In search of wild flowers on his bike – an author shares his botanical passion
Leif Bersweden, author of “Where the Wild Flowers Grow”, gave a talk to around 70 avid listeners about his botanical journey through Britain and Ireland on his bicycle.
It took place at the Mansel Road Centre, behind Trinity United Reform Church, Wimbledon, and was organised by Juliet Boyd of Wimbledon Green Churches Group.
Over the course of a year, Leif went on a journey around the UK and Ireland, highlighting the unique plants that grow there, their history, and why it is so desperately important to protect our wildflowers.
Leif – whose name could hardly be more appropriate – says he has always been fascinated by wild plants and that from a young age, his afternoons were spent hunting for and cataloguing the plants in his local area.
But he warns it is a landscape which is fast disappearing. Climate change, habitat destruction and declining pollinator populations mean that the future for plant life looks bleaker than before.
He said: “I had a wonderful time and was so pleased to see so many people who came to hear about my book.”
Juliet thanked Leif for his fascinating talk and highly recommended his book and also his first one “The Orchid Hunter.”
Pictured top: Nayonng Bark gets her copy signed by Leif Bersweden (Picture: Auriel Glanville)