Mt Elgon, an extinct volcano straddling the Kenya/Uganda border, is home to a unique population of elephants. Consuming a montane vegetation made low in minerals by the leaching effect of heavy rainfall, elephants travel up to 150 metres into the mountain to “mine” the mineral-rich volcanic rock. The talk will also explore the wider natural and cultural history of the mountain and the fascinating theories as to how the caves might have been formed.

Formerly a vet, Stephen changed career to pursue a lifelong passion for wildlife, wildlife photography, filming and conservation. Stephen’s material has made a number of TV appearances, featured in the national press and won major awards. His photography concentrates on interesting and challenging wildlife subjects, many of which are in and close to his home in Devon.

Read more about Stephen on his website.

Elephant in search of a mine!

Getting around can be challenging

Mantled Guereza - a type of colobus monkey

Red hot pokers (Kniphofia) covering the hillside

Abyssinian Admiral butterfly (Vanessa Abyssinica)