Members of the HNHS, Herts Bird Club and wildlife enthusiasts are warmly invited to attend a conference in memory of the outstanding Hertfordshire naturalist Trevor James BEM.

The event will take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 9 September in the Swendell Hall at Redbourn Parish Centre, The Park, Redbourn AL3 7LR.

The programme (see below) will include memories of Trevor, who died three years ago, as an inspiring natural historian who was always willing to share his extensive knowledge. But it will also include more detailed presentations on his national contribution to improving biological recording and three of his particular areas of expertise – plants, beetles and birds.

A concluding discussion will consider ways that Trevor's legacy can best be secured by taking forward wildlife recording in Hertfordshire and ensuring a future for the HNHS as it approaches its 150th anniversary (in 2025).

There will be a £5 admission charge on the door to cover the cost of venue hire and refreshments. Please, however, bring your own packed lunch. To give us an advance idea of numbers attending, please also email David Utting to say you plan to be there.

10.30am Registration, tea and coffee

11am Chair's welcome

11.05am Personal memories of Trevor James

11.45am Trevor James' national contribution to biological recording in the UK - Paul Harding, former head of the Biological Records Centre. 

12.25pm The flora of Hertfordshire in time and space – Ian Denholm, joint county flora recorder and former President of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland

1.10pm Lunch (bring packed lunch, tea and coffee provided)

2pm Trevor James and the beetles of Hertfordshire – Stuart Warrington, county recorder for water bugs, former wildlife advisor to the National Trust and editor of the Hertfordshire Naturalist

2.40pm Hertfordshire's changing birds: 40 years ago and today – Ken Smith, retired RSPB ecologist, former HNHS Chair and co-author of Birds of Hertfordshire

3.20 Trevor's legacy and a 150th anniversary strategy for the HNHS  – facilitated discussion, led by a panel

3.55pm Closing remarks

Photo of Trevor James leading a field trip © June Crew