'Inspiration of Nature' at the Essex Book Festival 2013

Despite the best efforts of a day of solid and often heavy rain and substantial quantities of water on the access roads to the venue the 'Inspiration of Nature' evening at Thurrock Thameside Nature Park had its audience and the event was deemed a success.  The intention was to bring together several Essex-based natural history authors to talk about the inspiration of their passions for the natural world.  I chaired the evening and was also the opening speaker, before an interview with Andrew Fallan (author of 'Winging it: birding for low-flyers') and, as the main speaker, a talk byTed Benton: a renowned naturalist and author of numerous books, including two volumes for the highly acclaimed New Naturalist Series as well as Essex wildlife books, including the 'Bumblebees of Essex'.

It is always rewarding to receive positive feedback direct from source and here are some of the comments left by the audience:

"Excellent event, very interesting.  Great venue and wonderful speakers."
"The speakers were very good, informative and very enthusiastic about their subjects and presented them very well."
"Good variety and will enjoy coming back to the site during daylight hours."
"Very enjoyable.  Excellent Victoria sponge."

Thurrock Thameside Nature Park (picture: Essex Wildlife Trust)

Click here to find out more about the Essex Book Festival

Click here for more about Thurrock Thameside Nature Park