main content Batty about natural heritage

Did you know a staggering ten species of bats are found in Bromley? This is just one of the interesting facts that will be shared at a series of free talks on natural heritage topics in the New Year. From organic gardening to Darwin, the wide-ranging subjects offer something for everyone. The Council-organised talks will be held at the Civic Centre Committee Rooms and start at 7pm.

“The speakers we have chosen are experts in their field. After the talks they will be available to offer advice and to point residents in the right direction for further sources of information. We encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment.” said Ewa Prokop, Countryside Projects Officer.

Dates for the series of talks are as follows: 

• Wednesday 25th January “Celebrating Darwin’s Heritage” Guest speakers: Irene Palmer, Kent Wildlife Trust & Anna-Marie Wilson, World Heritage Site Project Officer. 
• Wednesday 8th February “The History & Management of West Wickham Common & Spring Park”, Guest speakers: Barry Gutteridge & David Olliver, City of London Keepers. 
• Wednesday 22nd February “Gardening Organically”, Guest speaker: Alistair Cruickshank, Henry Doubleday Research Association and Soil Association. 
• Thursday 9th March “Conserving British Bats”, Guest speaker: Dr. Katie Parsons, Bat Conservation Trust.

The series of talks is part of an ongoing programme taking place each autumn/winter. The first talk in the new series “Celebrating Darwin’s Heritage”, will provide an introduction into how Charles Darwin’s local observations in the borough helped him to formulate ideas that would eventually have world-wide significance. The Chairman of Surrey Organic Gardening Group will be Guest Speaker at the third talk “Gardening Organically” and will be on-hand to provide some top tips.

Residents should ring 020 8461 7646 if they wish to attend any of the events or require any further information. A full listing of events can be found at www.bromleybiodiversity.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The ‘Bromley Heritage’ talk series is organised each autumn/winter by the Heritage & Urban Design Team based in the Planning Division at the London Borough of Bromley. The series focuses on natural and built heritage issues. Talks are held in the Committee Rooms at the Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley. Talk duration is between 45-60 minutes. Admission is free and open to all. 
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk 
• For information about the series of talks, please contact Ewa Prokop, Countryside Projects Officer, on 020 8313 4665, or email ewa.prokop@bromley.gov.uk