Winter Lecture 2025: Anne Swithinbank

Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and yet, with over 433,000 hectares of private gardens across the UK, we have a remarkable opportunity to support wildlife right at home. Join celebrated horticulturist and BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time panellist, Anne, as she shares her approach to "gentle rewilding"—a way to transform our gardens into thriving habitats for birds, invertebrates, small mammals, and more.

Drawing from her early love for plants and her decades of experience, including roles at RBG Kew, RHS Wisley, and on Gardeners' World, Anne offers invaluable insights on fostering biodiversity without sacrificing beauty. From encouraging food plants for caterpillars to maintaining undisturbed areas, she will explain how anyone can create a vibrant, life-filled garden.

Discover how rewilding need not be chaotic; it can be a beautiful way to protect and connect with nature.

winter lecture graphics
Thursday 23 January
19:00–20:30

Professor Simon Hiscock
"The Oxford Ragwort Story"

 
Thursday 6 February
19:00–20:30
Guy Shrubsole
"The Lie of the Land: Who really cares for the countryside?"

 

Thursday 20 February
19:00–20:30
In conversation with Alice Vincent
"Why Women Grow"
 
Thursday 6 March
19:00–20:30
Anne Swithinbank
"Gently Rewilding the Garden"
 
Tuesday 20 March
19:00–20:30
Cleve West
"The Garden of Vegan"
 

Our Winter Lecture series invites speakers from the world of horticulture, botany and beyond.
All talks take place in the Lecture Theatre at Oxford University's Museum of Natural History, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW (directions).
Tickets are £20 per talk. These lectures are live-only events and will not be recorded.
A drinks reception will take place after the lecture from 20:00 until 20:30 in the beautiful surroundings of the Museum.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options will be available.
Tickets are available until the week before the event.