Our beautiful local landscapes and their history are the topic of a series of winter talks at Snainton Village Hall.

The talks will uncover the wonders of the local geology that makes the North York Moors so beautiful – and why the huge Lake Pickering disappeared. There’s the fascinating story of the Forestry Commission. And news of one of the greatest Roman discoveries made in Britain.

First up on Thursday 20 October it’s local resident and author Roger Osborne on the sweeping landscapes of the North York Moors, which owe their beauty to the underlying Jurassic rocks. Roger will show how the rocks have created a geological wonder and provided us with our amazing landscape.

Next, on Thursday 17 November it’s the story of the Forestry Commission. From being environmentally "ugly ducklings" our forests are turning into "swans", accepted landscapes that safeguard some of our rarest flora and fauna. Former head of biodiversity at the Forestry Commission Brian Walker will take us through the fascinating story.

In 2021, during work on a new housing estate at Eastfield, the remains of an astonishing complex of Roman buildings were uncovered. It turned out to be one of the most important Roman discoveries in Britain. Paula Ware, who directed the dig, will discuss the excavation on Thursday 19 January.

And to round off - the beautiful Vale of Pickering was once under water. But why and when did Lake Pickering exist? And what bought the lake to an end? This fully illustrated talk on Thursday 16 February with Roger Osborne shows how the shoreline of the lake changed, until the waters finally drained away.

All the talks are at Snainton Village Hall, just off the High Street, starting at 7pm. Tickets cost £3.50 and can be booked via Eventbrite at bit.ly/snaintalks.