Rosa Vasquez Espinoza talks to Nicola Cutcher | The Secrets of the Amazon

Rosa grew up in Peru with the rainforest as her back garden, learning its lessons from her grandmother, a native healer in natural medicine. Now as a biologist and conservationist, she re-explores the Amazon with a unique blend of scientific enquiry and ancient insight.In her book The Spirit of the Rainforest, we meet pink dolphins, killer caterpillars, stingless bees, fish the size of a VW Beetle and a river whose waters flow at boiling point.

Rosa takes ayahuasca with the shamans and travels with the Ashaninka community who practise kametsu asaiki ‘living beautifully’ – ‘honouring the invisible spiritual bond we have with the natural world’.

“The Amazon brings us back to our roots: to the simple yet profound truth that we are an extension of nature and beauty. It teaches us strength and resilience in the face of change. It shows us that generosity overpowers unfairness.”
Rosa Vasquez Espinoza

Rosa will be in conversation with Nicola Cutcher, an investigative journalist, documentary maker, and campaigner against river pollution.

The event takes place in our venue for the weekend, RISE. So come on along, grab a mid-afternoon treat from onsite Rye Bakery and discover what our festival has to offer.

Please note: there is no parking at the venue itself, but there is plenty of long-stay public parking within close walking distance to the venue at Cattle Market Car Park or Merchants Barton Car Park. The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.