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Matt Swarbrick, a farmer in North West Wales, shares with us the journey of Henbant. Using the principles of holistic decision making and agriwilding, they’ve created a thriving ecosystem that enables them to produce delicious nutrient dense food and magical spaces for both people and nature. Enjoy Matt’s warmth and passion as he paints a picture of the beautiful world they are creating.
Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest: Matt Swarbrick, HenbantMatt Swarbrick is a permaculture inspired farmer at Henbant in North Wales. An ecologist and filmmaker by background he and his family and the Henbant team are on a mission to prove that with a small farm you can produce good food, financial profit, build soil and biodiversity, build a community and enjoy it all at the same time. Henbant has an 80 share CSA scheme and produces enough eggs, beef and veg for 80 local families from amongst a diversity of silvopasture systems. They are now working with the Wildlife trust to explore the space between ecologically intensive farming and maximum biodiversity enhancement; agri-wilding Henbant’s watershed. Henbant runs a range of courses in and is one of Europe’s leading models of small scale regenerative agroecology.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-swarbrick-322503289/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.henbant.org/
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, focused on food production focused developments.
[00:06:48] Matt introduces himself and his background.
[00:12:30] Matt describes their journey to Henbant and the layout of the farm.
[00:17:25] We discuss their approach; holistic decision making and the concept of agriwilding.
[00:24:33] Tom and Chloe question Matt about the food Henbant is producing including the importance of agroforestry.
[00:30:11] We discuss risk, entrepreneurship and the value of diversification.
[00:35:58] Chloe asks about how people are invited to join the system at Henbant.
[00:39:16] Matt tells us about the courses that are run from Henbant.
[00:43:42] We question Matt about the future vision for...
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How do you make a nation regenerative? What does it take to transform the Wye and Usk catchments? Jyothi Banerjee and North Star Transition are asking some of the most complex questions of our time, with three clear objectives: to propose a plan which is transformative, locally owned and investable. This is a fascinating conversation about systems change from an incredibly articulate communicator.
Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest: Jyoti Banerjee, Co-Founder and CEO of North Star TransitionJyoti was part of the team that created the Integrated Reporting movement globally. He has been an impact investor for two decades and used to be an entrepreneur in the tech sector. He taught technology entrepreneurship at Said Business School, University of Oxford. He grew up in New Delhi and lives in London.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyoti-banerjee/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.northstartransition.org/
Helpful Links:Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcastCitizen Zoo Conference Details: https://www.citizenzoo.org/https://sites.google.com/citizenzoo.org/2025rewildingconference
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, including our new ‘podcast journeys’ (find them on the Grange Project podcast webpage), a new floor for the Wilder Hub and the Citizen Zoo Conference: Rewilding Our Future.
[00:05:20] Jyoti introduces himself and the origin of North Star Transition.
[00:10:55] We hear about the approach of North Star Transition and their ambition to make Wales a regenerative nation.
[00:17:20] Jyoti sets the context for the Wye Usk Transition Lab by describing why this landscape is in crisis.
[00:21:30] Tom asks why the landscape is still deteriorating despite over 20 years of understanding and Jyoti describes the risk of the ‘silver bullet’ and the importance of asking the right question.
[00:25:53] We discuss the role of the...
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We journey across Europe with James Shooter, host of the rewild podcast. From inspirational community led rewilding projects, to the trial and tribulations of road tripping, sit back and enjoy his story-telling skills. On that theme, we end the episode with a discussion about the role of communications and collaboration in the rewilding movement.
Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Grange Project Partnership Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HNUjLB-bWDTgv4AJoYG7uUoAWEBE9q28/view?usp=drive_link
Our Guest:James Shooter is a nature photographer, filmmaker and podcaster currently based in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. He’s fully immersed in the world of rewilding, the large-scale restoration of nature, and finding ways to communicate positive environmental stories through a variety of different media.
For the last 10 years he has worked at Scottish rewilding charity, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture as a visual content creator and guide. Throughout 2023 & 2024 he was travelling across the continent, teaming up with Rewilding Europe, to produce The Rewild Podcast - immersive discussions with an army of passionate people fighting back for nature.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-shooter-b1920256/?originalSubdomain=uk
Website: https://www.jamesshooter.com/
Podcast: https://rewildingeurope.com/the-rewild-podcast/
Resources:3D Artist Karen: https://therubycube.com/Grange Project Partnership Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HNUjLB-bWDTgv4AJoYG7uUoAWEBE9q28/view?usp=drive_link
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There is a vision in Cornwall, one of large scale nature recovery from land to sea. In this episode we hear the story and the vision of ‘Tor to Shore’, eloquently described by Matt Walpole, CEO of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. We discuss unexpected challenges (looking at you beavers), the importance of joined up landscapes and the power of community engagement.
Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest:As an ecologist by training, Matt spent ten years conducting conservation research in Africa and Asia at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent. He then moved to Cambridge and the conservation charity sector, where he has been for the last 18 years.
Matt has worked in leadership roles for international charities such as the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and Fauna & Flora International. He is a longstanding member of the judging panel of the World Responsible Travel Awards and has acted as a trustee for various conservation organisations, including the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire where he is currently Chair of the Conservation, Education and Communities Committee. He also directed a ground-breaking UK-wide assessment of the value of nature to society for Defra and the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwalpole71/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/
Resources:https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/tor-to-shore
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, including a few rewilding facts and the value of pig ‘micro-habitats’.
[00:08:35] Our guest for today, Matt Walpole, introduces himself and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
[00:13:01] We discuss what ‘rewilding’ means to the Trust and how they are applying these principles.
[00:18:10] Tom and Chloe question Matt about the role of animals on the landscape.
[00:20:51] Matt gives us an overview of the Tor to Shore project, including the opportunity to increase carbon sequestration through...
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For both new and regular listeners, we cover everything you need to know about the Grange Project one year in. Whether you’re interested in the physical changes, how we intend to finance the project or our vision for nature education, we hope you find value in our enthusiasm!
**Sign up for the newsletter at www.grangeproject.co.uk**
Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Resources:Find out more about Youngwilders at www.youngwilders.co.ukListen to Our Food 1200 with Duncan Fisher at https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-027-future-farms-with-our-food-1200
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe set the context of the episode and what they intend to cover over the next 40 minutes.
[00:03:17] Chloe shares the approach that informs the rewilding at the Grange Project: collaboration, experimentation and engagement.
[00:10:38] We highlight some of the amazing volunteers who have supported the Project, as well as some of the rewilding interventions that have occurred on the land.
[00:18:00] Tom introduces his beloved pigs, and their effects on the land.
[00:25:00] We discuss the problems and possibilities of grants, including the one we received for our Tiny Forest.
[00:28:58] Chloe and Tom share the implications of the successful planning application for our Wilder Lodge barn conversion, specifically for corporate partners.
[00:33:57] Tom describes his hopes for ecopreneurship at the Grange Project, including our pending planning application for a micro-distillery, and our beautiful Tiny Homes.
[00:36:56] We share our visions for nature literacy and connectivity from the Project.
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In this interview with Simon Roper, we debate the problems and possibilities of technology in rewilding, covering everything from the latest innovations to whether technology ever could, or should, replace boots in the ground. Whether you’re a self described technology geek or living a low tech lifestyle, the debates in this episode offer something for everyone.
Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guests:Simon Roper is the Director of Ambios responsible for external networks and vocational training. He leads in project focused grant fundraising and has a specific training role around species reintroductions and mammal ecology. Simon’s outreach work for Ambios includes visiting Universities to give talks about rewilding and helping to facilitate local and national rewilding networks. Simon is passionate about ecology, biodiversity and creating positive learning environments. He co-founded Ambios in 2001, to help people achieve their goals for nature and employment.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-roper-97a989a/?originalSubdomain=uk
Website: https://www.ambios.net/
Resources:https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ - Merlin Bird App
https://www.picturethisai.com/ - Plant Identification App
https://butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/recording-and-monitoring/irecord-butterflies - Butterfly Identification App
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, including news of a fallen tree and recent encounters with barn owls.
[00:07:12] Our guest for today, Simon Report, introduces himself, Ambios and his interest in the use of technology in nature.
[00:13:00] Tom asks Simon to describe a practical application of technology use within Ambios, including GIS mapping and drones.
[00:19:50] We debate whether apps and technology can ever replicate ecological expertise.
[00:24:41] We discuss significant moments in nature, with or without technology.
[00:28:30] Simon reflects on a high risk and exciting development within technology in the world of learning, utilising AI.
[00:36:51] Chloe questions Simon about how these technical developments may impact jobs in nature...
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In the context of carbon emissions related to imported foods, increasing food insecurity, pollution from intensive farming and corporate monopolies, maybe it's time we reimagined the future of farming in the UK? Duncan Fisher eloquently describes how Our Food 1200 / Ein Bwyd 1200 are working to build a reliable and affordable supply of food for all, focusing on accessible and small scale agroecological farms.
Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest:Duncan Fisher is the Director and Co-Manager of Our Food 1200, he lives in Crickhowell and has a varied background, including extensive experience in child welfare and development and sustainable travel.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanfisher/?originalSubdomain=uk
https://ourfood1200.wales/ to find out more about the work of Our Food 1200, including the application link for the Future Farms Partnership in Powys.
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, sharing the love from our second community day and news of a recently awarded grant.
[00:06:40] Our guest for today, Duncan Fisher, introduces himself and gives an overview of Our Food 1200.
[00:12:05] Tom asks Duncan to elaborate on why we require a new approach to farming, specifically in relation to food security and the affordability of farmland.
[00:16:50] Chloe questions Duncan about the environmental impacts of our current food system, including the carbon impact of imported food, and the profitability of growing fruit and vegetables.
[00:23:14] We discuss the definition of agroecological and what you might expect from a small-scale future farm.
[00:26:16] Duncan introduces their flagship project: The Future Farms Partnership.
[00:31:22] We discuss the perspective of George Monbiot and his ‘protein factories’, considering the importance of decentralisation.
[00:35:58] Chloe reflects on the joy of community connections associated with local and small-scale farming.
[00:39:25] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.
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James Hitchcock, CEO of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, takes us on a big picture journey in this week’s episode. Covering a range of topics including the role of the Wildlife Trusts, the relationship between Wales and rewilding and the conception of his dream project, Wilder Pentwyn Farm.
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SIGN UP for the VOLUNTEERS DAY: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-day
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Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest:James Hitchcock is the CEO of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, he has extensive experience working in applied conservation, specialising in land management and associated skills, from practical management through to leadership roles. Of particular relevance to this podcast, James has a long held passion for restoring nature at landscape scale and believes rewilding to be a practical and holistic scalable solution to the challenges we face in the UK.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hitchcock-a6263790/
https://www.rwtwales.org/ to find out more about the fantastic projects of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, including Wilder Pentwyn Farm.
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, including the SEWBReC Recorder’s Day, our work with Youngwilders, the pigs and our summer community day.
[00:07:03] Our guest for today, James Hitchcock, introduces himself and the journey to his current role.
[00:10:26] James describes the role of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust (RWT) and how it works alongside other NGOs such as the National Trust and Natural Resources Wales.
[00:20:18] Tom asks questions about the funding sources for RWT and whether James perceives them to be fit for the future.
[00:26:33] James reflects on what drew him to Wales personally and some of the unique features of this country, including the Wellbeing for Future Generations Act.
[00:29:43] We discuss the relationship between Wales and rewilding and James shares his perspective on the ‘Summit to Sea’ project.
[00:35:39] James talks us through the conception and vision for Wilder Pentwyn Farm.
[00:41:06] We conclude the conversation by thinking about our responsibilities as ‘good ancestors’.
[00:42:30] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.
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The foundations of this rich episode are a conversation with Laura Fairs, the Lead Facilitator and Co-Creator of the Embercombe Rewilding Training. We discuss the history of the training, the key subjects covered in the training and the importance of inclusivity and diversity. It was then our pleasure to host alumni from the 2023 course: Claudia, Olly and Gerry. They share with us their experiences and the power of the community that’s been created.
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SIGN UP for the VOLUNTEERS DAY: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-day
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Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guests:Laura Fairs is a conservationist, rewilder, facilitator and speaker. She is the co-creator and lead facilitator for the Embercombe Rewilding Training and the co-founder of Devon Wildland, a network of wilder sites and people across the Haldon Hills, Teign Valley and surrounding areas.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-fairs/
The alumni of the 2023 Rewilding Training were:
Claudia Elliot, who provided comms and media consultancy for organisations and individuals working for social, economic or environmental justice. https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-elliot-884b811b/Gerry O’Brien, a nature connection specialist who is currently working as a environmental education at forest ranger in the Forest of Dean.https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-o-brien-51007323/
OllyEmbercombe Rewilding Training: https://embercombe.org/the-rewilding-training/ Introducing the UK’s first in-depth, blended Rewilding Training. This 9-month learning journey will take you from a curiosity about rewilding to having the confidence, knowledge, skills, ability and contacts to be able to rewild your own site, or another landowner’s.
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe briefly introduce the podcast.
[00:02:55] Our guest for today, Laura Fairs, introduces herself and the history of Embercome.
[00:07:45] We talk about why rewilding training at Embercombe and the content of the...
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Why do beavers create dams? How do they enhance the ecosystem around them? What is getting in the way of their return? As a Project Officer with the Welsh Beaver Project, Alicia Leow-Dyke is the perfect guest to introduce us to the beaver and their importance within the British Landscape.
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SIGN UP for the COMMUNITY DAY: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-day
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Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/If you’re interested in finding out more about the HighGround Charity (who Tom supported in his Offa’s Dyke adventure) please go to the following link: https://highground-uk.org
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest:Alicia Leow-Dyke has been the Wildlife Trusts Wales (WTW) Welsh Beaver Project Officer since 2016. With over 10 years of experience working with beavers, Alicia is the perfect guest to introduce us to the beaver and the feasibility of re-introducing them to Wales.
Find out more at:
https://www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/welshbeaverprojecthttps://www.facebook.com/beaverafanc
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share the latest news from the Grange Project, including the outcome of Tom’s crazy challenge, the next community day and an update on planning!
[00:06:57] We introduce our guest, Alicia Leow-Dyke, and she gives us a beginner’s guide to beavers: what they look like, where they live and how they like to spend their time.
[00:16:10] We then go on to talk about what’s just so special about beavers and the influence they have on the system around them as ‘ecosystem engineers’.
[00:19:39] Alicia shares her knowledge about why beavers were lost from Britain.
[00:22:07] We hear about the Welsh Beaver Project, why it was established, what’s been achieved and where beavers are in Wales.
[00:25:06] Alicia shares some of the concerns that people hold about the reintroduction of Wales and where beavers are currently across the country.
[00:35:12] We discuss the future of beavers in Wales and where you can find out more about the Project.
[00:38:15] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview...
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Rob graciously takes us back to woodland basics in this fascinating episode as we consider the role of trees in addressing the climate and ecological crises. We discuss the unique opportunities presented by the Welsh uplands, the (successful) efforts of bracken to take over the world and the innovative techniques developed by Stump up For Trees as they seek to plant one million trees across the Brecon Beacons.
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Keen to join the WhatsApp community?
Follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrMABch050S1BjiPliTE9h
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Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/If you’re interested in finding out more about the Highground Charity (who Tom is supporting with his Offa’s Dyke adventure) please go to the following link: https://highground-uk.org
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest:Rob Penn is an author, journalist and broadcaster. He has written widely on subjects such as cycling, travel and bread, as well as a number of books about British woodland including the The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees, about the ash tree and Woods: A Celebration, published by the National Trust. He also wrote and presented Tales From the Wildwood, a series for BBC4 about woodland management. As well as being the co-founder and Project Manager of Stump up for Trees, he is patron of the Small Woods Association and set up a local community woodland group.
Find out more at: https://stumpupfortrees.org
Or buy his books at: The Man who Made Things Out of Trees: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-man-who-made-things-out-of-trees-robert-penn/4252570?aid=477&ean=9780141977515&
OR Woods: A Celebration:
https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/woods-a-celebration-robert-penn/263376?ean=9781911358114
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share the latest news from the Grange Project, covering diverse subjects including the pigs (and their ecosystem engineer functions), the Monmouthshire Botany Group and Tom’s latest crazy challenge,
[00:07:55] We introduce our guest, Rob...
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Are you one of the 84.4% of the population that live in an urban setting? In this episode, Elliot and Digby from Citizen Zoo tell us about rewilding projects across London, including the reintroductions of water voles and beavers. We hear about some of the unexpected impacts of these projects, the opportunity to create nature friendly ‘cities of the future’ and some of the opportunities and challenges of urban rewilding.
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Keen to join the WhatsApp community?
Follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrMABch050S1BjiPliTE9h
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Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guests:Citizen Zoo is a social enterprise committed to rewilding and conservation, beginning with a group of friends and now ‘rewilding our future, to create a world filled with wildlife’. They currently have a portfolio of projects including: London beavers, Get InVOLEd and Wild Tolworth Farm, with a focus on community and engagement.
Find out more at: www.citizenzoo.org
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share the latest news from the Grange Project: update on the trees planted in March on the community day, our mixed emotions in the loss of a fallen oak and project pig.
[00:00:00] Elliot and Digby introduce themselves and the mission and structure of Citizen Zoo (including the origins of the name).
[00:00:00] We discuss what is meant by urban rewilding and its importance, with people as the driving force.
[00:00:00] Elliot talks about one of the Citizen Zoo projects launched in 2019: Get InVOLed.
[00:00:00] Elliot and Digby introduce us to one of the flagship projects of the social enterprise: returning beavers to London’s waterways. We particularly reflect on the impact on the local community.
[00:00:00] We talk about the importance of volunteers, nature engagement and the opportunity of cultural diversity in urban settings.
[00:00:00] Tom questions Elliot and Digby about some of the challenges for Citizen Zoo, including the risk of becoming ‘too successful’, the balance between the needs of humans and nature and the importance of flexibility and responsiveness.
[00:00:00] We continue the conversation with a discussion about nature education and engagement, particularly within urban populations.
[00:00:00] Finally,...
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In this inspirational conversation, we start off with the story of the curlew and end up discussing the importance of ‘nature literacy’. Mary’s creativity, passion and determination shine through as we hear about her historic campaign for the curlew, driving forward the natural history GCSE and her hopes for a nature pathway throughout our education system. ‘If you’re prepared to put yourself out there, to be uncomfortable, be vulnerable, do all the hard work, just because you love something, then you will be absolutely amazed about what happens’.
Credit for the curlew call: Merlyn Driver, singer songwriter and nature focused musician, www.merlyndriver.com
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Interested in becoming a Wild Steward?Reach out to [email protected]*****************************************************
Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our GuestMary Colwell is a writer, TV and radio producer and conservationist, whose massive walk across the breadth of the UK in 2016 helped raise the profile of the Curlew, and led her to write the greatly influential Curlew Moon. Mary founded Curlew Action in late-2019 after a series of talks, meetings and forums among experts discussing what was most needed to rescue the rapidly declining UK Curlew population. Mary loves long distance walking, camping, reading and cycling, as well as wildlife and storytelling, and it is her passion for telling the story of the curlew that has helped launch it into the public consciousness in the past few years. If that wasn’t enough, for eleven years, she spearheaded a successful campaign for a GCSE in Natural History.
You can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-colwell-1202779/?originalSubdomain=uk
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe provide a few quick updates from the Grange Project: planning (again), the arrival of the British Saddlebacks and our collaboration with Youngwilders..
[00:04:16] Mary Colwell joins us and we are introduced to the curlew, why they are so special and we hear an extract of their call.
[00:09:47] Mary helps us reflect on the many factors that are contributing to the decline of the curlew and why Wales has been particularly badly affected.
[00:15:04] Chloe questions Mary about what the systemic solution might be for this systemic problem and how they are indicators of the health of a...
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Join the journey of Heal Rewilding as we hear about the mission of the charity, the acquisition of their first site and progress a year later. Jan Stannard, Founder Trustee and Acting CEO, clearly describes the many decisions made by the charity over the last year and the importance of new spaces for nature. We loved the ambition, the insights shared and Jan’s thoughtful reflections.
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Join the Grange Project Community WhatsApp Group. Link here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrMABch050S1BjiPliTE9h
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Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our Guest:Jan Stannard is a founder-trustee and Acting CEO of Heal Rewilding, which launched in March 2020 to raise money to buy land in England for nature recovery, climate change action and wellbeing. The charity’s goal is to create a new site in every English county, 48 sites in total covering 24,000 acres. Heal acquired its first site, Heal Somerset, in December 2022 which is now open to the public.
Jan moved into the charity sector after 40 years’ experience in business, having served on company boards in the strategic communications and digital marketing sectors. She first became active in campaigning for wildlife in 2015 when she set up a local swift group, which has since organised the installation of hundreds of swift boxes. She also oversaw the largest ever amphibian ladder project in England in 2018, helping to stop migrating toads from drowning in road drains. She has a BA in Geography and a first-class honours degree in Psychology, and while studying for the latter, qualified as an executive coach and trained as a resilience specialist.
You can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janstannard
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe provide a few quick updates from the Grange Project: planning (or lack of), our WhatsApp Community Group and Project Pigs.
[00:05:32] We are introduced to Jan Stannard from Heal Rewilding, she describes the inception and mission of Heal and the importance of new spaces for nature.
[00:12:00] Jan describes the process of acquiring their flagship site, Heal Somerset, and the criteria for their sites.
[00:17:55] We talk about one of the experiences offered by Heal - a unique nighttime soundscape experience performance entitled ‘Out of the Darkness’.
[00:21:21] Jan talks about the importance of water on rewilding sites and takes us on a verbal journey around Heal...
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In this delightful chat with Frank, we start to make sense of why our relationship to food is so critical for the climate. We explore a range of topics including the scary impact of food waste, the challenge of our meat and dairy consumption and the role of social tipping points. As well as the science, Frank also shares with us his vision of the ‘good life’ and the benefits of this for our wellbeing and the planet.
Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our GuestFrank Holleman is the co-founder of the Fork Ranger, which creates beautiful products to help us eat more sustainably, including a cookbook, seasonal calendar and a wonderfully engaging app. Frank has a background in communications before beginning Fork Ranger in 2019, you can follow him on Linkedin or learn more about Fork Ranger via their website, links below:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollemanfrank/?originalSubdomain=nl
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share their reflections on the success of the Grange Project’s first volunteers day (more in the article link below).
[00:] Frank introduces himself and his rationale behind starting the Fork Ranger, specifically the critical role food can play in addressing climate change.
[00:] We begin to explore the impact of food waste, including the differences between avoidable, partly avoidable and unavoidable waste.
[00:] Frank shares the importance of not heading for ‘perfection’ in our sustainable food choices.
[00:] We then begin a conversation about the relationship between livestock and sustainable eating, specifically considering the role of land use.
[00:] Tom questions Frank about our nutritional needs and whether they can be met by an entirely plant based diet.
[00:] Frank highlights the difference between food consumption and production and we talk about the hope he holds for the future in our relationship to food.
[00:] We consider whether we can make a difference at an individual level and how food really matters.
[00:] Frank shares some research around social tipping points and Chloe and Tom share an example of their journey, with meat and diary becoming ‘luxury products’.
[00:] We conclude the interview with Frank’s vision of the ‘Good Life’; less flying, more adventures, less stuff and more memories.
[00] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for
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As the majority of the UK population lives within an urban environment, it’s critical that ‘wilder nature’ is not the privilege of the rural landscape. Stephen Mason, Community Parks Officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, shares practical examples of what rewilding can look like in a semi-urban context, how to bring people along with the journey and the benefits for people, places and nature alike.
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SIGN UP for the VOLUNTEERS DAY: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-day
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Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our GuestStephen Mason is the Community Parks Officer for Cheltenham Borough Council. He is passionate about nature, rewilding, volunteering and engaging communities, and is delighted to be paid for doing the work he loves!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mason-926893259/https://www.facebook.com/cheltenhamparks
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share a lengthy update on the Grange Project, discussing the plan for the volunteers day, the dilemmas of health and safety, and what they’ve learnt about native trees and tree protection.
[00:] Stephen introduces himself and the role of a Community Parks Officer.
[00:] We discuss the importance of context and what ‘rewilding’ means in a semi-urban to Cheltenham Borough Council, for example the creation of a wild-flower meadow in a heritage park within the town.
[00:] Stephen shares the consultation process involved with making changes to community green spaces and how the council are working to engage and educate people.
[00:] We then talk about a community orchard project, including a scrape, and the benefits for nature and the local residents.
[00:] Chloe talks about her experiences working in mental health and the value of green prescribing and engaging young people with nature.
[00:] Stephen shares more examples including veternising a mature sycamore tree in order to create wildlife habitats and the importance of a mosaic of habitats.
[00:] We end the interview with Stephen by discussing the challenges of dispersal and wildlife corridors within a semi-urban environment.
[00] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.
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Chantal’s passion for the wild boar exudes throughout this interview as we discuss the role the boar plays in habitat-regeneration, the challenge they present for their human neighbours and how they might just be rewilding us? Following the success of her recently published book ‘Groundbreakers - The return of Britain’s wild boar’, Chantal indulged our stories from the forest as we reflected on the myths, the debates and the opportunities of living alongside these complex animals.
Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our GuestChantal is a naturalist, writer and science communicator. Having grown up in the tidy countryside of Kent, her encounters with the growing rewilding movement opened her eyes to the potential for restoring nature in Britain, and inspired her to study the relations between people and wild boar in the Forest of Dean. She currently lives in Cheltenham, never too far from the boar.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantallyons/https://chantallyons.uk
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share an update from the Grange Project, specifically Tom’s first experience of a local community council meeting.
[00:05:22] We welcome Chantal to the podcast and she describes her background and how found herself writing a book about wild boar.
[00:09:08] Chantal gives us a history of wild boar in the UK and how they contribute to our ecosystems.
[00:17:05] Tom describes the effects of wild boar disturbance and the hazards of running in the forest.
[00:21:42] Chloe questions Chantal about some of the challenges of humans coexisting alongside wild boar, including disturbance and the ‘threat’ they present.
[00:28:00] Chantal reports how the wild boar have started to ‘rewild’ people.
[00:35:20] We discuss how Forestry England have worked to achieve a balance between the boar, the ecosystem and the people that live alongside them.
[00:38:35] Chantal describes two possible futures for our relationship with the wild boar.
[00:43:42] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.
Keen for more:To purchase Chantal’s wonderful book:
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Toni, co-founder of Green Up Farm, takes us through everything you need to know about indoor hydroponic vertical farming: from what you need to get started, routes to market and the challenges of being zero waste. We loved this episode for Toni’s transparency and the strength of the values which underpin the success of Green Up Farm.
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SIGN UP for the VOLUNTEERS DAY: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-day
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Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our GuestToni is the co-founder of Green Up Farm, alongside her husband, Alex. They had a dream to set up an environmental and nature friendly method of producing food and following extensive research, they came across Indoor Hydroponic Vertical Farming. This led to the creation of Green Up Farm, Pembrokshire’s first indoor hydroponic farm growing microgreens, micro herbs and specialty crops for the hospitality industry.
https://www.instagram.com/greenupfarm/
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share updates from the Grange Project: a visit from Sara King at Rewilding Britain, our volunteer day and a new starter to the team.
[00:04:56] We welcome Toni to the podcast and she shares the origins of Green Up Farm.
[00:10:21] Toni describes the fundamentals of the business: what an indoor farm is, what they grow and who they sell to.
[00:14:50] We talk about the problems and possibilities of being a zero waste business, automation and energy sources.
[00:24:21] Tom questions Toni about the scaling of the business, generating custom and the financial viability.
[00:30:54] Toni shares the advice she would give others interested in setting up an indoor farm and ecopreneurs, the possibilities of franchising and their vision for Green Up Farm.
[00:36:44] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them from the conversation.
[00:40:10] We share an interview with Ella, the first recruit for the Grange Project, who is helping us with social media and community engagement.
Keen for more:https://greenupfarm.co.uk: Explore the website to find out more about the benefits of indoor hydroponic produce, microgreens and some beautiful images of the produce itself!
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The UK’s ecological health is in the bottom 10% on earth and over 80% of UK young people are eager to take action to help the environment, but only 1 in 5 believe they are being listened to on environmental issues. Jack and Noah share the story of Youngwilders, which exists to turn these statistics around. Listen to them talk about youth engagement, inclusivity within the environmental sector and how you can get involved as a young person or landowner.
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SIGN UP for the VOLUNTEERS DAY: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-day
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Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Our GuestsJack Durant is the Co-Founder and Director of Young Wilders. Jack's love of spending time in unkempt natural spaces began with charging headlessly around Wimbledon Common as a child. Ensuring plentiful local, beautiful natural spaces like this has proved a central motivator in Jack's passion for the Youngwilders project.
Jack studied philosophy at undergraduate level before completing a Masters at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustinability at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. After a stint working as researcher in environmental philosophy, he is now focused on YW full-time and serves as the organisation's Director and primary point of contact. Reach him at: [email protected]
Noah Bennett is the Chief Technical Officer for Young Wilders. Noah has a background in Environmental Engineering, with a particular focus on hydro-morphology, flooding, and river restoration, and graduated with an MEng in The Environment, Energy and Sustainability in 2019. Following his degree, Noah worked for several years as an engineering consultant on a wide number of environmental projects with both the private and public sector.
Noah is now the technical lead at Youngwilders, responsible for the detailed design of our wilding projects as well as the behind the scenes mapping and calculations which support our work. Noah has a passion for improving watercourses as part of our projects, and believes that river restoration can be the cornerstone for connectivity between wild spaces.
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe introduce the episode and share some big news for the Grange Project; their first volunteer day.
[00:06:44] We start our interview with Jack and Noah who introduce themselves to the...
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As we look forward into 2024, Tom and Chloe have reflected on the Wilder Podcast back catalogue and selected six moments which particularly resonated from them. Whether you’re a regular listener who’d enjoy a reminder, or a new recruit who’s interested in what the Wilder Podcast is all about, we hope you take something away from our conversation. What moments shaped you?
Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Grange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe briefly introduce the intentions behind this episode and how the Wilder Podcast has been recognised by Rewilding Britain.
[00:02:43] Chloe introduces her first clip from Episode 6 with Professor Alasdair Driver, talking about the importance of individual action in influencing political policy.
[00:06:18] Tom reveals his first clip from Episode 3 with Retired Major General Richard Nugee highlighting the unique challenges climate change presents for mass migration.
[00:09:38] Chloe’s second clip is from Episode 12 with Chris D'Agorne where we reflect on the power of stories in shifting behaviour.
[00:13:00] The next clip selected by Tom is from Episode 5 with Julia Hailes MBE, where we talk about how individual action can send signals to business.
[00:15:58] Chloe’s final clip is from Episode 10 with Lynn Cassells where she describes the value of slowing down and taking time to find out what really inspires you, to help give you energy to drive forward change.
[00:18:23] Tom completes the episode with a clip from Professor Tom Crowther and Episode 4, in which he talks about biodiversity loss as the silent crisis.
[00:20:40] Tom and Chloe reflect on the episode, share contact information and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
Keen for more:Rewilding Britain Podcast Post: https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/blog/top-10-rewilding-podcasts
Ep. 006: Restoring the Wild: Rewilding Britain with Prof Alastair Driver
Alastair talks with us about the history and vision of the charity, the challenges within the current government system (as well as the potential solutions) and some of the successes they’ve had in influencing policy. Alastair was also kind enough to share his reflections on our project and we describe our first step to ‘wilding’ our 80 acres.
- Visa fler
