Our precious countryside – bad news or good?

A free illustrated talk on the Somerset countryside by Dr Chris Smith followed by the sale and signing of his book, Rural Reflections.

After two decades working in agricultural and environmental education, Dr Chris Smith switched to working with the former Nature Conservancy Council and the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group before setting up his own consultancy practice, ultimately moving from his native Bucks to Somerset’s Quantock Hills.

Chris will share some of his experiences over more than three decades in managing, protecting and enjoying our special landscapes, habitats and wildlife, while upholding thriving rural livelihoods, at a time of political, financial and climatic upheaval and uncertainty, as related in his recently published book Rural Reflections, which will be available for sale and signing. You can find out more about Rural Reflections here.

The event will be free, but notification of interest in attending would be appreciated in order to facilitate catering for refreshments. Please text or e-mail Sue Browne (07799 833492 or sue.browne1@sky.com) with a message and how many places you wish to reserve. Attendees purchasing Chris’s book will be entitled to tickets to the gardens at half price.

The talk will take place in the informal and welcoming setting of Bampfylde Hall, with its generous seating accommodation and image-screening facility. A light-hearted “wildlife quiz” will await participants, who will be invited to try their hand at identifying a selection of seasonal grasses and wild flowers which will be on display. Light refreshments will be available free of charge both within and (weather permitting) outside the Hall following the talk, and during the book signing.