Back in 2004, we were invited to have a display at the Heathland Festival being held at Avon Heath Country Park which was being opened by Chris Packham.

We gladly accepted the opportunity to give publicity to Kinson Common with our display boards in the giant marquee.

Situated next to us was a fabulous display of photographs showing Slop Bog Nature Reserve in Ferndown.

This display was the work of George Dunkling and his wife Audrey with whom we struck up an immediate friendship.

George had never visited Kinson Common but not long afterwards paid a visit and apparently fell in love with it's diverse habitat! Both he and Audrey became members and the rest, as they say, is history!

Anyone who has joined one of George's guided walks on site will confirm that his knowledge is quite amazing, from fungi to the smallest insects and flowers. Very little catches him out!

This knowledge comes from being self taught, starting when at school.

Besides his depth of knowledge, George is also an amazing photographer and superb artist.

His displays at our Community Open Days always attracted many visitors!

Since we started recording the flora and fauna on site, over 100 fungi , 40 new plant species and numerous insects have been added to the previous records thanks to him.

We are thankful that a chance meeting in 2004 has allowed us to become such friends with George and shown the rich diversity of Kinson Common. Long may it continue!

Thank you George!