We have a fantastic line-up of speakers for our first ever Nature of the Quantocks conference. From experts on rare birds and butterflies, to community-led conservation projects and wider connection initiatives, there is something for everyone. Come and listen, learn and meet like-minded people. It’s FREE and it’s happening on Saturday 21st March in Stogursey. Book your ticket here.
Meet the speakers – Nigel Phillips
First up is ecologist and author Nigel Phillips. Nigel joined the FotQ committee in 2024, whilst he put the finishing touches to his new book The Nature of the Quantocks (which is also the inspiration for this conference).
Nigel worked for the Wildlife Trusts as a nature reserve manager and ecologist for more than thirty years. In 2016 he received the ‘Marsh Award for Marine Conservation’ in recognition of his outstanding contribution to marine conservation work being carried out by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. Living in Nether Stowey, on the lower slopes of Quantock, has given Nigel the opportunity to explore the hills on an almost daily basis. ‘The Nature of the Quantocks’ is the product of thirty years of in-depth research and photography and was written to support the work of the charity the Friends of the Quantocks.
Aidan Meighan
Illustrator and author Aidan Meighan lives in Somerset. His most recent book ‘The Folklore of Trees’ celebrates the folklore, mythology and anthropological relationships shared with trees across Earth and time. He is joining us to share stories of the elm and other native trees of the Quantocks.
“This book reminds us of the enduring power of stories to connect us to our history, to nature and hopefully to an ever-greener future” – Chris Packham
Kevin Palmer
Lecturer in Conservation Biology, Kevin Palmer, will share his ‘Deeper Insights into Adder Ecology on the Quantock Hills’.
Kevin is also a PhD candidate within the School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on the ecology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians (collectively known as herpetofauna). With over 20 years of experience working with adders in both academic and applied research contexts, Kevin brings extensive field expertise to his teaching and scholarship. He has trained students, ecological trainees, and citizen scientists in adder survey methods, safe capture, and handling techniques, helping to strengthen field skills and capacity across a range of organisations.
As part of his doctorate studies, Kevin is currently investigating the ecological and life history consequences of adders across England, including the Cannock Chase, Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills National Landscapes.
Fiona Jackson & Beth Riches
This is the story of how two Parish Councils worked together within their communities and were each awarded, by Somerset Wildlife Trust, ‘Wilder Community’ status – firsts for Somerset!
Come and hear how they did it.
Paul Rutter ~ ‘Reconnecting the Landscape’
Our countryside is one of the most nature depleted on the planet. Diverse and unique landscapes have seen serious consequences through fragmentation over the last century. In essence we have removed many vital components that the natural world relies on, because everything in nature is connected.
Fragmentation threatens the way plants and wildlife can move freely across landscapes to colonise or to find food and shelter.
Using experience gained over 50 years, Paul has mapped the vegetation and land use changes, which have and are still occurring between the Quantock Hills and Exmoor. His talk explores how and where we can reconnect the landscape, give space back to nature, while also producing sustainable food, to make the countryside richer in nature and more resilient to climate change.
Robin Stamp ~ Elm & Hairstreak project
Robin initiated the Elm & Hairstreak Project for the Friends of the Quantocks when he became the chair of the charity. Raising funding and gathering together a team of hardy volunteers to plant trees in winter and to survey the lives of caterpillars and butterflies throughout the year, it’s been a huge success story. He’ll talk about the challenges and unexpected delights of the work and what’s being planned for the future.
The full line-up
Book your place!
Come for the morning, the afternoon, or the whole day (bring your packed lunch!).
Get all the details and reserve your FREE ticket here – Nature of the Quantocks Conference 2026