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Rick Thompson

Rick Thompson

Journalist – Wildlife Writer – Moderator – Unlocking Warwick 

Rick worked for BBC News for many years, as a TV reporter and producer, then as a senior editor in the regional, national and international BBC services. Later he formed his own training and consultancy network, ‘T-Media’, helping the development of public service broadcasting across Europe.

A lifelong birdwatcher, he is now a writer on natural history in the English Midlands, combining wildlife and history and gives talks to community groups. As a member of the Warwick Town Council’s volunteers who organise social events in the old Court house/Town Hall, he helps to research and present the eleven hundred year history of his home town.

Wildlife Writer

Rick’s latest book, ‘A Year on the Fosse’ follows the 230-miles of the famous Roman road that spears through the heart of England, relating the history of the market towns and great cities that grew up where the legions had constructed forts. It also describes the wildlife to be found in the various terrains, from the flatlands of Lincolnshire, through the Wolds of the East Midlands, the rich woods and meadows of Warwickshire, the rolling Cotswolds, and the sumptuous cider country of Somerset, ending at the estuary of the River Exe in Devon. The journey charts the changing seasons, month by month with observations about the loss of biodiversity and the impacts of climate change. The book also has plenty of folklore, fable and curious stories to be found along the route of the Fosse Way.

“This delightful journey along the great Fosse Way is a seamless blend of history, wildlife and curious stories, from edible grasshoppers to the original pork pies. But the underlying messages of the need to protect our biodiversity and combat climate change ring loud and clear.”
Rene Wyndham, journalist and broadcaster.

“A fascinating journey, full of facts, fun and philosophy.”
Julia Egan.

A River Avon Year

‘A River Avon Year’ follows the 88-mile course of ‘Shakespeare’s Avon’ from its source in Naseby
through the centre of England until it joins the Severn at Tewkesbury. Month by month the author describes the wildlife along the long-distance footpath called ‘Shakespeare’s Avon Way’ as the seasons change, and the folklore attached to some of the birds, plants and trees to be found in the Avon valley.

The attractive riverside towns all have stories to tell, and the banks of the river have seen many bloody battles that have changed the course of English history and decided who would wear the crown. The author also reflects on the current state of our natural environment – the impacts of climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and the pollution that affects many of Britains rivers. And there are regular references to the plays and poetry of William Shakespeare, the brilliant ‘Swan of Avon’.

“Full of fascinating stories and descriptions of the wildlife to be found along the river that runs like an artery through the heart of England.” David Kelham, High Sheriff of Warwickshire. 

His book,‘Park Life’, describes a year in St. Nicholas Park in his home town of Warwick – a green area by the River Avon rich in surprising wildlife. There are pools with reed beds, areas of scrub and rough ground, and stands of mature trees, all teeming with different species. As the seasons change, he describes the birds, animals and flowers that can be found in the different habitats, with intriguing facts about the legends attached to many of them. And he argues that urban green spaces are more vital to our wellbeing then ever. (Read more)

“Fascinating. Packed with many interesting facts and folklore, celebrating wildlife on your doorstep.” Nic Hallam, BBRC.

“A lovely lyrical read through the seasons’ rhythms.” Ed Green, CEO Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

“Evocative and timely. The variety of wildlife right under our noses is astonishing.”  Penny Dale, Writer and Illustrator.

‘A Year on the Fosse’ (£12), ‘A River Avon Year (£10), and ‘Park Life’ (£10) are available from Amazon, Waterstones, Hive Books, Foyles, Blackwells and all the other leading online booksellers, and many bookshops across the Midlands.

Conference Moderator 

Rick is an experienced moderator of international conferences, specialising in environmental issues. (Read more)

Journalist

A reporter, producer, then senior editor at BBC News, Rick has worked on many development projects for broadcasters across Europe, and was for 12 years the Visiting Professor of Broadcast Journalism at Birmingham City University. His book ‘Writing for Broadcast Journalists’ is a standard reference book at universities and in TV and radio newsrooms. (Read more)

Unlocking Warwick 

Rick is a founder member of ‘Unlocking Warwick’, the Warwick Town Council’s volunteers, helping to organise a range of community events throughout the year. (Read more)

Contact

Rick Thompson

rick@rickthompson.co.uk