MIKE Canning is well-known to many through his appearances on stage with CODS or on the pitch at Sandford Cricket Club. But what few people realise is that Mike is a passionate volunteer with Limpopo Eco Operations (LEO Africa), a Big 5 wildlife monitoring and conservation project in southern Africa.

Mike will give a fascinating talk at Morchard Bishop Memorial Hall about his work with LEO Africa and why it is so important.

The talk, from 7pm on September 27, is being organised by The Crediton Heart Project as part of a series of talks by local people about their passions and experiences.

LEO Africa was set up in 2005 with a mission to provide data on key animal species (lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, buffalo, brown and spotted hyena, black and white rhino) to the park management, as well as to help maintain the pristine beauty of the reserve where the project operates. The data collected is used to evaluate population numbers and help inform decisions on future conservation practices. 

Volunteers are at the centre of their work, helping in the field, at base, as well as supporting the project financially, making this vital work possible. It is a free service to the park, which contributes valuable information on the key species to the reserve management.

Mike has been to Africa several times as a volunteer and, in his presentation, will be exploring why the work of LEO Africa is so important to maintain both the animal species and the environment. He will also talk about the whole experience seen through the eyes of the volunteers.

Entry will be free but donations will be welcome. Light refreshments will be available.

You can find out more about LEO Africa at: www.leoafrica.org .