A TV naturalist provided the guest talk as a wildlife group in Welshpool marked its 75th anniversary.

Iolo Williams gave a talk at Welshpool Methodist Church for members of the Montgomeryshire Field Society on September 10, joining the group at Welshpool Methodist Church.

Mr Williams presented a talk at the celebration event, covering topics such as his own history with wildlife, current events that concern the Montgomeryshire Field Society and the future of biodiversity in the area for generations to come.

Iolo said that as a Montgomeryshire child he didn't enjoy sitting in chapel, he preferred going out into the wild and spoke about how his life as a naturalist began with bird-watching, particularly around Lake Vrynwy.

He opened with optimism, describing the re-introduction of the red kite, now doing well in the UK, Wales and this county.

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Mr Williams’ speech also noted the decline of other species in the area, many to drastically small numbers such as the Ring Ouzel, Curlew and Merlin.

He warned of the 'shifting baseline' where young people don't realise the numbers of birds, insects and wildflowers that their grandparents took for granted, so current populations seem 'normal' when in fact they are dangerously low.

Iolo also expressed concern about the current drought and pollution affecting rivers and their wildlife.

Since the Field Society was formed by Janet McNair in 1947, members have rambled in and beyond Montgomeryshire, attended talks and training sessions on wildlife and nature.

The society operates with the principles of protecting, observing and recording wildlife in the area, with annual reports from the society being sent to Newtown Library, the National Library of Wales, Shropshire Archives and the Natural History Museum in London.

Penny Condry was also introduced as Guest of Honour, as her late husband William had presented talks at the twenty fifth and fiftieth anniversaries of Montgomeryshire Field Society, so the group says her presence at this celebration, at the age of 100, was very welcome.

Iolo and Penny Condry cut the celebration cake, which was served along with a special tea featuring local produce, to more than 70 MFS members and guests.