Join ecologists Jazmeen Isa Qureshi, Connor Butler and Kiran Lee for a refreshing conversation on the potential of queer ecology to rethink how we understand nature, biodiversity, and our relationship with the living world.
As part of Barn Conversations: Sowing Knowledge, Growing Change, this session invites reflection on how ecological systems challenge rigid ideas about gender, sexuality, and “natural” order, and what this means for science, environmentalism, and the future of biodiversity.
What to Expect:
- 6:00 PM – Doors open | Take a stroll down the gardens and find a seat at the Barn or grab a refreshment from our dry bar.
- 7 PM – Conversation Begins
- 8:30 PM – Conversation ends
About the speakers:
Connor Butler
Connor the Ecologist is a freelance entomologist and educator with a decade of experience connecting people with the natural world. He is the former Head of Learning at London’s oldest botanic garden and has also studied dung beetles across London’s parks. To date, Connor has encouraged over 10,000 people to take time to appreciate the smallest details in nature and to show love for the often unloved species on our planet. His recent work focuses on “Queer Ecology“, which challenges perceptions of what is considered natural or unnatural and aims to break down the barriers that minority groups face when interacting with nature.
@connor_the_ecologist
Jazmeen Isa Qureshi
Jazmeen Isa Qureshi (they/she), is an interdisciplinary Phd-ing "Queering" Ecologist, Poet, Facilitator, "escaped" Marine biologist and Environmental Advisor. Their practice centres on reimagining relationships between people and the natural world through decolonial, community-led approaches, creating spaces for collective learning, care, and connection. Jazmeen works across workshops, research, and public programming to challenge dominant environmental narratives and to foreground queer, diasporic, and more-than-human perspectives.
@jazmeenswildheart/
Kiran Lee (Moderator)
Kiran Lee is OmVed Gardens’ ecologist. A naturalist with a passion for understanding nature, he has previously volunteered at the Natural History Museum, London Zoo and London Wildlife Trust. Kiran has recently completed his PhD with the Seychelles Warbler Project using genomics (entire DNA sequences of individuals) to understand the ecology and evolution of island-endemic Seychelles warblers, which had nearly gone extinct in the 1960s. Key influences are his mother, a keen gardener and grandmother, both botanist and biology teacher. He also aims to improve diversity and accessibility in science and in natural spaces.
About OmVed Gardens:
OmVed Gardens is a garden, exhibition, events, and learning space in North London dedicated to exploring the connections between food, ecology and creativity for health and climate resilience. We are on a mission to inspire ecological awareness and action, and deepen our understanding of interconnectedness with the natural world.
As a registered Community Interest Company, all our activities prioritise social and ecological objectives. Whether collaborating with chefs, creatives, gardeners, or schools, OmVed Gardens is a hub for education, connection, and action. We aim to inspire individuals and communities to reimagine their role in building a healthier, more resilient world.
We work to increase biodiversity - of species, seeds, food systems, and participation, through regenerative gardening, seed saving, habitat creation, and ecological education. Our space serves as a living example of how urban areas can be transformed into thriving ecosystems that support both human and non-human communities.
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www.omvedgardens.com · @omvedgardens
Subsidised Tickets:
We have a few reserved tickets at a subsidised rate. If this workshop is not monetarily accessible, please write to us at events@omvedgardens.com to avail yourself of a subsidised ticket rate. Subject to availability.
Refund Policy:
Tickets are non-refundable, except in cases where an event is sold out and a waiting list exists for the session. Refund requests can be made up to 10 days prior to the session. Please write to us for any refund inquiries.
