WEIRD, wonderful and ancient trees are the subject of a talk by photographer and writer Archie Miles, due to take place in Colwall.

Archie, from Stoke Lacey, has always had a passion for landscape and natural history and has carved out a niche working in the world of trees.

After several well received books and projects with the likes of the Tree Council and Woodland Trust, the BBC approached him to produce a tie-in book for new series The Trees That Made Britain, which hits our screens in September. He will also appear in two episodes.

"This is definitely an exciting event for me," said Archie. "It doesn't come much better than getting a tie-in with the BBC."

It was Archie's love of nature that first brought him to the area. He came to Herefordshire to work on a project in 1989, promptly fell in love with it and moved his family there two years later.

"I had never really been there before but my eyes immediately opened to what a stunning place it is," he said. "It's got great character and diversity that you don't get in many other places."

Archie's work is not just a job, it is a passion. Even on a holiday to Spain this year he could not resist picking up his camera to capture the local landscape.

"I'm very lucky in that my work is my hobby and my hobby is my work," he said. "People call me an expert but I'm still learning so much all the time from people I meet - although maybe I know more than most!"

Archie hopes his talk will raise awareness for the Tree Council's Green Monuments campaign, which wants historic trees granted the same protection as buildings.

Tickets to the talk at Colwall Village Hall on Saturday, September 7, at 7.30pm, cost £12.50 including supper and a glass of wine, on 01684 567882. Proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Relief.