In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Newquay Community Orchard - Online
Newquay Community Orchard
Newquay, Cornwall, TR72SL
United Kingdom

Alicia Ray

Clinical Psychologist

Alicia Ray is a registered clinical psychologist, therapist, and yoga teacher. Alongside her full-time role as Lead Clinical Psychologist she founded Alicia Ray Wellbeing; a platform for hosting yoga and mindfulness classes, retreats, workshops and training. Alicia recognises that spending time outdoors and forming a connection to the environment by being in nature is an important aspect of wellbeing. From training to be a yoga teacher immersed in nature in Costa Rica and the Philippines, she learned that there is greater benefit of taking yoga outdoors as it encourages people to embrace the elements, soak up their surroundings and form a positive relationship with nature. Finding out what leads to greater connection is what drives Alicia to work in this field. She is passionate about finding ways to help people connect to mind and body and find ways to be more present in their environment.

Ben Quinn

Ben - food visionary, business owner and author - credits Mediterranean grandmothers for his love of cooking. By making honest, tasty meals from the age of 13 for his large family, community food quickly became Ben’s passion, and the connection between good people, good food and making lifetime memories became his purpose. Today, Ben engages the local, year-round community in Cornwall through his pioneering hospitality businesses, including Canteen Cornwall and Canteen at the Orchard (watch this green space). Ben’s events companies Woodfired Canteen and Woodfired Weddings are world leaders and his consultancy brand, Ideas, has helped the counties biggest brands find purpose in what they do in business. Ben's talk - "Good Food, Good Values" - explores his aim of making lifetime memories through the sharing of food, and the important role that locally grown food has when it comes to community connection.

Matt Vernon

Matt had the 'advantage' of growing up poor. Through necessity his father turned their garden over to veg, took him out fishing, foraging, and shooting. Matt went to school with hand-me down clothes, but a pheasant and organic home-grown salad sandwich. His interest for the outdoors took him to college to study Countryside Management where he learnt about habitats, ecology, conservation and sustainability. When Matt moved to Cornwall he started a shellfish supply business, free diving to hand-pick mussels. During this time he supplied several major restaurants and made numerous TV appearances promoting the use of sustainable local produce that supports small businesses. Wild mussels led Matt back to wild food. Now Matt’s emphasis is on foraging. His focus is to educate people about the variety, nutrition, and sustainability of wild food. As a self-taught, free-lance, foraging chef he has featured at various events across Cornwall. These include feast nights at locations such at Heligan Gardens, food demonstrations at festivals, and charity events. His goal is to encourage people to explore their local environment to tap into the wild edibles on their doorstep. Matt is passionate about connecting all generations with nature and promoting sustainability. He is enthusiastic about educating children and changing their perception of the world around them, he runs sessions in collaboration with schools and summer camps. Alongside foraging Matt promotes an appreciation for the local habitat, wildlife and their interactions with each other. He is keen to teach people about how each individual person can have a positive effect on their environment, and make a difference to the world around them.