Making Dorset Wilder by Mark Kibblewhite

Dorset is home to iconic wildlife and a rich biodiversity. This underpins the County’s economy as well as being a natural wonder, so the continuing loss of species and habitats has big implications for our quality of life. Current trends and future pressures are highlighted, and possible responses explored ranging from ‘strong protection’ to ‘sympathetic management’, to ‘ecological restoration’ to ‘‘wilding’ - with encouraging examples from across Dorset. Finally, the need to engage the whole community in action for nature is emphasised with steps proposed to make this happen

Biography: Mark grew up in Yeovil, lives in Beaminster and is a past chair of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a member of Bridport Quaker Meeting. He is an environmental chemist specialising in soil science, whose expertise supports farmer groups, governments and international institutions such as the European Commission and UN Agencies. He studied at York and Aberdeen Universities and has an MBA from Cranfield University, where he was later Head of the Natural Resources Department and is now an Emeritus Professor. Some other previous roles include being President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers and Head of Land Quality at the Environment Agency.

Admission is just £3 and there will be a cash bar for drinks and socialising before and after the talk.