In 2020, writer, campaigner and blogger (Who Owns England?), Guy Shrubsole moved from London to Devon.
As he explored the wooded valleys, rivers and tors of Dartmoor, Guy discovered a spectacular habitat that he had never encountered before: temperate rainforest. Entranced, he would spend the coming months investigating the history, ecology and distribution of rainforests across England, Wales and Scotland.
Britain, Guy discovered, was once a rainforest nation and he embarked on an awe-inspiring journey through the Atlantic oakwoods and hazelwoods of the Western Highlands and the Lake District, down to the rainforests of Wales, Devon and Cornwall, mapping these under-recognised ecosystems in exquisite detail and revealing their hidden histories, natural wonders and cultural inspiration.
Not only a mesmerising chronicle but an inspiring intervention to help protect and restore these environments before they are lost from the landscape, and our collective memory, forever.
This talk will be based on Guy’s award-winning book ‘The Lost Rainforests of Britain‘. Expected running time for the event is approximately 1 hour, including a Q&A session and plenty of time to buy and have books signed afterwards.
Ivybridge independent bookshop will be selling books on the night. Tickets are limited and are available on a first come, first served, basis at £8/£10 (pay what you feel is right)
Cost: £8 - 10
Guy Shrubsole is a campaigner and investigator at Friends of the Earth. He is currently leading their work to double UK forestry cover by 2050 as part of FOE’s ambitions to make space for nature and transition the UK to net zero emissions. Guy led FOE’s successful campaigns to protect Sherwood Forest from fracking, secure new government funding for natural flood measures, and stop a new opencast coal mine at Druridge Bay.
He is the author of Who Owns England?, The history of how England’s elite came to own our land – from aristocrats and the church to businessmen and corporations – and an inspiring manifesto for how we can take control back.
Accessibility Statement: Disability parking spaces are available in the lay-by in front of the shop. Ivybridge as a town is fairly flat with no steps, and quite easy to get around.
The shop is on the ground floor with the entrance at pavement level on Fore Street. The shop is set out with wide aisles, and is mobility scooter, wheelchair, pram, pushchair and dog-friendly. Seating is also available, for adults and little animal stools for children.