I saw the bike first and then the profuse, wiry 'chin insulation.' He looked like a contestant from University Challenge and whizzed past on a recumbent tricycle.

This was the Green Party conference and the stereotype I'd hoped to ditch had materialised into an organic life form before my very eyes.

Like many people, I've flirted with the Greens.

Modern politics offers a paltry choice between the far right or the Conservatives and I'm often tempted to take the eco-friendly option.

And I'm not alone.

There are more Green councillors in Lancaster than anywhere else in the country.

That's why the party choose the city for their annual conference this weekend.

More than 250 delegates camped out at St Martin's College to discuss issues ranging from radioactive waste to water fluoridation.

And, following my encounter with the studious gent on the futuristic bicycle, I was pleasantly surprised to see such an eclectic collection of people enjoying the ambiance of the sun dappled surroundings.

They were all so... well... er, normal!

I've been to the Labour party conference a couple of times and sensed the ambition and zeal behind the platitudes.

But this was more like a gathering of people signing up for gardening lessons or a salsa night class.

There was a calm optimism, a wholesome cheeriness and I noticed that many radiated good health.

There must be something in those mung beans.

Whenever I hear about animal extinction, genetically modified food, electromagnetic pollution, intensive farming, deforestation, ozone depletion, chemical adulteration and corporate domination of the economic system I get depressed at the overwhelming greed and ignorance behind it all.

But the Green rallying cry is 'despair is not an option.'

Like the sensible kid at school, they can sense trouble ahead.

I drifted into a fringe meeting with a member of the Irish parliament.

He took exception to cargoes of deadly plutonium passing through the Irish sea on their way to Sellafield.

Softly spoken and matter of fact, Trevor Sargent revealed that 80 different countries had signed up in opposition to these shipments but the British Government had chosen to ignore them.

The UK, or to be more specific, the beautiful Lake District just up the road, is one of the world's biggest nuclear dustbins.

What if a shipment were to sink somewhere off the coast? It's not unheard of you know - a ship sinking in rough seas.

"Please join us in our opposition," he said before taking a seat to listen to the next speaker.

As an observer I was free to wander wherever and chat to whoever.

Never once did anyone try to hook me with the party line.

I didn't meet any anti-car zealots or puritanical prophets of doom.

My experience was of a workman-like endeavour to think of practical solutions to problems which may, one day, kick us all up the backside.

I' m glad there are ordinary people out there who take an active interest in what's happening on their own doorsteps, in their communities and in the world at large.

Okay, the beard count was high.

It's an easy joke at their expense but I'm sure they don' t mind.

Anyway, Brad Pitt's got a big, wiry beard these days.

Maybe even Hollywood superstars are thinking of going Green?