Monthly Meeting – Dr Karen van Oostrum PhD
Date/Time
Date(s) - Fri 27/02/2026
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
Trinity United Reformed Church
Category(ies)
Flowers and Pollinators: an introduction to the Flora of the Chilterns, and a guide to Pollinator-friendly Gardening
The Chiltern Hills form a National Landscape of outstanding beauty, rich in diverse plant life. In this talk, Karen explores how the hills were formed and reveals how the underlying geology shapes the variety of plants that thrive here. You will discover some of the characteristic species of Chiltern woodlands and grasslands, and learn why these habitats are so important for pollinators. The talk concludes with simple, practical steps you can take to support pollinators in your own garden, including plant choices and further guidance.
With a background in botanical science—including a PhD in wheat genetics from Oxford—Karen is on a mission to share her love for plants with others. Following her role as Head of Education at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, she launched her own, independent practice in 2013. Today, she writes and teaches introductory botany courses and spends her time volunteering in the Chilterns, where she leads nature walks and oversees work parties.
As ever, our meetings are open to non-members, at no charge. If you have friends interested in any of gardening, botany, natural history, supporting all pollinators and other insects, then let them know about this talk and we shall be very happy to welcome them.