Just Bee Cause

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Within minutes of arriving at the 2012 Bristol Festival of Nature, I was assaulted by these two gigantic bees. Sure they looked friendly enough, but I wasn’t fooled.

Site Map I cleverly disguised by suspicion with my friendliness and ‘played it cool’. My stomach saved me as it was only my hunger that lulled me away from these ‘flights of fancy’ to the mother of all honey pots back at Honey headquarters. Unfortunately, let’s just say that one must not exceed one’s honey intake for, inexplicably, I was lulled into a liquid-amber-infused daze and suddenly found myself prancing about like any self-respecting grown man in a bee suit would.

At least I made small children laugh. Sure one or two of them fled in fright, but no one’s perfect. Must ‘ave been the bees knees. For more: www.foe.co.uk/bees

NOTE: please forward your complaints and other unintentional puns in the space below.

Lecture by Andrew Jackson, Executive Vice President, Discovery Channel

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I received an invite from director Leon Etchells of production house Little Gecko to attend a lecture given by former head of the BBC Natural History Unit,  Andrew Jackson at University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol on 13 June 2012.

From the UWE website: Having recently moved from the BBC Natural History Unit to the Discovery Channel, leading its specialist factual slate, Andrew questions the concept of the factual TV ‘star’ and its relevance to the future of the Creative Industries where ideas are our currency. He looks at the importance of Bristol in the evolution of specialist factual television and the changes in the last thirty years that have necessitated the creation of new ways to recruit future talent.

When he started in TV, some thirty years ago, Andrew’s father begged him to get a proper job. Would we still say the same to our children?

Seated in a theatre bustling with mostly BBC employees, I was most impressed by Andrew’s energy towards focusing on a future, specific to Bristol’s BBC Natural History Unit where innovation and investment are key. Andrew was very implicit in the need to seek further, innovative ways to engage youth. Positive change.
Wearing my twin hats as an environmental science educator & teacher and ‘through the lens’, this rang bells. I was heartened by much of this. Andrew’s words closely echo those discussed in broader education, environmental and social circles.
Andrew later commented that innovation will be seen in the use of new devices and technology such as cameras plus greater access that will improve relationships to all stakeholders. This will drive more content, and in turn, innovation and opportunity and so the cycle repeats. Insightful.
Thanks to Andrew, Leon and the other BBC staff I met.

‘Point zero zero one’ short film

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Point zero zero one (0.001) is the approximate percentage of the Australian continent occupied by the Australian Alps.

Bordering one Territory and two States, this biogeographical island supplies invaluable fresh water to much of south east Australia and provides outstanding natural, spiritual and cultural values.

Although the Australian Alps were recently recognised as a national iconic landscape by federal national park agencies and Tourism Australia in recognition of such values (see australia.com/campaigns/nationallandscapes/AustralianAlps.htm), World Heritage Listing still eludes the Australian Alps.

In a warming climate, could such a listing contribute to stem climate effects on this region?

Point zero zero one celebrates the fleeting beauty of these Alps.

This short film is an entrant to Bristol’s 2012 Wildscreen Festival in the UK. Visit http://www.wildscreenfestival.org/