Ideally, of course, this event should be on a canal, or on a boat moored at the Long Row marina, but …

For over twenty years, Jo Bell, archaeologist and poet, has travelled the waterways of England (and sometimes Wales) meeting extraordinary people in an extraordinary environment. It’s a journey that’s taught her about human nature, including her own; about rope and Brasso and bravery; about ducks and locks.

Jo describes an alternative nation within a nation, a place of different maps and deep history, and home to people who live and work in a world quite separate from the land a few feet away on the banks.

Always at home, always on the move, Jo’s peaceful life is interrupted when a turbulent relationship takes her on a year-long odyssey through tranquil waters and on to the treacherous Bristol Channel. Join her as she navigates shallow waters and deep trouble, and welcomes readers onboard a remarkable voyage through the past, present and future of our remarkable canals and the communities they support. And you can meet her neighbours, the ducks.

Jo Bell is the  former UK Canal Laureate 

‘It’s not a lifestyle. It’s a life’

Refreshments included

Part of our august series of nature-related talks