Thomas Idris Marquand, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge
From mangroves and salt marshes to swamps and bogs, wetlands are some of the most charismatic ecosystems on Earth. They store vast amounts of carbon (far more than forests) and host a diversity of specialist plants and animals, and yet humans have a long history of destroying them. In Cambridge, we live on the edge of one such wetland, the East Anglian Fens, now almost entirely drained for agriculture. In this talk, I will introduce you to wetlands and how we humans have managed (and mismanaged) them in the past. In an era of habitat loss and rapid climate change, it might be time for us to rethink our attitude towards these precious places.
Science on Sundays
A programme of free, informal, monthly science talks bringing the latest discoveries in plant science, as well as research linked to the plant collection at CUBG to our visitors in a 30 minute nutshell.
We will be running these talks live from the Botanic Garden Classroom for those visiting the Garden on the day.
Free with normal Garden admission.
Please check the website and social media for updates.
Suitable for adults and children aged 12+.
Talks run monthly March to August.