This book is an account of the work and legacy of Cardiff University's former Field Centre at Llysdinam in Mid-Powys, as seen through the eyes of its Director Dr Fred Slater. Fred is well-known in Wales as a professional ecologist and naturalist, and as a broadcaster, writer and speaker. He tells of his pride in his Blackcountry heritage as well as in the Centre's contributions to our understanding of the countryside and environment of Wales and further afield.