This talk takes a journey through the wonderful world of trees exploring their form and biology, how they live, grow and interact with the other organisms they share their space with. We also explore the ethnobotany of trees (or the myriad of uses wood, roots, bark and leaves have been put to over the millennia) with an emphasis on food, medicine and craft. Special attention is given to the bow and arrow as this particular craft contains within it a full appreciation of these monuments of nature. We have delivered this talk a number of times and the feedback is always positive, especially as you get to handle so many interesting objects up close.

Tracks, Scats and Sign

If you have ever wondered who is mooching about in the house, garden or the local woods this could be just the talk you might want to attend! It is an interactive chance to learn the principles of identification of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and even insects by the tracks they leave. There is also a chance to explore the various scats and droppings that are often extremely diagnostic in identifying mammals. We look at skull identification and the identification of feathers plus feeding sign on the predation of nuts and seeds. There is a chance to see and handle the real life examples that illustrate this experience.