I have been a Trustee of local charity the John Ray Trust since 2015, and this year I designed new signage for the Trust’s public garden in Braintree. The aim of this signage is to help visitors to discover more about John Ray’s remarkable achievements and about the historical plants in the garden. Working in the 1600s, Ray produced the first scientific definition of a species and founded the scientific study of the natural world in Britain.
Aware of John Ray’s significance as I lived in his home village for many years, my fascination in his story grew when I started researching him for Braintree District Museum in 2013. From there his work and the study of the natural world became the focus of successful events at the museum, and in 2015 the Trust invited me to become a Trustee, a role I continue to enjoy.
Ray studied an extraordinary number of species, including over 18,000 plants from around the world plus birds, animals, fish and insects. Prior to Ray understanding of the natural world was governed by myth and superstition. He insisted on field-work, observation and scientific methodology,
Ray’s published works also include geology, theology, a three-language dictionary and a collection of English proverbs and words. He is our earliest source for many words in the Oxford English dictionary. Ray’s success was particularly remarkable as he was the poor son of the village blacksmith . He studied at the University of Cambridge, and taught there until 1662. Following extensive travels around Britain and Europe he later settled back in Black Notley until his death in 1705.
It was so rewarding to see over 200 people turn up to support the official launch of the signage, and to see families enjoying the garden and the activities on offer together. The signage was officially opened by the Chairman of Braintree District Council. The families enjoyed a range of free activities, including building an insect hotel for the garden, making their own geological planet, creating a butterfly mosaic and planting a sunflower seed to take home. There was also free face painting with Funky Fun Parties and Facepainting.
Jennifer Rowland 