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36: I would restore Britain as a RAINFOREST NATION: Merlin Hanbury-Tenison
In this conversation, Merlin Hanbury-Tenison shares his multifaceted journey as a veteran, conservationist, and author. He discusses his new book 'Our Oaken Bones', which explores themes of healing through nature, personal trauma, and the interconnectedness of mental health, the environment and a new 'agrorainforestry' model that holds a 1,000 year vision of restoring Britain as a rainforest nation.
Merlin reflects on his experiences in Afghanistan, the healing power of the Atlantic temperate rainforest, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to land use that incorporates food production and the role of apex predators in maintaining ecological balance. The discussion culminates in a vision for a future where humans reclaim their role as stewards of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and addressing issues of male mental health.
Takeaways
- Merlin identifies as an author, conservationist, and veteran.
- His book 'Our Oaken Bones' captures personal and environmental healing.
- Healing can be achieved through nature and personal experiences.
- Merlin's experiences in Afghanistan shaped his understanding of trauma.
- The rainforest plays a crucial role in healing both land and people.
- Moral injury is a significant issue for veterans and needs more attention.
- Agro-rainforestry can provide sustainable solutions for farming and conservation.
- Apex predators are essential for maintaining ecological balance.
- Humans must see themselves as part of nature, not separate from it.
- Conversations around positive male identity are crucial for mental health.
Soundscape
The sounds at the end of this podcast are field recordings from Cabilla and were recorded by Dr Antti Sakari Saario and Dr D Ferrett, researchers in sound and the environment at the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts, Falmouth University. These sounds feature as part of the audiobook version of Our Oaken Bones and have also been used in an immersive soundscape composition by Antti for a 360-film entitled Gans’n Dhama Wedhen - In the Company of the Mother Tree (2025), directed by Adam Laity and narrated by D Ferrett.
Mentions
Thousand Year Trust
Cabilla Cornwall
House of Hackney #WeAreNature campagin
NATURE WRITING WORKSHOP this autumn 🍂 🪶🧡
📆 8 Nov - Fri 14 Nov 2025
🛏️ Book at www.grantarmshotel.com
Hope to see you there!
✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com
🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email [email protected]
💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening
View all episodes
By Gillian BurkeIn this conversation, Merlin Hanbury-Tenison shares his multifaceted journey as a veteran, conservationist, and author. He discusses his new book 'Our Oaken Bones', which explores themes of healing through nature, personal trauma, and the interconnectedness of mental health, the environment and a new 'agrorainforestry' model that holds a 1,000 year vision of restoring Britain as a rainforest nation.
Merlin reflects on his experiences in Afghanistan, the healing power of the Atlantic temperate rainforest, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to land use that incorporates food production and the role of apex predators in maintaining ecological balance. The discussion culminates in a vision for a future where humans reclaim their role as stewards of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and addressing issues of male mental health.
Takeaways
- Merlin identifies as an author, conservationist, and veteran.
- His book 'Our Oaken Bones' captures personal and environmental healing.
- Healing can be achieved through nature and personal experiences.
- Merlin's experiences in Afghanistan shaped his understanding of trauma.
- The rainforest plays a crucial role in healing both land and people.
- Moral injury is a significant issue for veterans and needs more attention.
- Agro-rainforestry can provide sustainable solutions for farming and conservation.
- Apex predators are essential for maintaining ecological balance.
- Humans must see themselves as part of nature, not separate from it.
- Conversations around positive male identity are crucial for mental health.
Soundscape
The sounds at the end of this podcast are field recordings from Cabilla and were recorded by Dr Antti Sakari Saario and Dr D Ferrett, researchers in sound and the environment at the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts, Falmouth University. These sounds feature as part of the audiobook version of Our Oaken Bones and have also been used in an immersive soundscape composition by Antti for a 360-film entitled Gans’n Dhama Wedhen - In the Company of the Mother Tree (2025), directed by Adam Laity and narrated by D Ferrett.
Mentions
Thousand Year Trust
Cabilla Cornwall
House of Hackney #WeAreNature campagin
NATURE WRITING WORKSHOP this autumn 🍂 🪶🧡
📆 8 Nov - Fri 14 Nov 2025
🛏️ Book at www.grantarmshotel.com
Hope to see you there!
✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com
🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email [email protected]
💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening