A Wagon In The Woods with James Aldridge
THE PIG | Wednesday 9th September 2026Join us at our house for an afternoon with award-winning wildlife cameraman and nature writer James Aldred as he chats with Emma Cripwell about his latest book, A Wagon in the Woods. Afterwards, settle into the restaurant for a few Piggy Bits, followed by a seasonal two-course lunch with carefully paired wines – the perfect way to round off an afternoon of good conversation, good food and all things New Forest.
12:15pm - 3pm
£75 per person
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James Alderidge
James grew up on the edge of the New Forest and spent his teenage years exploring it. By fifteen he was building forest shelters, sleeping rough in the woods and spending much of his time up in the branches of trees. These days, he works in the treetops as an Emmy award-winning wildlife cameraman working regularly with National Geographic and the BBC, collaborating on many landmark natural history programmes with David Attenborough. He is also the author of The Man Who Climbs Trees and Goshawk Summer, for which he won the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing 2022. He lives with his family near Bristol and enjoys returning to the Forest to share it with his wife and sons whenever he can.
How the afternoon will unfold…
First things first...
We'll welcome you with a glass of fizz and a few Piggy Bits before settling in for the talk, followed by a seasonal two-course lunch with paired wines in the restaurant at THE PIG-in the New Forest.
Table talk...
James will be joined in conversation by Emma Cripwell as they chat about his latest book, A Wagon in the Woods. From restoring a forgotten Romani wagon to rediscovering the wildlife and history of the New Forest, James shares the stories behind the pages, along with the people, places and wildlife that inspired them. There'll be time for audience questions too.
About the book...
A Wagon in the Woods is James Aldred's beautifully evocative memoir of restoring a forgotten Romani wagon while reconnecting with the landscape that first sparked his love of nature. Along the way, he meets master craftspeople, uncovers the rich history of the New Forest and spends time amongst its extraordinary wildlife, making it a heartfelt celebration of people, place and the wild corners of Britain.
Stay for lunch...
After the conversation, make your way to the restaurant where we'll be serving a seasonal two-course lunch paired with carefully chosen wines. Expect dishes inspired by the surrounding countryside and plenty of ingredients picked fresh from our Kitchen Garden and sourced from our local suppliers.
Before you head home...
If you'd like, you'll have the chance to pick up a copy of A Wagon in the Woods and continue the conversation before heading off, hopefully with a little more appreciation for the landscapes right on our doorstep.
When, where, how much…
When & Where?
Join us on Wednesday 9th September 2026, from 12:15pm to 3:00pm, at THE PIG-in the New Forest in Brockenhurst for an afternoon of stories, seasonal food and conversation with James Aldred.
How much?
£75 per person
What's included?
Your afternoon includes a welcome drink on arrival, an inspiring conversation between James Aldred and Emma Cripwell, the chance to ask your own questions during the live Q&A, followed by a selection of Piggy Bits, a seasonal two-course lunch with paired wines, all enjoyed in true THE PIG style.
Handy things to note...
We'll be seating guests at our sociable sharing tables, so it's a lovely chance to meet fellow book lovers over lunch.
If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of your visit so our kitchen team can look after you.
As much as we love your four-legged friends, we kindly ask that they stay at home for this event.
