In this energising episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma speak with Maya-Rose Craig – also known as Birdgirl – a globally renowned birder, author, and environmental activist. From harpy eagles in the Amazon to rewilding battles in British churchyards, Maya-Rose shares powerful stories that connect birds, identity, justice, and youth-led activism. Together, they explore how birding can ignite lifelong passion, why access to green spaces is a human right, and what makes Robins so feisty. The conversation weaves through intersectional environmentalism, ecotourism, and grassroots organising – all grounded in Maya-Rose’s vision for a wilder, fairer world. With insights into practical rewilding, social inequality, and the joyful chaos of spotting a lizard in your own garden, this episode is packed with inspiration for outdoor educators and nature advocates alike.

⏱ Chapter Timings:
00:00 – Intro and interview context
01:01 – Meeting Maya-Rose: Birding milestones and harpy eagles
03:24 – Early birding memories and the black-browed albatross
08:09 – Advice for new birders and young learners in Forest School
10:31 – Observing seasonal changes and the value of ‘local patch’ watching
12:35 – Creating Wildlife-friendly spaces: More than feeders and bug hotels
15:21 – Conservation vs economy: rewilding, ecotourism, and systemic priorities
19:30 – Balancing activism and birding: saying no and staying nourished
24:16 – Youth climate activism: urgency, the internet, and a new wave of voices
28:48 – Access to Nature as a human right and fighting environmental inequality

🌲 Keywords: Maya-Rose Craig, Birdgirl, youth activism, birding with children, rewilding UK, garden wildlife, access to green space, Forest School biodiversity, intersectional environmentalism, ecotourism, inequality and nature, climate justice, Robin behaviour, beginner birdwatching, outdoor education inspiration

🔖 Hashtags:
#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #YouthActivism #Birdwatching #MayaRoseCraig #Birdgirl #EnvironmentalJustice #AccessToNature #Rewilding #EcoEquity #IntersectionalActivism #ChildLedLearning #NatureBasedLearning #WildlifeFriendly #ForestSchoolPodcast

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