250 years ago in 1776, Wellington-born physician and botanist Dr William Withering published his groundbreaking work The botanical arrangement of all the vegetables naturally growing in Great Britain. Known more simply as Withering’s Botany, this was the nation’s first modern scientific plant compendium – or ‘flora’ – and became the standard text on botany for almost a century.
Coordinated by Wellington H2A and Wellington Town Council, Flora 250 marks this anniversary with a varied programme of events taking place across the year here in Withering’s hometown. It is a celebration of a remarkable man, the plant life that he studied and the beauty of the natural world around us – from ancient woodlands to our own back gardens.
Events are being organised and hosted by several local groups and booking arrangements vary. More events may be added, so keep an eye on lovewellington.co.uk or follow Love Wellington on social media for any programme changes across the year.
Wellington Community Art Gallery will host its second seasonal exhibition of the year, showcasing a range of inspiring artwork produced by local artists on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August from 10.30am - 3pm. Visitors are also invited to a special “Meet the Artists” evening on 28 August, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, offering a great opportunity […]
Jack Green the Gardener brings his highly interactive children’s show to Market Square as part of Wellington Town Council’s Urban Scarecrow Festival. Free entry, no booking required - and you might even get to take home a plant to grow on your windowsill!
Friendly, relaxed workshop for adults/families. £10 per person including all materials and light refreshments. For details and booking, email wellingtoncommunityartgallery@gmail.com.
A taste of Bridgerton comes to Wellington, at The Cock Hotel! It’s 12th September, 1797, and the Witherings are celebrating their silver wedding anniversary. Join them for an evening of music and dancing, courtesy of the Gracechurch Historical Dancers. Their majesties King George and Queen Charlotte will also be in attendance. ~ Arrive from 6 […]
Join local historians Rob Francis and Marc Petty on this time-travelling tour of 18th Century Wellington and explore the town that Dr Withering knew – its streets and buildings, its characters and customs. Meeting at All Saints Church for 10am start. Part of Wellington Walking Festival. For details and booking visit wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk.
Ecologist Chris Hogarth leads another walk around Ketley, at The Millennium Nature Reserve, where industrial landscapes forged in Withering’s lifetime have now been reclaimed by nature. Part of Wellington Walking Festival. Meeting at the carpark by Jenko’s for a 2pm start. For details and booking visit wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk.
Withering’s Botany drew attention to the rich diversity of fungi in the British Isles – and you don’t have to go far to see that diversity on show. Join John Ratcliffe as he heads deep into Ercall Wood on the hunt for fungus of all shapes and sizes. Meeting on Ercall Wood carpark for 11am […]
Marking National Poetry Day, this informal event invites you to come along and share your favourite nature-inspired poems – or even one you’ve written yourself. Guests can sign-up for speaking slots on the night. This is a pay-as-you-feel event with refreshments available. Contact The Gratitude Cafe for details.
Seeds and cuttings, fruit and veg, chutneys and preserves – bring them to exchange or find them here to buy. Accompanied by a specially themed menu all day. Contact The Gratitude Cafe for details.
At The Red Lion, the ghost of Dr Withering leads a night of quizzing on everything from poisonous plants to malevolent medics. £2 per player, maximum six players per team.
Wellington Community Art Gallery presents its third seasonal exhibition of the year, celebrating the colours of Autumn. The exhibition will feature an inspiring collection of work created by talented local artists, taking place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November, open from 10.30am – 3pm. As part of the event, visitors can also attend a […]
This session takes its inspiration from the botanical illustrations of Helena Cookes, Withering’s wife and collaborator. Friendly, relaxed art workshop for adults only. £10 per person including all materials and light refreshments. For details and booking, email wellingtoncommunityartgallery@gmail.com.
All events (unless otherwise listed) will be FREE OF CHARGE. No tickets are required. Seating for indoor events on a first-come, first-served basis.