QUEER NATURE WALK
SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST 2024 @ 2:00 - 4:00 PM - with CONNOR BUTLER at COATE WATER COUNTRY PARK, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Connor Butler (he / him) is an ecologist and entomologist with a decade of experience connecting people with urban nature. He is the Head of Learning at Chelsea Physic Garden and over the past year has also been studying the dung beetles in London’s parks. Connor has delivered 20+ sold out Queer Ecology walks in London and aims to show that nature is far weirder than we could imagine.
WORKSHOP: Did you know that scientists often struggle to find male woodlice, that male trees can turn female, or that many species of bird have been recorded partnering up into same-sex couples? 'Queer Ecology’ aims to challenge what we think of as being ‘natural’ or ‘unnatural’ and celebrates diversity in all life.
Join ecologist Connor Butler on a guided nature walk through the varied habitats of Coate Water Country Park- we'll explore lichen covered trees, wildflower meadows, & freshwater lake, looking for queer bugs and wildlife, before convening for tea & a scone at Richard Jefferies Museum (childhood home of the 19th century nature writer).
This gentle walk invites all curious minds interested in seeing nature from a new perspective. You’ll learn how to identify birds, insects, and plants, and gain a new fascination with the natural world.
Age recommendation: 16+
(anyone under 18 attending should be accompanied by someone 18+)
TRAVEL BURSARIES AVAILABLE: if you live at a distance from Swindon, we have some travel bursaries available, please email: thebluehouseblue@gmail.com for more info.
MEETING POINT: Richard Jefferies Museum
Marlborough Rd, Swindon SN3 6AA, United Kingdom
(we will also have an additional meeting point at Swindon railway station, half an hour before the walk commences- so we can catch the bus together to the Museum).
🐻🦡🦅🦈🦋🦟🌷🌿🌾🌖🍄🍃🌰🌿🌳
queer-affirming & queer-led: LGBTQIA+ and allies welcome
PAY WHAT YOU CAN: suggested donation per IN-PERSON £5-8 (includes the cost of tea & scone at the Museum!)
After London / Wild Queer Land is an open access learning and collaboration programme in queer nature and queer ecology.
coordinated by Daniel Baker-Wells with Jasmine Isa Qureshi, Connor Butler, Roy Vickery (Plant Lore), LiLi K. Bright, Pierce Eldridge (Worms, Sissy Anarchy), Sheree Mack (Earth Sea Love, Black Nature in Residence), Tom Moulsdale, Scarlett Fay (the Strawberry Rat, Molly No-Mates), Hackney Herbal, and others tbc.
all activities are queer affirming and queer-led, the programme is designed to be as open and accessible as possible. If you have any questions or suggestions about access, we'd love to hear from you!: thebluehouseblue@gmail.com
After London (supported by Heritage Lottery Fund) is an exploration of queer ecologies, natural heritage of wildernesses in Greater London. Wild Queer Land is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. With thanks to the invaluable support of Barnsley Civic, The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil Diversity Project, Creative Recovery, Trans Barnsley, RSPB Old Moor, and many others.