Claire Piper

Claire’s love of wildlife began in childhood, identifying wildflowers and exploring the natural world, alongside a lifelong passion for gardening.

Following a career in music education, she completed degrees in Natural Sciences and Ecology and went on to volunteer with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, where she was recognised as one of their Volunteers of the Year.

Now a member of Cheltenham Action for Nature, Claire enjoys encouraging others to discover just how much difference a wildlife-friendly garden can make.

Her talk, ‘How to Garden for Wildlife in Outdoor Spaces Large and Small’, will be packed with practical, achievable ideas for creating gardens that support birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife, whatever space you have available.

Charlotte O’Neill

Charlotte O’Neill is an ecologist and visual communicator whose work has taken her from tracking migrating ospreys between Scotland and West Africa to ecological surveys in Oman and research into birds, marine life and biodiversity.

While much of her work has involved studying wildlife around the world, she’s equally passionate about helping people connect with the nature on their own doorstep.

In ‘Working With the Natural Ecology of Your Garden’, Charlotte will explore how understanding your garden’s existing habitats, soil and ecology can help you work with nature rather than against it. By embracing what’s already there, you’ll discover simple ways to create richer habitats for wildlife and healthier, more resilient gardens.