Leading rural charity The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) is hosting a new series of free online talks this autumn and winter, inspired by the charity’s hands-on conservation work across its network of nature-friendly farms. 

Running from November to March, the five monthly talks will feature experts from across the conservation and farming community, exploring topics from conservation grazing to protecting bats, butterflies, farming with ecology and the much-loved hazel dormouse. 

The CRT’s CEO Danielle Dewe said : “This is our fourth series of online talks, and they grow in popularity every year. When the weather turns cold and wet, people are less inclined to get outdoors but these talks offer a chance to stay connected with nature, learn practical ways to help, and ask questions directly to our expert speakers. 

“We’re extremely grateful to all our speakers, who kindly volunteer their time. Each brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the countryside, and we’re delighted to share that with our audience. 
 
“We also offer the public the chance to ask questions after each talk and it’s a wonderful way to learn about nature from the warmth of your home in the cooler months!” 

Each one-hour talk takes place online at 7pm, offering an engaging opportunity to learn from conservationists, ecologists and farmers working at the forefront of countryside regeneration. 

The first one,Conservation grazing,will take place onNovember 12  with  RSPB conservationist  Mark Crisp. He will discuss how conservation grazing is helping him to achieve his aim of good structural diversity within the heathland landscapes he manages for the RSPB in Surrey. During the talk, Mark will explain how conservation grazing is so much more than just a buzz word - it’s a useful land management tool which is good for wildlife and uses both a historical and natural process.  

OnDecember 11 , Ruth Moss, the CRT’s Conservation and Mapping Officer, will delve into thefascinating world of hazel dormice,  covering their ecology, behaviour, threats and important role within the ecosystem. She will discuss the different ways in which their population is monitored, the CRT’s plans to support them even more in the future, as well as what you can do to help this adorable species from further population decline.  

Bat expert Chris Doubell will discussThe World of BatsonJanuary 22 , looking at what bats need, where they roost, why there is a decline in all UK species and measures taken to protect them - including how we can help them. Chris will also talk about the eevolutionary development of bat orders and how tectonic plate movements slowly formed the pattern of continents we know today. 

Farming with ecologywith regenerative farmer Matt Elphick will take place onFebruary 17.  Matt will explain how he utilises and encourages insect, plant and animal diversity on his farm. He will explore the impact of this on carbon storage, soil and cow health, and the quality of our food. 

The last talk of the series calledHelping butterflies: practical actionwill take place onMarch 18  with the CRT’s wildlife expert Vince Lea. He will look a range of butterflies and how we can support their habitat. From holly blue butterflies in your garden to marbled white on our farms, Vince will look at a range of species and share what we are doing at the CRT to encourage biodiversity.  

To find out more about the free online talks and to book your place, see the CRT website at https://www.thecrt.co.uk/Pages/Events/Category/online-talks Booking is essential to receive the link. Donations are welcomed to support the work of the Countryside Regeneration Trust.