Leading rural charity The Countryside Regeneration Trust is holding a series of free online talks this Autumn and Winter, inspired by the conservation work carried out on its many nature-friendly farms. 

Six talks are planned from October through to March, giving the public across the UK access to a wide variety of experts, who will discuss a range of subjects. Starting with floodplain meadows, topics will also include pollinators, Red-list species at Lark Rise Farm, unusual moths, regenerative farming and the diverse wildlife on the CRT’s 16 properties. 

The CRT’s CEO Danielle Dewe said: “This is our third series of online talks and each winter, they prove very popular as people get outside less but still want to interact with nature and find out more about how they can help conservation work. 

“We are delighted with the calibre of speakers, who are kindly giving up their time to talk about their work. We have a mixture of CRT staff and outside experts, who are all incredibly knowledgeable. There will be a chance to ask questions after each talk too. It’s a wonderful way to learn about nature from the warmth of your home in the cooler months!” 

Each talk will last for one hour and takes place online at 7pm once a month from October to March. 

The first one,Flourishing floodplain meadows,takes place on October 7 with conservationist expert Helena Darragh. She will discuss why floodplain meadows are so important to our countryside and what is being done to help restore them, with examples from our CRT farms.  

On November 14, Ecological Scientist Professor Jeff Ollerton will discussPollinators: why so important and how can we help?   He will look at different groups of pollinators, the crucial role that they play and how we can all help to support their declining numbers. Jeff is a consulting ecological scientist and author, who has studied and written about pollinators and pollination for 35 years. He has written 'Pollinators & Pollination: Nature and Society' (2021) and 'Birds & Flowers: An Intimate 50 Million Year Relationship' (2024), as well as more than 170 research papers and essays.  

His non-academic writing has appeared in magazines such as British Wildlife, Plantlife, and BBC Gardeners' World.   

The CRT’s wildlife expert, Vince Lea, will look atSpecies conservation at Lark Rise Farm  in Cambridgeshire on December 12, discussing how the CRT is helping to reverse the decline of many Red-list species, such as Lapwings, corn buntings, grey partridge, water voles and hairstreak. As well as working for the CRT, Vince also surveys birds for organisations such as the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and other species for local conservation organisations. 

The regenerative farmerwill take place on January 13 with CRT farmer Matt Elphick, who runs The Nutfield Dairy at Brays Farm, He will talk about his journey into regenerative farming and the challenges he has faced. With his partner Betsie, the couple make cheese and yoghurt as well as selling milk to local businesses. 

Wildlife enthusiast Nick Dobbs, the CRT’s community engagement manager, who leads many walks in the warmer months at Bere Marsh Farm in Dorset, will give a talk calledWildlife on the farmon February 10. Nick’s talk will include how nature friendly farming practices at CRT properties are helping to restore habitats for species to thrive in the context of a working farm – including examples where non-native invasive species are being managed.  

The last talk of the series calledShining a light on the world of mothswill take place on March 6 with moth expert Jack Oughton. He will delve into the weird and wonderful world of moths, exploring the evolution, behaviours, and diversity for what is an increasingly popular insect group.  

To find out more about the free online talks and to book your place, see the CRT website at 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.