Suspicious Animal Sightings – Tales of the Unexpected
Mark Goulding SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Region:
- Wales
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Avocational
- Fee:
- Paid: Between £40 - £120. Based on travel distance.
- Category:
- Nature
- Updated:
- 9th November 2026
- Tagged:
- Police Service | Wildlife | Investigation | Animals
Join Mark for an entertaining journey into the strange, surprising and sometimes unbelievable world of suspicious animal sightings. Drawing on his years investigating wildlife crime within his Police role, alongside his current work, Mark shares fascinating stories from real-life investigations. From animal encounters to mistaken identities, unlikely sightings and creatures that proved remarkably difficult to find, these are tales where fact can be stranger than fiction. Using witness accounts, evidence and a healthy dose of investigative work, Mark reveals how unusual wildlife reports are investigated, what we can learn from the people who make them and why things are not always quite as they seem. Blending humour, first-hand experience and a genuine passion for wildlife, Mark brings these captivating stories to life in a relaxed and engaging presentation. Expect fascinating insights, a few surprises, plenty of laughs and perhaps a fresh perspective on that strange animal you thought you saw in the garden! An entertaining and thought-provoking talk for wildlife enthusiasts, curious minds and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Views: 12 | Enquiries: 0About Mark Goulding
Mark Goulding has dedicated over 30 years to public service, serving 11 years in the Royal Air Force and 22 years with South Wales Police. During his policing career, he worked in frontline response and neighbourhood policing, receiving several commendations for his work, as well as a Royal Humane Society award for saving a life.
Alongside his operational policing duties, Mark developed a specialist career in wildlife crime enforcement, investigating offences involving an extraordinary range of species and habitats, from badgers and bats to primates and protected plants.
He completed a full-time, three-year secondment to Natural Resources Wales, where he served as one of its lead police wildlife and habitat investigators. His outstanding contribution was recognised in 2015 when he received the Wildlife Crime Enforcer of the Year award, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund.
Mark has also appeared on television and radio, sharing his knowledge and experience of wildlife crime and conservation with wider audiences.
Since retiring from the police in 2020, Mark has continued his involvement in wildlife crime enforcement and conservation. In 2023, he was awarded Wildlife Crime Partner of the Year for his work with a conservation trust, an award also sponsored by WWF.
Throughout his career, Mark has delivered specialist advice, guidance and training to police officers, statutory organisations, conservation bodies, NGOs and members of the public.
Combining first-hand investigative experience, fascinating real-life stories and a genuine passion for wildlife, Mark offers audiences an entertaining and insightful perspective on wildlife crime, conservation and the often-unexpected challenges of protecting our natural heritage.
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