Occasionally we are privileged to listen to someone who is living the dream. On the 7th April Heather Cruickshank, a science and wildlife documentary producer, transported us to Antarctica and gave us a glimpse into her fascinating work.
After a brief explanation of the geology of the region, she went on to talk about the ecosystem, which is home to a large variety of creatures. These include many varieties of whales, six types of seal and of course a vast array of birds, including those quirky penguins.
To most of us Antarctica means penguins and Heather enthralled us with fascinating details of her extensive filming of the flightless birds. Lovable though they seem, ‘you get there - and the smell of thousands of penguins hits you - and it’s all worth it’, Heather commented.
She went on to inform us that penguins evolved in what is now New Zealand, around the time dinosaurs became extinct. Losing their ability to fly, their wings grew shorter, flatter and denser while their bones lost air bubbles, making them more solid. This helped with buoyancy when diving, allowing them to reach incredible depths, up to 500m.
Heather explained that travelling to Antarctica is highly regulated, with all filming requiring a permit from the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office), and to follow the strict guidelines set by IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators). To protect against contamination, which can decimate protected species, biocides have to be used to clean EVERYTHING, including shoes, overalls, even velcro fastenings are combed through.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this informative and entertaining talk. Apparently the question Heather is most asked at these events is whether she has worked with David Attenborough. The answer was ‘No.’ No doubt when it’s presented on television the audience will agree with our group that it is David Attenborough’s loss not having worked with Heather and her talented team of film-makers.
Our Science and Technology Group normally meets at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of the month at Pagham Village Hall. All are welcome, including non u3a members for a trial session.
This is one of the many interest groups run by members of Bognor Regis u3a.
For more information see our website:https://bognorregis.u3asite.uk/