Welcome to ‘Rural Voices - Brunch and Brain Food’, our new series of talks served alongside a full English breakfast!

This month’s speaker is the brilliant local author and heritage tree specialist Julian Hight.

THE ANCIENT TREES OF SELWOOD FOREST + LONGLEAT
HISTORY, LEGACY & LORE: Illustrated talk with Julian Hight

Just what was the mythical Selwood Forest and what exactly remains of it?

Join local author and heritage tree specialist Julian Hight as he tells the story of Selwood Forest through some of its majestic ancient trees – living links to the ancient forest – and discover its legacy and lore. For this special festive talk, Julian will also uncover the stories of some of the ancient trees of the Longleat estate.

The talk will include archive and contemporary photography, history, local stories, and feature specially recorded music and video.

Julian’s interest in trees started at a young age – growing up next to woodland which had a profound effect on him. He has travelled widely, camera in hand, to document historic ancient trees, which resulting in his books; Britain’s Tree Story, World Tree Story, Britain’s Ancient Forest and the soon to be released Windsor – A Royal Treescape. Signed copies will be available at the talk.

Julian appeared on Channel 4’s Tree of the Year TV programme, is Chair of Wessex Ancient Tree Forum, and campaigns to save threatened trees and ancient woodland. He started the Reviving Selwood Forest project to plant oaks grown from Selwood Forest’s most ancient heritage trees. Find out more at

www.worldtreestory.co.uk

ABOUT THE ‘RURAL VOICES’ SERIES:
On the first Saturday of the month, you are invited to join us at Horningsham Village Hall where you will be served a delicious cooked breakfast (vegetarian options available) followed by a talk exploring our theme of Rural Creative Communities. We are inviting a range of fascinating speakers including farmers, writers, artists, historians and much more - many of them local - who all share an interest in rural communities and the many varied ways we can find collective strength and resilience. All profits go towards the Village Hall Regeneration Fund.

The next talk in the series will be by Dr Olivia Chapple, High Sheriff of Wiltshire and founder of Horatio’s Garden on 1st February 2025.

Please arrive promptly at 9am for breakfast, the talk will begin at 9.45am.

If you need any help with booking please contact cherry@horningshamvillagehall.com