TV Presenter talks wildlife and history

LOVERS of local wildlife and history have a treat in store next month as the distinguished academic and TV presenter, Professor Richard Fortey, is giving a talk about the ancient woodland he owns in the Chilterns.

Richard Fortey

Richard Fortey is best known as an eminent palaeontologist, author and TV presenter who has worked with David Attenborough and presented programmes on BBC4 about ancient life, evolution on islands and other topics. He is also a keen naturalist and a few years ago took the opportunity to buy a few acres of ancient woodland near his home in Henley-on-Thames. His detailed observations of the changing wildlife through the seasons, along with the joys and pitfalls of being a woodland owner, are contained in a book published last May called The Wood for the Trees – a long view of nature from a small wood.

Richard Fortey’s wood is part of Lambridge Wood between Henley and Nettlebed, a classic Chilterns beech and bluebell wood which lies on a section of the prehistoric earthwork Grim’s Ditch. His account of the natural life of the wood month-by-month, paints a vivid picture of one of the best-known and loved natural features of the Chilterns.

The talk is being organised by the Chiltern Woodlands Project and is taking place on November 3, at 7.30pm in Lewknor Village Hall, Lewknor, near Watlington (next to jct. 6 of the M40). To book tickets visit www.chilternsaonb.org/events or call 01844 355503