Rick Thompson

Rick Thompson

Journalist – Wildlife Writer – Moderator – Unlocking Warwick 

Rick worked for BBC News for many years, as a TV reporter and producer, then as a senior editor in the regional, national and international BBC services. He then formed his own training and consultancy network, ‘T-Media’, helping the development of public service broadcasting across Europe. 

Now he is a writer on natural history in the English Midlands, and is a moderator of international conferences on environmental themes. Rick also helps to research the eleven hundred year history of his home town, Warwick, and writes dramatic reconstructions on court cases heard there in former centuries. He is a member of the Town Council’s volunteers who organise community events.

Wildlife Writer

His latest book, ‘A River Avon Year’ follows the 88-mile course of ‘Shakespeare’s Avon’ from its source in Naseby through the centre of England until it joins the Severn at Tewkesbury. Month by month the author describes the wildlife along the way as the seasons change, and the folklore attached to some of the birds, plants and trees to be found in the Avon valley. The attractive riverside towns all have stories to tell, and the banks of the river have seen many bloody battles that have changed the course of English history and decided who would wear the crown.

The author also reflects on the current state of our natural environment – the impacts of climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and the pollution that affects many of Britains rivers. And there are regular references to the plays and poetry of William Shakespeare, the brilliant ‘Swan of Avon’. 

Rick by the river Avon

“Full of fascinating stories and descriptions of the wildlife to be found along the river that runs like an artery through the heart of England.” David Kelham, High Sheriff of Warwickshire. 

His book,‘Park Life’, describes a year in St. Nicholas Park in his home town of Warwick – a green area by the River Avon rich in surprising wildlife. There are pools with reed beds, areas of scrub and rough ground, and stands of mature trees, all teeming with different species. As the seasons change, he describes the birds, animals and flowers that can be found in the different habitats, with intriguing facts about the legends attached to many of them. And he argues that urban green spaces are more vital to our wellbeing then ever. (Read more)

“Fascinating. Packed with many interesting facts and folklore, celebrating wildlife on your doorstep.” Nic Hallam, BBRC.

“A lovely lyrical read through the seasons’ rhythms.” Ed Green, CEO Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

“Evocative and timely. The variety of wildlife right under our noses is astonishing.”  Penny Dale, Writer and Illustrator.

‘A River Avon Year’ and ‘Park Life’ are available from Amazon, Waterstones, Hive Books and all leading online booksellers. Both are priced at just £10.00.

Conference Moderator 

Rick is an experienced moderator of international conferences, specialising in environmental issues. (Read more)

Journalist

A reporter, producer, then senior editor at BBC News, Rick has worked on many development projects for broadcasters across Europe, and was for 12 years the Visiting Professor of Broadcast Journalism at Birmingham City University. His book ‘Writing for Broadcast Journalists’ is a standard reference book at universities and in TV and radio newsrooms. (Read more)

Unlocking Warwick 

Rick is a founder member of ‘Unlocking Warwick’, the Warwick Town Council’s volunteers, helping to organise a range of community events throughout the year. (Read more)

Contact

Rick Thompson

rick@rickthompson.co.uk