Join ecologist Hugh Warwick, and writer Molly Tait-Hyland, to discuss Hugh's fascinating and insightful new book, Cull of the Wild: Killing in the Name of Conservation.
Here Hugh investigates the ethical and practical challenges of countering one of the greatest threats to biodiversity: invasive species. From the grey and red squirrels on Anglesey to cane toads in Australia to smooth-billed ani on the Galapago, Hugh explores how invasive species have affected eco-systems across the globe and reveals the complexities behind this challenging subject.
10.00 - Guest Arrival
10.30 - Talk Start
11.30 - Q&A
12.00 – Book Signing
yOUR TICKET INCLUDES ACCESS TO THE TALK, WITH WELCOME REFRESHMENTS AND A TWO COURSE LUNCH IN THE OX BARN
Cull of the Wild: Killing in the Name of Conservation
Across the world, invasive species pose a danger to ecosystems. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity ranks them as a major threat to biodiversity on par with habitat loss, climate change and pollution.
Tackling this isn’t easy, and no one knows this better than Hugh Warwick, a conservationist who loathes the idea of killing, harming or even eating animals. Yet as an ecologist, he is acutely aware of the need, at times, to kill invasive species whose presence harms the wider environment.
Hugh explores the complex history of species control, revealing the global movement of species and the impacts of their presence. Combining scientific theory with gentle humour in his signature style, he explains the issues conservationists face to control non-native animals and protect native species – including grey and red squirrels on Anglesey, ravens and tortoises in the Mojave Desert, cane toads in Australia and the smooth-billed ani on the Galapagos – and describes cases like Pablo Escobar’s cocaine hippos and the Burmese python pet trade.
Taking a balanced and open approach to this emotive subject, Hugh speaks to experts on all sides of the debate. How do we protect endangered native species? Which species do we prioritise? And how do we reckon with the ethics of killing anything in the name of conservation?
PRAISE FOR CULL OF THE WILD
‘Fascinating, intelligent and indispensable: Hugh Warwick tackles a crucial subject that has been avoided for far too long, and does so with style, insight and verve.’ - George Monbiot, author of Feral
‘It’s hard to think of a more companionable guide to some of conservation’s thorniest thickets than Hugh Warwick. Cull of the Wild is a journey navigated with courage, curiosity and compassion. Every nature lover should read it.’ - Amy-Jane Beer, author of The Flow
‘A crucially important book on a huge and urgent subject.’ - Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed The World
Hugh Warwick
Hugh Warwick is an ecologist, writer and hedgehog expert. He is the author of three non-fiction narratives: A Prickly Affair, The Beauty in the Beast and Linescapes, and two books on hedgehogs and beavers. He has written for BBC Wildlife, New Scientist, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, and has spoken about wildlife protection on national television and radio. Hugh is the spokesperson for the Hedgehog Preservation Society and runs courses on hedgehog conservation.
Molly Tait-Hyland
Molly is a food writer and editor.
For eight years, she worked as contributing editor on the Observer Food Monthly, writing, editing and commissioning. She has also contributed to publications such as Guardian Feast and the Observer Magazine, and is part way through a Master's in Food Policy at City University.
Molly is married to Charlie Hibbert, chef Patron of Thyme, and presently spends her days looking after their baby, Florence.