TV PRESENTER and campaigner Chris Packham will be guest speaker at this year’s festival of nature in Stroud.

The Big Nature Festival in the Park will take place on Sunday, July 8, in Stratford Park and Chris will speak at the Sub Rooms at the start of the weekend, on Friday, July 6.

‘Pictures from the Edge of the World’ promises to be an inspiring, irreverent evening packed with information, but not a lecture, more of a romp through the wild mind of Chris Packham.

Many will recognise Chris as the presenter of the BBC’s BAAFTA award-winning Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch series.

However, Chris Packham has led a remarkable life and is recognised as a respected naturalist, television presenter, writer, photographer, conservationist, campaigner and filmmaker.

Chris likes to champion the underdog, and loves the challenge of finding beauty in ugly places.

When he does travel to some of the world’s wildlife hotspots he strives to see them in a new way, and record that differing view through his photography.

A hotly anticipated event, Chris will concentrate on his passion, conservation.

Attendees should expect tales from the frontline told with the full-frontal honesty that the presenter has gained notoriety for.

Every year Stroud Nature brings together a host of wildlife and environmental organisations, groups and individuals to provide events and activities.

The summer-long programme is open to the public, as well as schools and community groups.

Last year Stroud Nature 2017 celebrated some of the work these organisations are involved in, through a mix of site visits, open days, walks, workshops, exhibitions as well as their annual free festival - Stroud Festival of Nature.

Historically the festival has attracted over 3,000 visitors and organisers are now welcoming bookings for stalls at this year’s event.

For more information about Stroud Festival of Nature 2018, either as a visitor or to get involved, visit stroudnature.org

Tickets for Chris Packham’s talk, ‘Pictures from the Edge of the World’ available from subscriptionrooms.org.uk or via the box office.