Flowers of Reserves and Roadsides

Gerald Ponting


Regions:
Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Experienced
Fee:
Paid: 50 on Zoom, 60+travel in person
Category:
Nature
Updated:
9th October 2021

My interest in wild flowers started when I was eight years old and I have been giving presentations on the topic since 1987.

My latest project, photographed over two years, took me to Nature Reserves and flower-bedecked roadsides, all within eight miles of my home. Some of my images have won awards at my local Camera Club

So many of our common wild flowers have fascinating tales to tell!

  • Gerard gave our wild clematis the name Travellers Joy as it 'decks and adorns ways and hedges where people travel'.

  • A single poppy can produce 17000 seeds which can remain dormant in the soil for 40 years.

  • Lesser celandine provided a treatment for piles because its clustered roots look like a case of the affliction.

Comment from a recent viewer - "The images were excellent, but the whole thing was lifted by your commentary, with its fascinating mix of herbals, etymology and poetry!"

Views: 1036 | Enquiries: 17

About Gerald Ponting

With a background in talks using colour slides, dating back several decades, I found the conversion to digital presentations allowed much more scope for my illustrated talks. All are illustrated by my award-winning photography and most include short musical interludes. I am frequently praised for my enthusiasm and knowledge of my subjects.
My special interests include wild flowers, local history and prehistoric stone circles. I also present talks on photography and travel.
My part-time occupation as a speaker dates back to 1965. In 1984, I addressed a number of groups in the United States, including Harvard and the Smithsonian Institution. Since early retirement, my talks have become much in demand by numerous local societies. I also present talks more widely, thanks to ZOOM.
I grew up on a small farm in Hampshire. As a Biology Teacher, my 30-year career was divided between Suffolk, Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) and back in Hampshire. I have written over 20 books on the local history of several Hampshire communities. My new book on wild flowers – their folklore and the origin of their names – was published in November 2023.
AN UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL: What a revelation! A speaker who not only knew his subject, but spoke from the heart ... without pauses, hesitations, ‘umm’ & ‘errs’. His illustrations kept coming ... highlighting his subject matter ... and weren’t covered in bullet points. If only other so-called ‘speakers' whom we have Zoomed ... were as interesting and professional in their approach to such presentations and had been as good. Highly recommended viewing ... - member of Wherwell History Group


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