Last June, a group of 70 walkers took part in the first Ancestor's Trail along the Quantock Hills in Somerset. The project, named after Richard Dawkins’ book the 'Ancestor's Tale', combines hill walking, biodiversity,evolution and Humanism. It represents, as far as we know, the very first biological pilgrimage and we hope to establish the event as an annual celebration of our shared origins through evolution.
How does it work? Simultaneously a number of disparately located walking groups will begin trails that eventually coalesce, depicting the story of evolution in reverse. The number of walkers following the trail will gradually swell as tributary groups, representing the various branches the tree of life, merge with the main body of walkers. Eventually, the ever-increasing band of 'pilgrims' will arrive together at a fossil strewn beach, where we will celebrate life's 3.7 billionth birthday with a small science festival. You can choose the distance of your walk through the trail you decide to follow, and all walkers are offered coach transport to the start of their trails so that they walk back to their cars.
The 2011 event is located at the same location on Sunday the 29th May (a bank Holiday weekend). Whilst the concept attempts to maintain scientific integrity, it is primarily a celebration, and what self respecting celebration is complete without music? To this end this year's trail will be punctuated by a range of artistic, as well as scientific contributions. We were very fortunate that Baba Brinkman (the evolutionary rap artist of Edinburgh Festival fame) performed at our 2010 event and we intend to continue this science-art collaboration. We already have confirmed bookings for Jonny Berliner (a science singer-songwriter), the British Humanist Choir (of 9 Lessons and Carols for Godless people fame), Bob Churchill from the BHA in London, Steve Pinn with his birds of prey and, depending on our ticket sales, hopefully much more.
Last year we celebrated the International Year of Biodiversity and from now on we intend to promote the work of a different wildlife charity each year. 2011 has been assigned our 'Year of the butterfly'. Walkers will be encouraged to raise sponsorship (£ per billion years walked!) for the Butterfly Conservation group; Europe's biggest insect charity.
Lastly, for those wishing to come from further afield, we will this year be in a position to offer two night accommodation/camping at the trail end festival site. Details of how to book will shortly be posted on our website. http://ancestorstrail.net/
The event price will be £20 per person which includes bus transport to your trail start, all speakers, the acts along the walk and longer contributions from our performers at our trail end festival. The walk itself is just £10.
We hope to see you there!
We hope to see you there!
