Herts Flora Group

With great sadness we report that Trevor James, Hertfordshire's long-time recorder for flora and beetles and an outstanding all-round naturalist, died peacefully in the Garden House Hospice, Letchworth  on Friday  5 June.

Trevor made a remarkable contribution to the study, understanding and recording of wildlife in the county where he lived for most of his life. He actively promoted 'citizen science' through his own volunteering and the generous practical help and encouragement he offered so that less experienced enthusiasts could develop their skills.

We are sorry to report that the 2020 Festival of Wildlife, due to take place on 25 and 26 July at Panshanger Park, has been cancelled as a consequence of the continuing Covid-19 emergency.

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Tarmac plc, who organise the annual festival in association with HNHS, have decided that a mass-participation event would not be appropriate at the end of July even if the current lockdown has been partially or wholly lifted by then.

HNHS warmly congratulates Trevor James on being awarded the British Empire Medal "for services to nature conservation in Hertfordshire" in the 2020 New Year Honours.

Trevor has been the county recorder for both plants and beetles in Hertfordshire for 40 years. He is also the author of Flora of Hertfordshire (2009) and Beetles of Hertfordshire, which was published to critical acclaim in 2018.