An Evening with Mike Dilger

About An Evening with Mike Dilger

Naturalist Mike Dilger was on a mission - to see a thousand different wild plants in one calendar year. Having been confined to barracks by the Covid pandemic, and with daily dog walks his sole permitted outdoor pursuit, the simple pleasure of getting to know the flowers at his feet inspired the narrative for his new book that ultimately took him from Cornwall to Kent, and Breckland to the Highlands of Scotland.

Taking in city centres, mountain tops and every conceivable habitat in between, Mike’s big botanical year was not just an opportunity to celebrate the beauty, diversity and rarity of the nation’s plants, but also to assess how our fascinating flora is faring in modern Britain.

When taking on the challenge, Mike initially thought searching for plants would be gentlest of pursuits, but transformed into a botanical bloodhound, he somehow manages to risk life and limb during his relentless quest of all things green. Embellished not just with floral facts and folklore, but passionate people, a wife, a child and a dog, his book, One Thousand Shades of Green, also has the energy and verve of an adventure novel. Managing to hold the dramatic tension to the very last page, Mike’s pursuit is nothing short of a manifesto on how to love and conserve our green and pleasant land.

In this informative and highly entertaining talk Mike will also chat about his work over the last 15 years in his capacity as the 'Wild Man from The One Show’.

Ticket price includes a glass of wine or soft drink. There will be a raffle and the opportunity to buy Mike’s book and have it signed.