Kingston Biodiversity Network January 2026 Meeting

Welcome to the first KBN meeting of 2026!

At our January meeting we are pleased to be joined by:

Our speaker: Howard Gregory (Dip.Hort - Kew), Creator of Elms over Epsom (and beyond!), Administrator for Elm Research (Worldwide).

Subject: Enigmatic Elms: Their story and place in a changing landscape.

What we have lost, and the devoted work of scientists to breed new resistant elms. The talk will include herbarium pressings to show the many different species and varieties. If you think elms are dead, think again!

Elm trees are part of the mosaic of the British Isles. To understand them requires an understanding of the many species, nomenclature, how they arrived, and their vulnerability to Dutch Elm Disease. To many they have disappeared from the countryside, but with careful surveying resistant remaining trees can be found hiding in plain sight.

Howard supports the John Innes Research Centre in Norfolk for elm genomics, identifying living trees and collecting the seed. Elms support all types of fauna not least the White Letter Hairstreak butterfly. Greater populations of elm will safeguard our butterfly populations. Howard is a consultant in this field.

Date: Wednesday 21st January, 2026

Time: 6.30-8.30pm (doors open 6.15pm for a prompt 6.30pm start)

Location: Clattern Lecture Theatre, Main Building at Kingston University's Penrhyn Road Campus.

No snacks and drinks will be available.

About us: Kingston Biodiversity Network is an independent, volunteer-led, organisation. Formed in 2013, it is passionate about wildlife, and aims to establish strong links between organisations and people interested in conserving and preserving the biodiversity of the borough.

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