We had the pleasure of hosting London-based wildlife photographer Paul Alistair Collins, who travelled to Stroud to share his stunning work and passion for European and Arctic wildlife. His first talk, Svalbard: Life on the Cold Edge, opened the evening with striking imagery and stories from his expeditions in the Arctic. Paul transported us to Svalbard’s icy landscapes, where he captured the survival instincts and beauty of Arctic species, from Arctic foxes to migratory birds. His dedication to documenting life in such extreme conditions was palpable, offering an eye-opening perspective on one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
After a break, Paul returned to present his Wildlife Roadshow: Best of Europe, a whirlwind journey across some of Europe’s richest natural habitats. From the bearded vulture in Spain to elusive wolves in Italy’s Abruzzo and vibrant pelicans in Greece's Lake Kerkini, Paul’s images highlighted both the diversity and beauty of European wildlife. With each destination, he shared the patience and persistence behind each shot, and how he adapted to each landscape and the unique behaviours of the animals he photographed.
The presentation was incredibly well-received, with our members leaving inspired by Paul’s ability to capture these stunning creatures and environments with such artistry and attention to detail.