Public Events
All talks, unless stated otherwise, take place at the Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden, Hertfordshire and start at 7:30pm. They are free of charge and open to the public. For further telephone contact 01582 763133 ext 2260 or email
adelia.depaula@bbsrc.ac.uk.
All Manor Recitals take place at Rothamsted Manor, generally starting at 8pm. For the Manor Recitals only, please contact Margaret Glendining on 01582 763133 ext 2821 or e-mail margaret.glendining@bbsrc.ac.uk. Please note you MUST ALWAYS contact Margaret Glendining if you intend to come to a Manor Recital because sometimes the recitals sell out and people have to be turned away.
Rothamsted also contributes to talks and exhibitions around the country - see the exhibitions page
Open weekend for the publicFree admission Saturday 22nd - Sunday 23rd MayOur science supports sustainable agriculture and the environment and ranges from the molecular level to ecosystem and landscape studies.
» Visit our world class laboratories
» Meet the scientists
» Explore the Rothamsted estate by foot or by bus
» Have a cream tea at the 16th century Rothamsted Manor house
 Click here for more information
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Manor RecitalThe Mediterranea Trio Wednesday 14th AprilMarkella Vandoros (violin), Alessando Sanguineti (‘cello) and Elenlucia Pappalardo (piano). Beethoven Piano Trio in D flat major “Archduke”, Shostakovich Piano Trio No 2 in E minor and Debussy Piano Trio in G minor
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Manor RecitalNigel Woodhouse (mandolin) and Forbes Henderson (guitar) Wednesday 10th FebruaryTo include music by Villa-Lobos, Bach, Vivaldi, Calace, Lauro, Handel and Scheidler
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Manor RecitalGail Hennessy (oboe), Reiko Ichise (viola da gamba) and Terence Charlston (harpsichord) Wednesday 9th DecemberMusic by Abel, Bach, Boismortier, Bryne, Locke and Handel
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Manor RecitalCatherine van de Geest-Montavon (violin) and Anna Markland (piano) Wednesday 14th OctoberBrahms A major violin sonata, Debussy violin sonata and Mozart Bb major violin sonata
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The role that soils play in food quality and environmental protectionTuesday 29th SeptemberHow Rothamsted scientists are helping to alleviate soil problems across the world | | |
Tackling the World's Hidden Hunger CrisisThis event will be held at the University of Surrey Wednesday 9th SeptemberThe world food crisis is not just about providing enough food, it’s also about people getting the right food. Micronutrients such as iron are only needed in small amounts but still essential to health. What is the scale of the micronutrient crisis? Are rising food prices making it worse? Join nutrition, global health, soil and plant scientists to explore approaches to tackling the problem.
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Pest Wars: Understanding the Evolution of Pests and DiseasesThis event will be held at the University of Surrey Tuesday 8th SeptemberSpecies are not fixed in space and time, and in the practical context of agriculture we can see this evolution in action. As we implement new ways of combating pests and diseases, they evolve to overcome them. Come and find out how science can help us to develop more sustainable agricultural practices without threatening food production.
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Manor RecitalThe Chamber Players Wednesday 10th JuneA welcome return by this popular ensemble, playing piano trios by Haydn, Mendelssohn’s Variations Concertantes and Song Without Words for Cello and Piano, and Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.
The brief Manor Recitals Club AGM will be in the interval, followed by wine and soft drinks, and a chance to wander in the Manor Gardens.
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The Park Grass ExperimentThe results from which, Darwin thought to be extremely curious Tuesday 19th MayFollowing on from the meeting on the 5th May, and to mark the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s
birth, we will be holding a special meeting at Rothamsted Manor to allow visitors to see Park
Grass, the oldest experiment on permanent grassland in the world.
By pre-booking only - contact Margaret Creighton on ext 2414.
Tuesday 19th May, 2009 at 7pm – to be held at Rothamsted Manor. (please note earlier time).
Related links Park Grass photo gallery
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The Darwin ConnectionLetters, Park Grass and Worms Tuesday 5th MayCharles Darwin was born 200 years ago, in 1809. He was a prolific letter-writer, and well over 14,000 of his letters are known to have survived. The dozen or so in the Rothamsted Archives, from him and his son Francis, are, therefore, a modest collection but not without interest. The first talk, by John Jenkyn, will briefly summarise this correspondence. All but one of the letters were written during two short periods late in his life. The first set, written in 1875 – 6, includes references to the Park Grass experiment. This is now in its 153rd year and continues to provide new information, much of it relevant to Darwin’s particular interests, including natural selection and speciation. Jonathon Silvertown of the Open University will describe some of the insights that have emerged from his recent research on this important experiment. The second set of letters, written in 1881 – 2, mainly concerns the biology and function of earthworms, the subject of Darwin’s last book, published in October 1881.The vital importance of earthworms in the functioning of ecosystems is now widely understood, and results from recent research on this topic will be presented by Andrew King of Cardiff University.
Entrance is free of charge and no prior booking is required for this event but spaces are limited so it is advisable to arrive early. Related links Park Grass photo gallery
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Manor RecitalLizzie Ball (Violin) and Morgan Szymanski (Guitar) Wednesday 1st April8.00pm in the Great Drawing Room of Rothamsted Manor.
An evening of wonderful repertoire from the folk and tango inspired music of Bartok, Piazzolla, Paganini, de Falla and more.
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The Darwin ConnectionEvolution in Action Tuesday 17th MarchExamples of Rothamsted's work to understand and combat pesticide resistance.
Work at Rothamsted over the past 160 years has helped in the modern-day understanding of selection and evolution. This open meeting will concentrate on one area of this work, that of pesticide resistance, and will focus on how diseases, insect pests and weeds have evolved to overcome chemical protection methods, and the ongoing work to keep one step ahead. | | |
Soils and Earthworm SurveyDiscover the world of earthworms and contribute to important research Saturday 14th MarchSurprisingly little is known about earthworms and the soils they live in, so the OPAL Soil Centre, along with Rothamsted Research, is organising a survey across England to investigate. It will be held on the 14th March 2009. We'd like everyone to get involved. Together we can build a picture of soil quality and earthworm populations across the country.
Enquiries should be addressed to Adélia de Paula on 01582 763133 ext 2260 or email adelia.depaula@bbsrc.ac.uk
Click here for more information
Related links Soils And Earthworm Survey Home (at the OPAL website)
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Manor RecitalMediterranea Trio Wednesday 11th FebruaryThe Mediterranea Trio are Markella Vandoros (Violin), Aleksei Kiseliov ('Cello) and Elenucia Pappalardo (Piano).
Beethoven Piano Trio in D major, op. 70 No. 1, "Ghost"
Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 1 in C minor, op. 8
Haydn Piano Trio in G major, Hob XV: 25, "Gipsy"
Mendelssohn Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, op.66
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Manor RecitalPrimavera Chamber Ensemble Wednesday 10th DecemberAnthony Robb (flute), Paul Manley (violin), Catherine Musker (viola) and Andrew Fuller (cello).
Beethoven Serenade Op 25 and Flute Quartets by Mozart and Rossini.
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How science can improve your foodTuesday 18th November | | |
Manor RecitalAndrew Watkinson and Sara Trickey Violin Duo Wednesday 1st OctoberMusic for Two Violins by Leclair, Bartok, Rawsthorne, Haydn and Prokofiev.
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Thought for food: Science to help feed the developing worldTuesday 16th SeptemberThe current world food crisis has hit the world’s poorest the hardest. Hear about the work that Rothamsted does internationally in building the capacity of developing countries to feed themselves in the face of increasing environmental and economic pressures.
Coffee and tea served afterwards.
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Related links Rothamsted International
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Manor RecitalThe Ludlay String Quartet Wednesday 9th JulyMaeve Cooper and Marie-Anne Mairesse (Violins), Robert Duncan (Viola) and Pavlos Carvalho (‘Cello).
Haydn String Quartet in C, Op33, no.3, “The Bird”
Beethoven String Quartet in E flat, Op74, “The Harp”
Schubert String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D810, “Death and the Maiden”
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Public LectureMosquitoes, the deadliest animal on the planet? Monday 23rd JuneLondon's Chelsea Physic Garden
2.00pm - 3.30pm
Professor Lin Field, President of the Royal Entomological Society, and Dr James Logan, of Rothamsted Research will be delivering a thrilling presentation on the mosquito, an insect which is responsible for more than a million deaths each year and carries fatal viruses such as malaria and yellow fever.
Professor Field and Dr Logan will be bringing live mosquitoes with them and will discuss their latest research into the body chemicals that make people more or less attractive to mosquitoes.
The Public Lecture will be held after the official launch of the National Insect Week campaign. This event is free - please note that bookings must be made in advance for this event by emailing info@nationalinsectweek.co.uk or by calling 01423 567111 and asking for Amy Sutherland. The presentation will be held in the first floor lecture room above the cafe.
Related links Biological Chemistry Department
The Royal Entomological Society
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Food, fuel and finchesMaking room for farmland wildlife Tuesday 29th AprilScientists from Rothamsted Research and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) will talk about current policy options and research projects that aim to make room for British wildlife while maintaining efficient crop protection. | | |
Manor RecitalMiles Golding (baroque violin) and Terence Charlston (harpsichord) Wednesday 2nd AprilMusic by Bach, Handel, Corelli and Vivaldi.
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Ben Osborne - Shell Wildlife Photographer Of The YearDog Days and Lion Nights Thursday 21st FebruaryRothamsted Camera Club and Rothamsted International Scientists and Staff Association are hosting an audio-visual show presented by Ben Osborne, entitled “Dog Days and Lion Nights”, capturing highlights of Ben’s filming expeditions to Botswana for the BBC. It will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday 21 February 2008, in The Fowden Hall and last about 2 hours. Tickets are £7.50 (including tea/coffee) are available from Rothamsted Reception (01582 763133) or Juliet Osborne (01582 763133 ext 2738). Please make cheques payable to ISSA. To see some of his work http://www.benosbornephotography.co.uk/ | | |
Manor RecitalThe Filsell Piano Trio - Oliver Lewis (violin), Neil Heyde ('cello) and Jeremy Filsell (piano) Tuesday 12th FebruaryRACHMANINOV Piano Trio 'Elegiaque' (1892)
MOZART Piano Trio in Bb major K.502
JOHN IRELAND Piano Trio no. 3 in E major
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Manor RecitalThe Four Cellists of the London Mozart Players - Sebastian Comberti, Julia Desbruslais, Sarah Butcher and Ben Chappell Wednesday 12th DecemberThe programme conists of of short pieces, including Sonata in F by Christoph Wagenseil, La Poesia by Saverio Mercadante, Four Pieces by Julius Klengel, Andante by Jacques Offenbach and Konzertwaltzer by Wilhelm Fitzenhagen.
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Energy from the Land? The Biofuels DebateWhat can be done and how will the countryside change? Tuesday 20th NovemberRelated links Science Snapshot: Energy Crops
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Manor RecitalThe Holywell Ensemble - Peter Nichols (clarinet, saxophone), Kate Bailey (violin), Spike Wilson (cello), Margaret Ozanne (piano) Wednesday 10th OctoberThe programme includes Beethoven’s Trio Op 11 for clarinet, cello and piano, Milhaud’s Suite for clarinet, violin and piano and Dvorak’s Piano Trio in F minor.
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Why do insecticides fail?A review of insecticide-resistance, what causes it and the ways we can go to overcome it. Tuesday 25th SeptemberInsecticide sprays can lose their efficacy due to the insects becoming resistant, but new insecticides are becoming prohibitively expensive to produce. How do insects manage to 'shrug off' these chemical toxins? Are some insecticides less resisted than others? How can we overcome the conundrum of insecticide resistance? Related links Plant and Invertebrate Ecology Department
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Heritage Open Day at Rothamsted ManorFrom 10am to 4pm Saturday 8th SeptemberThe main hall and the great drawing room of Rothamsted Manor in Harpenden,Herts, as well as the Manor gardens, will be open to the public free of charge, as part of the Heritage Open Day scheme. No pre-booking required. Related links Rothamsted Manor website
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Manor RecitalRachel Latham (flute) and Julian Perkins (harpsichord) Wednesday 13th JuneJS Bach, Telemann, Scarlatti, Handel, Boismortier, Nares and Thumoth
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New Science from Old SamplesHow can 160 year old archived samples help answer current scientific questions? Monday 30th AprilRelated links Rothamsted's Classical Experiments
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Manor RecitalFormer BBC Young Musician of the Year, Anna Markland (piano) Wednesday 25th AprilScarlatti, Beethoven, Ferguson, Debussy, Kapustin and Rachmaninov. This is a special fund raising concert, in aid of the ‘piano fund’. We have been raising money for the last two years to replace the Manor Recitals Club piano: it has done sterling service, but now needs replacing. Anna Markland has very kindly donated her services for this concert, and we are not charging a standard ticket price, but instead inviting donations.
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Manor RecitalThe Chamber Players - Maya Magub (violin), Julia Knight (viola), Sarah Butcher (cello) and Ruth Bolister (oboe) Wednesday 14th FebruaryBeethoven’s Trio for Strings in C minor (Op 9 No 3), Britten’s Phantasy for Oboe and Strings Op 2, Lennox Berkeley’s Trio for Strings Op 19 and Mozart’s Quartet for Oboe and Strings in F K370.
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The next generation of GM crops?Tuesday 7th NovemberThis meeting considers recent improvements in GM technologies and future applications such as improving food quality and safety. What is the future for such crops in the UK and worldwide? | | |
Rothamsted Open WeekendSaturday 30th September - Sunday 1st OctoberRothamsted will be opening its laboratories to the public, with interactive exhibits on many different aspects of our science.
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150 years of the Park Grass experimentWednesday 24th MayPark Grass is the longest standing ecology experiment of its kind. To mark its 150th anniversary, we will hold a special open meeting at Rothamsted Manor, followed by a walk around the field experiment.
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Having the nerve to travelHow neurones meet in the dark Thursday 16th MarchProfessor Phillip Robert Gordon Weeks of the MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College, London describes his work to understand how our nervous system develops. | | |
MosquitoesThe most dangerous animals on the planet? Tuesday 31st JanuaryThe latest on monitoring, repelling and controlling these bothersome and disease-carrying pests.
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The farm as factory: non-food cropsTuesday 20th SeptemberAs industrial processors, crops have the advantage of being biodegradable and renewable. This meeting will feature three contrasting projects using crops to produce; healthy fatty acids, eco-friendly fuels and essential oils. | | |
Heritage Open Day at Rothamsted ManorFrom 10am to 4pm Saturday 10th SeptemberThe main hall and the great drawing room of Rothamsted Manor in Harpenden,Herts, as well as the Manor gardens, will be open to the public free of charge, as part of the English Heritage Open Day scheme. No pre-booking required.
Click here for more information
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Guided walking tour of the estateMeet at the conference centre at 10.00am Sunday 29th MayElspeth Bartlet will lead a guided walking tour of the Rothamsted estate, visiting growing crops and field experiments. No pre-booking required. The walk will last approximately 2 hours. | | |
Pushing and pulling pests around AfricaTuesday 17th MayJohn Pickett explains how Rothamsted science is being used to support intercropping systems that protect African crops from pests and weeds. These successful schemes are having a profound social impact on local communities. | | |
The Plight of the BumblebeeExhibition from 4pm, talk at 7pm Tuesday 15th MarchFind out how Rothamsted scientists Juliet Osborne and Lizzie Cant are working to understand the importance of bumblebees as pollinators and halt their decline. The talks will be accompanied by an exhibition of work by artist Sally Haynes who has been inspired by the plight of these tiny creatures. | | |
Squid and Octopus Ecology and FisheriesTuesday 11th JanuaryOverfishing of squid and octopus is affecting marine ecology on a global scale. Paul Rodhouse, Head of the Biological Sciences Division, British Antarctic Survey, will describe how orbiting satellites are being used to investigate the direct and indirect influences of fishing on marine ecosystems. In association with the IOB and the Eastern region of the BAAS. | | |
Public Consultation on Management of the Lime AvenueTuesday 16th NovemberRothamsted's Lime Avenue is in need of some TLC. Some trees are diseased and need felling now, others will need felling in years to come. The avenue, which is a public footpath for much of its length, is much-loved by local residents and Rothamsted seeks your views in developing a management plan to ensure the avenue's future for generations to come.
The consultation will take place at the Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden, Herts at 7.00pm (coffee and tea served afterwards)
Entrance is free of charge and no prior booking is required.
 Click here for a report on this meeting
Click here for the presentation given by Patrick Stileman concerning Management Strategy | | |
Guided walking tour of the estateSunday 10th OctoberDr Elspeth Bartlet will lead a guided walking tour of the Rothamsted estate, visiting the Roman temple, long term field experiments and other points of interest
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Life under the MicroscopeTuesday 28th September60 years ago Rothamsted received one of the first electron microscopes in Britain. This talk will sum up the history of electron microscopy at Rothamsted and display some of the stunning images from Rothamsted's new bioimaging suite. We will also discuss how this new facility is advancing our knowledge of plant biology. | | |
Heritage Open DayOpening of Rothamsted Manor House and Gardens. 10am - 4pm Sunday 12th SeptemberUnder this national scheme the main hall and the great drawing room of Rothamsted Manor together with the manor gardens will be open to the public free of charge. Rothamsted's 16th century manor house is usually closed to the public. Visitors are asked to park between the trees on the avenue leading up to the Manor. | | |
Tour of the Rothamsted FarmTuesday 25th MayClimb into a farm trailer for a tour around the estate to see its history (including the Roman temple) and current experiments. Free of charge but pre-booking with contact below is required. | | |
What's in a clone?Tuesday 20th AprilFrom the greenfly in your garden to Dolly the sheep and human cloning, Hugh Loxdale will discuss the science and ethics of clonality. In association with the IOB and the Eastern region of the BAAS. | | |
The farm scale trials of GM cropsWhat have we learnt from the largest agricultural ecology experiment ever? Tuesday 16th MarchTo mark national science week, the scientists behind the farm scale trials of GM crops will discuss what these trials have taught us, not just about GM, but also about wildlife on British farmland. | | |
Public Events