Kew Gardens provided the perfect venue for the launch of WILDGuides latest publication, 'Arable Plants - a field guide' produced in partnership with English Nature. As part of their 'Go Wild' season, the gardens have planted a traditional arable field, ablaze with wildflowers which thrive on disturbed ground.
Sir Martin Doughty, Chairman
of English Nature, talks about the
importance of Arable Plants
The pre-launch programme included a number of eminent speakers on the subject of arable plants and their conservation. Following a welcome by Dr Jill Sutcliffe, botanical manager for English Nature, and Rob Still on behalf of WILDGuides, the subject and the importance of the book were introduced by Professor Peter Crane, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Sir Martin Doughty, Chairman of English Nature. Journalists from four national newspapers and the BBC were given ample material on the subject through talks by Mark Baylis of DEFRA Conservation and Management Division; Alison Barnes, DEFRA Local Biodiversity Action Plan Officer; Gareth Morgan, Agriculture Policy Officer for English Nature and Phil Wilson, co-author of the guide.
The WILDGuides team at the book launch
Comments from the speakers included:
Sir Martin Doughty, Chairman of English Nature: "The aim of this book is to act as a spur to the interest of all conservationists, farmers, agricultural advisers and others concerned with the biodiversity of Britain's farming landsacape."
Gareth Morgan, Agriculture Policy Officer, English Nature: "Truly sustainable farming is the next big test for agriculture and arable plants provide an indicator of sustainability. The authors and publishers should be aware that the other countries of the European Union would also benefit from a book like this."
Phil Wilson, Author: "With flowers like Corncockle, Small-flowered Catchfly, Corn Cleavers and Cornflower all declining so dramatically, we felt that there was not enough accessible information about them, and this book fulfills that important need."
Authors Phil Wilson and Miles King signing the guide
Mark Bayliss, DEFRA Conservation and Management Division: "With 21,500 hectares of Britain now under arable environment schemes, this book is essential in letting farmers know what is required."
Following the talks, a splendid lunch was taken at the countryside Cottage, where the authors got very tired hands signing the first 100 Arable Plants guides!
