Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Talk October 2026

What an amazing day at Winchester College last week. Edward Mayer, from the Swift Conservancy was this years guest speaker as he shared his knowledge and passion about Swifts to over 900 guests.

We were so honored to welcome Edward and so grateful to Winchester College for hosting this annual wildlife lecture in memory of Cameron.

The annual lecture is kindly hosted by Winchester College Clare Talks, Edward Mayer, Swift Conservancy and Corinne Cruickshank, Cameron Bespolka Trust

In the afternoon, over 470 local primary school children attended the talk and were enthralled with images, stories and facts about Swifts and importantly, how everyone of us can help their decline. Our summer skies would be bare without our returning Swifts who make this long journey from Africa to UK every year to breed.

And then In the evening, Edward was again in front of an audience of 450 from the general public plus Winchester College boys to hear the same talk with many more facts and figures thrown in.

Edward’s talk made Swifts totally come alive. He had everyone listening with intent and making mental lists to themselves of how they could do more to help Swifts.

If you missed the talk, here are just a few ways you too can help:

Put up Swift nest boxes
Allow your garden to be wild in places, plant more pollinators to attract more bees, grasshoppers, moths and other insects
Build a wildlife pond which will help all wildlife as well as attract more insects
Join a local Swift Group. For more local information, contact Hampshire Swifts at info@hampshireswifts.co.uk

The afternoon talk was attended by 470 local primary school children