Director of Conservation, Living Collections and Estates at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew coming to Writtle College

The Director of Conservation, Living Collections and Estates at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will be coming to Writtle College in January.

Professor Tim Entwisle will talk about his passion for plants, his experience of botanic gardens and the vital role of Kew’s plant conservation on Tuesday 15 January.

The event gives horticulturalists and gardening enthusiasts a chance to hear from Prof Entwisle before he leaves the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, at the end of January to become CEO of Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.

His talk is the penultimate in the popular student-led James Hearsum Lecture Series – now in its eighth year – which raises money for student travel bursaries to some of the most important gardens in the world.

Prof Entwisle said: “I welcome any opportunity to talk about my passion in life – plants! On this occasion I can help others to pursue their passion, raising money to visit inspiring gardens around the world.

“In my talk I’ll explain what got me hooked on botany, and then botanic gardens, and how I got to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It’s also a chance to talk about the rich history of Kew and why its plant conservation work is more vital today than ever before.”

Brainchild of former horticulture student James Hearsum, the comprehensive, illustrated lecture series at Writtle College is delivered by professional horticulturists, contractors and designers.

This year’s series started on 16 October with the acclaimed modernist landscape designer Steve Martino travelling from Phoenix, Arizona, to deliver the opening lecture.

Sarah Eberle, renowned UK garden designer, and Helen Dillon, gardening writer and owner of The Dillon Garden, Ranelagh, Dublin, followed. The series will end on Tuesday 5 March with Nick Macer, founder of specialist plant nursery Pan Global Plants in Gloucestershire.

This year’s series has been organised by Greg Allen, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Studies at the College, with a team of first, second and third year students.

Mr Allen said: “The lecture series talks continue to help motivate and inspire our young students to venture out and expand their experience of landscapes and gardens.”

The lectures start at 7.30pm in the Northumberland Lecture Theatre at the College. The lectures cost £9. Tickets and further details are available from theWrittle College Students’ Union or via Greg Allen on 01245 424200 or gta@writtle.ac.uk.