Cause UK
Two of the UK’s best-loved wildlife TV presenters are bringing a wildly entertaining evening to the Royal Hall in Harrogate this October.
Martin Hughes-Games and Iolo Williams promise an exhilarating ‘Wildlife Road Trip.’
The pair, best known for working on the flagship Springwatch TV series, will take audiences on a funny and fascinating journey. They’ll begin with tales from their childhood – where their love of nature began - and tell of the life events that led them to where they are today.
It promises a behind-the-scenes insight into wildlife TV presenting, from Martin’s experience as a producer and director in TV, to Iola’s experience working with the RSPB, catching egg thieves and working with the army.
The evening is presented by Cause UK in association with the team at Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which covers half the Harrogate District.
Clair Challenor-Chadwick, Director of Cause UK, said: “Last year, we brought Chris Packham and Steve Backshall to Harrogate and we’re proud to continue showcasing wildlife events that help highlight the work of the AONB a beautiful landscape on our doorstep and a haven for wildlife. Martin and Iola are infectiously enthusiastic and we hope they’ll inspire audiences of all ages to engage with nature. The climate emergency is the most pressing issue in our lifetime, and fostering a love of nature is vital to ensure we protect it.”
The Wildlife Road Trip includes audience participation. Along the journey, the pair will be assisted by a well-known virtual wildlife expert popping up to make sure the facts are correct, adding a funny and informative addition to the show.
Martin Hughes-Games trained as a zoologist before joining the BBC science department. He’s worked in TV for over 30 years and is an active conservationist. Iolo Williams is most widely known for his work on the Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch presenting team, as well as series such as Wild Wales for the BBC.
Nidderdale AONB publishes its State of Nature report later this year. The report provides an overview of Nidderdale AONB’s rich wildlife and habitats, the pressures on our nature and the actions that need to be taken to protect wildlife and strengthen the habitats they rely on. Data collected as part of the AONB’s ground-breaking The Wild Watch project has provided the basis for the report. More than 3,000 new wildlife surveys and a thousand citizen science records have been carried out as part of this three-year project, with volunteers donating over 4,500 hours in support.
Sarah Kettlewell, AONB Manager, said: “We hope this event with Martin and Iola will help throw the spotlight on The State of Nature report. Our projects are very as much about people as data - getting them engaged with their local wildlife, taking action and raising awareness. The State of Nature report will crucially help us plan future practical conservation and public engagement activities which desperately need to happen.”
Martin said: “Nidderdale is rich in wildlife but it needs our help to stay that way. Over a nearly 40-year long career in TV my main passion has been to try to get more people interested in conservation to help protect our special places.”
Iola Williams said: “Our show promises a remarkable trip on our journey to becoming well-known and passionate wildlife TV presenters, working with the BBC to educate and inspire its audience to connect with, and care for, the natural world. We’re really looking forward to coming to Harrogate, a district that’s home to one of the UK’s valuable AONBs.”
The Wildlife Road Trip with Martin Hughes-Games and Iola Williams is on 3 October, 2020 at the Royal Hall, Harrogate. To book go to https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/Wildlife-Roadtrip Box Office: 01423 502116.
Editors Notes
Martin Hughes-Games
For more about Martin, go to: https://www.martinhughesgames.co.uk/
Iola Williams
Fore more about Iola, go to: http://iolowilliams.co.uk/
About Nidderdale AONB
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an area of countryside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland which has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value. Areas are designated in recognition of their national importance, by the relevant public body: Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, or the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. There are 46 AONB’s in the UK.
The Nidderdale AONB covers half the Harrogate District. The Nidderdale AONB is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire, England, bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the east and south. It comprises most of Nidderdale itself, part of lower Wharfedale, the Washburn valley and part of lower Wensleydale, including Jervaulx Abbey and the side valleys west of the River Ure. It covers a total area of 233 square miles (600 km2).[1] The highest point in the Nidderdale AONB is Great Whernside, 704 metres (2,310 ft) above sea level, on the border with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The only town in the AONB is Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale. Otley and Ilkley lie just to the south of the AONB, and Masham and Ripon are just to the east.
nidderdaleaonb.org.uk
About Cause UK
Cause UK is a Harrogate-based agency run by sisters, Clair and Ann Chadwick. It provides journalism, public relations and events for businesses and good causes.
Cause UK believe there is no more powerful human emotion than belief in a just cause. We champion in the media individuals, companies, the arts and good causes that help make the world a better place. Since 2010 we have raised £1m for good causes.
www.causeuk.com
Photo credit: David Foster Management (Martin Hughes-Games -left, Iolo Williams-right)
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