‘GROUNDBREAKERS – The Return of The Boar’, an Illustrated Talk by CHANTAL LYONS, Thursday 18 September, 7.30pm

Once they were hunted to the brink of extinction. Now wild boar are back in the Forest of Dean and parts of Scotland. But are they a threat to people, property and landscape as some claim, or should we be actively encouraging and protecting them?

For years, naturalist and writer Chantal Lyons (below) has immersed herself in the world of the boar and those who live alongside them. In this fascinating talk, she shares her findings and explores the issues raised by the presence of these idiosyncratic, highly intelligent creatures in our midst.

About Chantal Lyons

Now based in Gloucester, Chantal grew upon the tidy, boar-free countryside of Kent. Her interest in rewilding opened her eyes to the urgency of restoring lost species in Britain and inspired her to study the relations between people and wild boar in the Forest of Dean. The result, Groundbreakers (Bloomsbury, 2024) was described by Helen Macdonald (H is for Hawk) as ‘one of the most notable works of recent nature writing’. It was voted BES Marsh Ecology Book of the Year and shortlisted for the Wainwright Conservation Prize 2024.

Please note: Space in our first-floor Gallery is limited. Please reserve a seat using the ticket form below. This is a Pay As You Feel event, and donations are welcome to help cover our running costs. Bar and snacks are available. If you have mobility issues, please make use of our recently installed lift to the first floor.