Wildlife expert heads to Telford

Wildlife television presenter Nick Baker will be the guest of honour at a special event at The International Centre this weekend.

He will be attending the gathering of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC Trust) and the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG-UK) from January 27 to 29 to share memories of his encounters with incredible creatures around the world.

Mr Baker has appeared on Channel Five's Weird Creatures, BBC One's The Really Wild Show, and CBBC's Spring Watch, and also tours nationwide with his Weird Creatures theatre show.

Dr John Wilkinson, who is part of the organising team, and who is originally from Telford, said: "Our members are really looking forward to the event and it's great to be returning to my home town.

"The International Centre is an excellent venue and we're very pleased that Nick has agreed to be our keynote speaker at the event."

As well as the guest speaker, the meeting will feature talks on projects and research in the area of conservation and surveying for some of Britain's most enigmatic species.

Delegates will also attend a gala dinner which features a "Have I got NEWTS for you" quiz.

ARC Trust is a national wildlife charity committed to conserving amphibians and reptiles, and saving the disappearing habitats on which they depend.

Their vision is to see amphibians and reptiles thriving in their natural habitats and a society inspired and committed to their conservation.

They manage more than 80 reserves in Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Cumbria and Norfolk, and provide targeted advice and training for farmers and other landowners, managers and consultants, as well as providing advice to the public through their busy Wildlife Information Service.