14 May 2007

To help the RSPB celebrate 60 years of Minsmere as an RSPB nature reserve, two major book signings are being organised in the visitor centre.

On Saturday 26 May, leading wildlife photographer David Tipling will be signing copies of 'The RSPB Guide to Digital Wildlife Photography'. Then on Sunday 10 June, Suffolk-based wildlife artist Peter Partington will be signing copies of 'The Secret Lives of Garden Birds' and 'The Secret Lives of British Birds'.

David Tipling is one of Britain's top wildlife photographers, having won the prestigious Nature Photographer of the Year award during a career spanning more than two decades. His latest book is highly acclaimed, as David gives away many of his trade secrets, while the photographs are simply stunning.

David Tipling, who is based in North Norfolk, will be at Minsmere from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday 26 May to sign copies of his book and talk to visitors about the art of wildlife photography.

To coincide with David's visit, staff from Viking Optical of Halesworth will be at Minsmere on Saturday 26 May to demonstrate the latest range of digi-scoping equipment. Digi-scoping is increasingly popular among birdwatchers as a means of taking wildlife photographs through a telescope.

Peter Partington is a Suffolk-based member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and has illustrated several books and magazine articles. His most recent books, written by Dominic Couzens, give a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the UK's most familiar birds, beautifully illustrated by Peter's brilliant paintings.

Peter Partington will be at Minsmere from 11 am on Sunday 10 June to sign copies of the books and offer advice to visitors about painting wildlife.

Announcing these book signings, RSPB Minsmere Visitor Centre Manager Tim Rose said, 'We are really pleased to welcome such acclaimed photographers, artists and authors as David Tipling and Peter Partington to Minsmere to help us celebrate our 60th anniversary. I'm sure many visitors will enjoy meeting them and learning a few tricks of the trade.'