Wild Days and Medieval Knights - the secret valley in Haccombe, South Devon where Rev Keble Martin lived and painted

This event is joint with Woodbury History Society

Rev William Keble Martin lived and worked in the parish of Haccombe and Coffinswell in South Devon for many years.  In Haccombe he held the very rare medieval title of Archpriest. He had previously worked in large, busy parishes in the north of England, but when he returned to his family roots in Devon, he suddenly found himself with more time on his hands.  After visiting each parishioner twice in one week, he was gently persuaded that this devotion to duty was far more than his parishioners needed!  So, among the wildflowers in the countryside around Haccombe, he resumed his hobby of painting wildlfowers, and settled down to the monumental task of illustrating all the species in Britain, which was published eventually as his bestselling book, The Concise British Flora in Colour.  

Our speaker Andrew Cooper lives and farms in that same parish of Haccombe and, by a wonderful coincidence, is one of Britain's most distinguished and influential television producers of wildlife documentaries.  A biologist and anthropologist by training, he is an international award-winning wildlife film-maker, has written eight books on natural history, and is highly regarded as a speaker.  He is also a long serving board member of several wildlife charities and educational and medical establishments.  He tries to practise what he preaches in the woodlands and meadows of his own land in Haccombe.  He runs courses there on wildlife filming, and visits can be arranged.

'Wild Days and Medieval Knights' is Andrew's presentation on the history and wildlife of this secret valley of Haccombe, which has featured on BBC.  There will be a special focus on Keble Martin's connection with this surprising and beautiful place.

Entry - free for Woodbury History Society members.  Non-members - £3

No need to book

You can see more about Andrew Cooper and his work here at Wildlink.