Welcome to a new season of Green Ilminster Talks – we have an exciting schedule planned between now and next April. The first three up are:
24th Sept: Dr Colin Ryall – Non-Native Invasive Species: increased biodiversity or conservation nightmare?
Non-Native Invasive Species are now recognised as the second most important cause of biodiversity loss after habitat destruction and have enormous economic impacts globally. However, only a minority of them become serious problems, while the majority are largely benign. This illustrated talk investigates the issue, from microbes, plants, insects, fish, reptiles, birds to mammals, focussing on how they spread, their impacts and what can be done. Starting with a global perspective, we will focus on the situation in UK and locally.
Dr Colin Ryall is a retired University Lecturer & Researcher in ecology and environmental management.
22nd October: Vicky Whitworth’s River Axe Update – what the river tells us about despair and hope
Natural England says that the River Axe is in unfavourable condition and declining despite a decade of investment and energy to turn things around. But despair is a luxury, and Devon-born Vicky Whitworth, co-chair of Friends of the River Axe, will tell the tale of those heroes working hard to make things better for their Axe rivers.
26th November: James Hitchmough – What can gardens do for biodiversity and sustainability in a time of climate change?
One of the great things about gardens is that there are a lot of them (more than 16 million in the UK) and unlike much urban public space, each has a resident gardener of some sort, who generally cares about what happens there. In this talk James will explore some of the possibilities of increasing the benefits of gardens for people and wildlife, and what current scientific research has to say about all of this. He will use his own garden project (plus a little of his professional work) to illustrate some of these ideas and how he has tried to do as little harm as possible in the process.
James Hitchmough is Professor Emeritus in the School of Architecture and Landscape at the University of Sheffield where his work focused on encouraging more species rich, nature-like vegetation in urban greenspace. He retired in 2022 but continues to work as a design and management consultant in the UK (for example the Knepp Wilding Garden) and around the world. When not writing or speaking at conferences and workshops, he is developing a new garden on the edge of the Clayhanger hamlet. See JamesHitchmough on Instagram for a view into his world.
2026 GI Talk dates for your diary (details to be confirmed shortly): 21st Jan; 18th Feb; 18th Mar; 15th April.
The Venue: Ilminster Arts Centre, 35 East St, Ilminster TA19 0AN Talk starts 7.30pm.
As ever, entry is free, but donations are welcome. We look forward to seeing you on 24th September!
Kind regards
Chris
Chris Bestley
Green Ilminster Director