AN AWARD-WINNING explorer is heading to west Dorset later this month to host an expert talk at the popular Fossil Festival.

Charlotte Austwick will hold a presentation at Marine Theatre as part of the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, where she will be revealing what it is like to be an explorer in the 21st Century.

The adventurer will be sharing stories, tales and experiences from her work with the Maya in central America and about her time living on a remote volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean 1000 miles from the nearest mainland coast.

“I am very excited to be giving a talk in Lyme Regis, which holds a special place in my heart and is where I spent many childhood summer holidays,” said Ms Austwick.

“Growing up, I didn’t know many people who liked geology as much as I did, so I used to love visiting Lyme Regis where I learned so much about the different fossils.

“So now, to be speaking at the Fossil Festival is particularly special for me and I hope that I can inspire others to follow their passions, both in geology and the world of exploration.”

Ms Austwick began her journeys of exploration in the Arctic circle before moving on to the plains of Africa.

In 2019 she was named the Scientific Exploration Society’s rivers foundation explorer of the year.

This allowed her to further pursue living and working with indigenous Maya in central America in order to protect their language and culture.

Currently, Ms Austwick is now preparing to become a member of a humanitarian aid and conservation expedition to the rainforests of the Amazon, for a trip later this year.

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, which draws crowds in their thousands to the area, is back in-person for the first time in three years on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1.

Her talk at the event will include video clips, photographs and the chance to get up close to indigenous Mayan made objects, followed by a question and answers session.

Tickets for the event cost £8, to book yours visit the Marine Theatre on Mondays or Fridays, or purchase them from the Bridport Tourist Information Centre online or by calling 0333 666 3366.