COFFEE and conservation are on the menu at Shenfield's Green Bean Coffee Co.

The coffee shop has organised free, monthly talks by The Wilderness Foundation UK and speakers on the environment and natural world have been lined up for the coming year.

The idea is the brainchild of shop owner Charl Chapman, who suggested his Hutton Road cafe as a venue.

Charl said: "Our motto is coffee with a conscience and the talks are in keeping with our ethos. We support ethical products, conservation and sustainably grown coffee. We would like the coffee shop to be a place that stimulates healthy discussion, a place to meet and talk over a coffee.

"We are open in the evenings and clubs and associations are welcome to hold meetings at the cafe for free. All we ask is they support us and buy our coffee."

Planned talks include a discussion on what climate change means for Essex by Graham Game on March 2 and Jo Roberts will talk on Wild Youth: Community Solutions, on April 6.

Richard Corby from The Wilderness Foundation UK – which is dedicated to preserving wild places – said: "This is a great opportunity to establish some real roots in Essex and raise awareness about what we do.

"We've been here for a number of years but local people don't seem to know much about us."

He added: "We will focus on current topics that interest local people, told in a light-hearted and informative way. We want to keep in touch with local people and help them get in touch with the wildlife on their doorstep."

The talks take place from 7 to 8pm on the first Monday of the month, except bank holidays when it will be the second Monday.

The talks are free but donations are appreciated.

For more information call The Wilderness Foundation UK on 01245 44307, cafe manager Suzanne on 01277 204809 or visit www. wildernessfoundation.org.uk