Nature Talks With Humans

I was over the moon when King Arthur Uther Pendragon agreed to a podcast with Nature Talks With Humans. There was so much I wanted to know about the druid ideology and connection with nature as well as what King Arthur personally did for access to Stonehenge - I won't spoil the content but I think it's fair to say King Arthur has legend status in more than one sense of the word. Being a very senior druid, King Arthur's explanation of the druid and nature connection is brilliant. This content is superb but that's not all - King Arthur has a mischievous sense of humour and his lovely personality shines through. Enjoy this wonderful chat! FYI this was two days after my gorgeous puppy Topaz arrived and he slept throughout between King Arthur and me - we had to record outside the kitchen door in case he woke up - thank you King Arthur!

I was deeply moved by Rev Jane Sheppard's incredible exhibition at Salisbury Museum. It is absolutely wonderful and on until 30 September, I urge you to see it if you can. Having seen Jane's work in the flesh I couldn't wait to chat with her about her relationship with nature, land and clay. Jane is extraordinarily eloquent and informed about her connection to her work and the natural world. I think this is a mighty and very fine podcast, a rare delve into inner connection with the natural world. I am extremely grateful to Jane for this podcast. Thank you! It's the kind of podcast you want to listen to twice. I have kept the editing light because I think it's interesting and good to hear the evolution of Jane's thinking. 

I came across Benedict Tomlinson in the grounds of Pythouse near Tisbury in Wiltshire and was delighted when he agreed to record a podcast with Nature Talks With Humans. As well as being a gardener, Benedict works in the art world and is himself an artist. It was immediately apparent he has a deep affinity with the natural world. This comes out in his podcast in unexpected ways; Benedict goes back to his childhood and draws on his artistic expertise in his relationship with nature. This is a fabulous and fascinating podcast. It's not every day you get to talk to someone with such multiplicity of talent Benedict inspired me profoundly. 

Rob Cowen is one of the UK's most original writers of nature, place and people. He has won or been shortlisted for many prestigious awards. Stellar though Rob's background is, it does not prepare you for meeting him in person. Rob embodies the intuitive. There is magic about him and emotional truth. It was a dream come true for me to record a podcast with him - not only that but Rob's close friend the anonymous "A" in Rob's book "The North Road" sat down with us, too. It was  an incredible and humbling privilege to be in the presence of the friendship shared by Rob and A. As you can hear in the podcast their understanding is unique and very special. This podcast is a joy wherever and whenever you are! Enjoy :)
Find Rob on Instagram @robbiecowen

Not only is Jon Woolcott the author of The Tattooed Hills (Aurum) and Real Dorset (Seren) he is also a publisher himself as part of Little Toller. Jon's knowledge of Dorset and chalk land is phenomenal. His connection to the landscape is moving and fascinating in equal measure. Plus Jon is of course an absolute expert, a fountain of knowledge for landscape especially in Dorset. This emerges in Jon's fantastic podcast. You will love it and want to listen again - such is the breadth and depth of Jon's knowledge. Settle down with tea and cake... catch Jon on Instagram @dorsetjonw. :) x

Jeni Bell is immersed in the countryside and nature. This comes out in her writing - Jeni won the Nature Writing prize for Working Class Writers. She writes for publications like the Guardian, BBC Wildlife Magazine and Simple Things. When I started this podcast Jeni was one of the people I hoped to speak with... finally the day arrived. It was worth the wait! Jeni's experience is profound and unique. This podcast will bring you joy and inspiration. Jeni is on Instagram as @seekingwildsights Keep an eye on Jeni's socials to join her for one of her nature writing workshops. :) xx

Monica Feria-Tinta is an international barrister, globally recognised for her groundbreaking work protecting the environment. She has won many awards and is author of the book A Barrister For The Earth published by Faber & Faber. Before I recorded this podcast with Monica I saw her speak at a sold out event with the Reading The Land Festival in Shaftesbury. I was blown away by her intellect, passion and commitment. I sat there thinking thank goodness we have Monica in the world. Her achievements are huge. I am sure she will continue to make a big difference for the world and nature in particular.  Only after Monica had finished her endless signings with Folde Bookshop in Shaftesbury were we able to sit down and chat. As you will hear, Monica's commitment is predicated upon a deep love for nature. Her story of connection is beautiful and adorable. It is my great privilege to share it with you. Thank you.

Ella Hibbert is undertaking an extraordinary voyage - the first ever solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle. It is incredible to have the opportunity to speak with her. Ella's experience in the natural world is unique. To be able to speak with someone who spends a great deal of time on their own in cold seas was mind blowing. As you will hear, Ella is exceptional on many levels. Not just for her obvious sailing skill but also for her thoughtful insight into her relations with the world around her. Ella is absolutely wonderful. She is mesmerising and intuitive. I am deeply honoured and thrilled to bring you this podcast. 

This is a fabulous podcast with Broad Chalke villager Philly Tree (!). Philly has spent time in Australia and the UK. Wherever she is her affiliation with trees goes with her. In this podcast Philly shares her experience in extraordinary detail. As she spoke I felt I was with her in the moment. This is a gorgeous conversation about beautiful moments. It will give you food for thought. Philly's wonderful ability to express something we don't have words for is compelling listening. What she said stayed with me. You'll notice Philly's reference to Avatar. It is not surprising this film affected her because tree legend Dr. Suzanna Simard influenced James Cameron's Tree of Souls. Enjoy! 

You may have seen Dr Anjana Khatwa on TV or heard her on the radio. She is a leading earth scientist. Her new book The Whispers of Rock was released recently and is available here. We had a fantastic chat in the woods at National Trust Kingston Lacy. We covered some profound and important topics, such as the relationship between spirituality and science. It was an absolute joy to speak with Anjana, I can't believe how much we covered in this fabulous podcast - from Anjana's early memories of rock, her mother's influence, ceremony and the nature within us to earth power and the preciousness of rock as a resource. :) Follow Dr Anjana on Instagram at @anjanakhatwa