About us
BOTANY and other stories was created in 2017 in Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales. Its purpose is to support various ways of learning about nature and its beauty.
It is a registered charity based in Hay-on-Wye (Wales) and its activities are open to all.
Why was BOTANY and other stories founded? To enhance understanding that the human race would stand a better chance of survival if it accepted, as scientist Rachel Carson (1907–1964) pointed out, that “man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself.”
BOTANY and other stories provides an informative platform intended to encourage people of all ages and abilities to observe, understand and learn about the current state of the natural world. Since 2017, initiatives in Hay-on-Wye have included pop-up exhibitions and window displays, concerts and life-size insect puppets, all drawing attention to the natural world.
In 2023 BOTANY and other stories acquired Henallt House in Hay-on-Wye, which has since become home to The Cabinet of Curiosities. This pop-up exhibition has had regular free public openings at which visitors have been invited to browse the many rooms and exhibits, using scientific collections and informative tools including botanical illustration to draw attention to the importance of the environment and the urgency of working towards a sustainable future.
BOTANY and other stories has recently been granted charity status. Upcoming renovations throughout 2025 will convert Henallt House into a permanent space for exhibition and observation of the natural world. The house will be closed to the public until the renovations are complete.
The charity’s objectives
To advance education for the public benefit by:
a) The provision of an observatory of the natural world, using scientific collections and artistic and informative tools, with a particular focus on botanical illustration.
b) The provision of informal educational and and interpretational experiences for people of all ages and abilities, particularly to enhance understanding of the interaction of people, plants, landscape and the environment in a sustainable future.
Some of our activities
The Cabinet of Curiosities, a pop-up exhibition at Henallt House in Hay-on-Wye.
Le Théâtre de la Mode et de la Nature, a series of couture miniatures drawing attention to the ravages of the fashion industry, created by costumier Maizie Hardy.
The Cabbage Leaf, a seasonal free publication focusing on nature, botanical illustration and the climate emergency.
Pop-up exhibitions, activities and theatre in Hay-on-Wye, including Green, The Colossal Critter and The Isle is Full of Noises.
The Trustees of BOTANY and other stories
Imogen Cripps BA Hons Biological Natural Sciences (University of Cambridge). Researcher and head grower.
Jenny Dicker Specialist in Land Management. Farmer.
Emily Jones MPharmS (University of Brighton). Pharmacist. Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Pierre Moulinier Journalist. Geographer and geopolitician (University of Lyon, College of Europe of Bruges).
Françoise Verger Language teacher (University of Bordeaux). Journalist. DIP SBA (Society of Botanical Artists).
Dr Emily Warner Postdoctoral researcher, Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery (University of Oxford).