Ian Brand - The Twelve Plants Of Christmas

The Twelve Plants of Christmas

We have many Christmas traditions, many of them plant or food based. Ian takes us on seasonal tour, encompassing everything from ‘Holly and Ivy’ to ‘Brussel Sprouts and Cranberry sauce’. There is something for everyone, geography, history, popular science, botany, even cooking tips, but above all there are going to be some interesting stories.

Ian studied medicine in Cardiff, followed by a varied career from teaching hospital appointments to general practice on the North York Moors, before pursuing a career in radiology, spending the last twenty-two years as a consultant at Airedale General.

Now retired he has rekindled his teenage interest in botany. This includes writing a nature notes column for three local papers, giving regular talks, and leading botanical-themed walks.

When he is not botanising, he can be found out cycling, walking, and running around his beloved Wharfedale, enjoying the latest screenings at Ilkley cinema and the occasional pint at his local pub.

Ian Brand