Steve has been a section member since 1982, since when he has developed an interest in many aspects of natural history. Botanical fieldwork has occupied most of his time, initially in the Charnwood area, but more recently all over vice-county 55, to even-up coverage for the national Atlas 2020 project. This entailed many trips to Rutland, ably assisted by Helen Ikin.

He has given the Sowter Lecture twice before: on the Landscape History of Groby, and on Bryophytes. Among his publications are studies of Ulverscroft, Swithland Wood, Grace Dieu and Oakham. In 2022 he helped Geoffrey Hall to prepare the Rare Plant Register for VC55. The talk will cover the flowering plants and ferns of Leicestershire and Rutland, drawing attention to the similarities and differences.

This will be the Sowter Lecture for the 2026-27 season of talks. More can be found about Frederick Sowter here. 

Quaker Meeting House - link to map

Doors open 7 pm for start at 7.30 pm, finish by 9.30 pm.