About Patrick Harding

Patrick Harding; freelance broadcaster, author and adult teacher offered a number of illustrated talks suitable for a wide range of societies (see link above to Talks) and tutored on weekend and week-long residential courses aimed at interested adults (see link to Day and Residential Courses). He has written 8 books and offered a by return service for signed copies (see link to Patrick's Books). His many media appearances include 'The Flying Gardener', 'Castle in the Country' (three series), 'Richard and Judy', 'BBC Breakfast', 'The Natural History of Christmas', 'Britain's Best Wildlife: Nature's Top 40', Radio 4 'Up Country' and Radio 2 Chris Evans.

Patrick was best known for his interest in mushrooms and toadstools. As a mycologist he was frequently described as a fungi (fun guy) despite the fact that fungi are plural! His four books on the subject include two on edible species and his residential courses, which took place in many locations throughout Britain during September and October, concentrated on the identification of common and edible species; with practical sessions on how to cook them. He was also an expert on fungal folklore and the links between fungi and music, literature, medicine and Christmas.

As a botanist he ran courses and gave talks on the identification of Britain's wild flowers and also about our native trees. He was especially interested in the scientific basis behind the medicinal (and other) uses of plants, a topic covered in his book 'Patrick's Florilegium'. Patrick was keen to bring together science and the arts; on many courses he included sessions on poetry and prose.

In November and December, Patrick gave courses and talks all about Christmas; his best-selling book on the subject is now available as a download. The last talk he added to his list was titled all about Easter.