Llanbadoc and Usk celebrate the life and work of Alfred Russel Wallace
The date of this year's celebration coincides with the 167th anniversary of the momentous presentation by Wallace and Charles Darwin to the Linnean Society, London. The presentation introduced the world to the idea of evolution by means of natural selection.
Wallace spent his early life in Usk and is often called the 'forgotten father of evolution.' While Darwin's name has become widely recognised, it was Wallace who independently conceived the theory and sent his manuscript to Darwin in 1858 – an act that prompted the historic presentation on July 1 that year.
Wallace's immense stature in the scientific pantheon was summed up by David Attenborough: 'Wallace was one of the great naturalists of the 19th century and is regarded as the period's leading expert on the geographical distribution of animal species.
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'He was also a prolific author, an explorer and social critic – and was indeed one of the most famous people in the world at the time. Today he is best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution by natural selection, which prompted Charles Darwin to publish On the Origin of Species.'
Usk Civic Society has long championed the legacy of Wallace, particularly his local connections and his deep affinity with nature, which was nurtured by the Welsh countryside. This year's event will include talks, exhibitions and a guided walk highlighting local links to Wallace's formative years.
The Civic Society has said: 'Wallace's contribution to science is immense and we are proud to honour him here in Usk. His work helped change the way we understand the natural world and his legacy continues to inspire.'
The event will also explore Wallace's later life, his work in natural history, and his advocacy for social justice, another aspect of his legacy that is being increasingly recognised today.
Using knowledge of species distribution in the Indonesian archipelago, Wallace also correctly predicted continental drift, decades before German scientist Alfred Wegener, who scooped Wallace and others by publicising his findings in 1912. Today, Wegener is credited with the theory.
Wallace's work on species distribution, which identified distinct biogeographical regions, predicted continental drift and this was established by Wallace as early as 1863.
Usk extends a warm welcome to all who are interested in Wallace's legacy and hope their efforts will help recover his presence in the public mind.
Wallace was born in Kensington Cottage, Llanbadoc, 1823 and died in Dorset, 1913.
Anyone attending walks is asked to think about appropriate clothing.
Schedule of events:
11.00 Start and Welcome
11.30 Guided Walk 1 long (1 ½ hour)
11.45 Guided Walk 2 short (1 hour)
11.45 Accessible (wheeled) Walk
12.00 Exhibition in Sessions House12 to 3.45 Short Films- 3 or 4 short films on a repeating loop
1.00 Usk Brass Band
1.00 BYO Picnic in park / Sessions House
1.00 Teas, Coffees, Cake
1.00 Craft Activities
4.00 Talk by Ray Hale. Wild Indonesia: The Search for the Birds of Paradise.
5.00 Finish
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