Two exciting talks on conservation you can't miss in our series of Talking Point topics at The Hilt on 9th May 2026. Both talks are followed in the evening by the David Attenborough film ‘Ocean’ as we celebrate his 100th Birthday.
FREE EVENT - With refreshments and donations to the Hilt.
OUR RIVERS - by Dominic Longley
Starts: 2:00pm Run Time: 60-90 mins incl. Q&A's
Discover the hidden life of our local rivers in this fascinating talk by Dominic Longley of the Environment Agency. With nearly 30 years’ experience protecting southern chalk stream salmon, Dom will explore the Monks Brook through Hiltingbury and the unique ecology of the River Itchen—home to remarkable wildlife right on our doorstep.
“Did you know that there are salmon swimming beneath the gin-clear waters of our local rivers? Have you ever wondered what else lives amongst the weeds, reeds and gravel of these precious freshwater ecosystems? Submerge yourself into the world of chalk streams during this fascinating talk by Dominic Longley... Dom has almost 30 years experience working within the Environment Agency. His work has focussed on the monitoring and protection of southern chalk stream Atlantic salmon, native to local Hampshire rivers: the Test, Itchen and Meon. His talk will take you on a dive beneath the surface of the Monks Brook, a stream that runs locally, through Hiltingbury. Just like the Monks Brook, the topic will flow into the ecology of the River Itchen. Designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Itchen provides a variety of unique habitats and hosts a wealth of wildlife right on your doorstep! Through captivating photos, fascinating underwater videos and scientific knowledge, Dom invites you on a virtual trip to the banks of these rivers and streams to learn more about their aquatic inhabitants and the current challenges they face.”
OUR SEAS - by Steven Dawkins
Starts: 3:45pm Run Time: 90 mins incl. Q&A's
"Local sea champion and media spokesperson, Steven Dawkins, is looking forward to giving an introduction talk about the Marine Conservation Society. Steven will be covering who the Marine Conservation Society are, what work they do and how they make a difference to the health and habitats of our seas and oceans. Steven is keen to share his own experiences having spent most of his life either on, in or under our seas and oceans. If you are interested in learning about the Marine Conservation Society then this talk is well worth attending"