Spend some time in the company of some of South Australia's most passionate and knowledgeable 'nature buffs' and find out what it's really like to work with nature.
Bevvies with Biologists is a chance to hear from some of the people who made their love of nature a career.
If you're an aspiring ecologist, a scientist inspired by your peers, a wildlife warrior or a curious someone who loves to know more about the lives and adventures of others - this event is for you.
The main event is a panel discussion with some of the State's leading conservation biologists, across different fields and cohorts, to talk about their plans, passions and pains.
There will be stories from the field and lots of time for hard and interesting questions from our host and audience, all skillfully juggled by MC and biologist herself, Wendy Telfer.
It's a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes and swap stories with other nature lovers, from students to seniors.
What better backdrop than the Wheatsheaf Hotel and we'd love to pack it full of people keen on the environment and of course, there will be plenty of time before and after (and good bevvies) to share.
Speakers
Peter Copley
Peter is the former Principal Ecologist, Threatened Species and Ecological Communities for South Australian Dept for Environment and Water (DEW). The seeds of Pete's passion for the natural environment were planted during his youth, growing up on a northern Yorke Peninsula farm. He pursued this interest through study and then work, where he was fortunate to be involved in a range of nature conservation projects including significant conservation projects on Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies, Greater Stick-nest Rats and an 11-year Biological Survey of the APY Lands (1989-2000). Through the 1990s Pete was instrumental in establishing numerous national and state recovery teams and recovery plans for at risk species and communities. He was also an active member of 2 park co-management boards and many government committees and working groups. Pete participated in volunteer projects on sub-Antarctic Heard Island and in Peru, Scotland and Spain and is now making the most of his retirement by volunteering for a wide range of projects.
Kirstin Abley
Kirstin is an Ecologist with DEW; she manages the department's Fire Science and Mapping Team and chairs a national Fire Ecology Community of Practice. She grew up in Aotearoa (New Zealand), with a love of animals and a level of squeamishness that meant she was never going to be a vet! Moving to Australia and studying Zoology at the University Melbourne cemented Kirstin’s interest in fauna ecology (even brushtail possum ecology!) and particularly the management of native wildlife. Kirstin enjoyed working in Victoria and South Australia on a range of threatened species projects. While doing this, her interest in fire ecology was sparked and her passion is now to understand how to best utilise prescribed burning to maintain ecological processes and to support the recovery of threatened species.
Ben Taylor
Ben is the Senior Wetland Ecologist for Nature Glenelg Trust and has been working on the management, monitoring and restoration of wetlands for over 20 years, mostly in SA but also in Victoria, Tasmania and NSW. He’s worked on restoration projects with budgets ranging from a few thousand dollars up to 60 million dollars - both with their own challenges. His favourite kind of weather is pouring rain and his favourite place is to be wading through knee deep water in the middle of a swamp – and sometimes he actually gets paid to do that.
Thanks to event partners, the Biology Society of SA (BSSA), and the Wheatsheaf Hotel for their generous venue support. Trees For Life is a proud partner of the 2025 Nature Festival.
Image (Wheatsheaf Hotel): Adelaide Fringe 2025 Program
