Wilder Podcast

In this joyful episode to celebrate World Rewilding Day, we take a big picture view as Alister addresses key questions such as ‘what does a rewilded world look like’, ‘how do we get there’ and ‘what are the benefits?’ Amongst a range of topics, we discuss climate stabilisation, eco distress and environmental education, as well as the power of success stories in bringing the necessary energy to ‘take rewilding mainstream’.

• 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
• Podcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

Our Guests: Alister has been a lifelong environmentalist since the eradication by silage making of the Corncrake where he grew up in the north west of Ireland. The thread of Alister’s career has been to learn how to make big, positive change happen. With a doctorate from the Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, Alister spent 15 years at the interface between science and policy. He has helped to build multiple movements and has supported many catalytic leaders as a trained coach and facilitator. A father of two and widower, Alister loves to get out in nature and the great outdoors. Alister is an Honorary Professor at University College London.

Website: https://globalrewilding.earth/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralisterscott/?originalSubdomain=uk

[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom provide a brief overview of the Grange Project and introduce the episode.

[00:03:20] Alister introduces himself and the global rewilding alliance.

[00:11:32] We talk about the stages of the rewilding movement: invention, experimentation, preparing for global scaling, scaling and mainstreaming. 

[00:19:54] Alister describes what a rewilded world at scale would look like, including changes at an urban scale and to people’s everyday lives.

[00:28:36] We question Alister about the connections between rewilding, climate stabilisation and eco distress.

[00:35:01] We talk about the power of the concept of rewilding and Tom asks Alister about the steps required to achieve the vision of mainstream rewilding.

[00:41:26] Tom questions Alister about one of the oft cited challenges facing rewilding at scale, that of food security.

[00:47:19] Chloe asks Alister how we create effective stories outside of the environmental movement.

[00:50:55] We discuss the role of education in the rewilding movement.

[00:58:40] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

Join us round the farmhouse kitchen as we chat with Emily and Alex, the co-founders of Grazing Management. Over a cup of tea, and some excellent fruit cake, we discuss what conservation grazing is, why it’s so important for biodiversity and how they are managing to make it into a successful business. 

• 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
• Podcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

Our Guests: Grazing Management was set up by Alex and Emily Crawley in 2018. What started as an award-winning idea has since expanded into a business with an ever-growing flock and herd. They have built significant experience of working on a wide range of sites and still get excited about the emergence of wildflowers from areas which were once deserts of bracken. They were proud winners in their category at the prestigious British Farming Awards in 2023. 

• Website: https://grazingmanagement.co.uk//
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-crawley-78a3a014a/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-crawley-9361386a/

[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom update on the Grange Project, including their reflections on the largest community day yet.

[00:06:38] Emily and Alex introduce themselves, their backgrounds and the origins of Grazing Management.  

[00:15:00] We talk about the role of large herbivores in enhancing biodiversity.

[00:22:01] Alex explains about the benefits of diversity for the cattle in kind, with the reduction in the use of medication.

[00:24:46] Emily talks about the day to day operations of Grazing Management and the journey to this point. 

[00:29:44] We hear about the no fence collar and the possibilities this provides.

[00:35:24] Alex describes the differing impacts of hay cutting and mob grazing versus conservation grazing.

[00:40:37] Tom asks about the relationship of this system to methane and carbon.

[00:44:27] We finish by discussing the varied income streams associated with Grazing Management.

[00:46:34] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

What does it take to turn a family passion into a powerful force for nature? In this episode of two halves, we start with an update about The Grange Project, including the last 6 months of physical interventions, our evolving business structure, and the latest developments at The Grange Distillery and Studio. We then move into conversation with Helen Neave, co-founder of Make it Wild, where we discuss their purpose of protecting nature across 500 acres in North Yorkshire, using carbon-offsetting and corporate partnerships to create a sustainable financial model.

• 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
• Podcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast
• Grange Distillery: https://grangedistillery.com/

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

Helen is a retired surgeon on a mission to change the planet. Alongside her husband, Christopher Neave, they turned their family passion for nature into Make it Wild. With nature reserves across North Yorkshire, they have planted over 80,000 trees, dug ponds, restored wildflower hay meadows, protected ancient woodland and created many different habitats across over 500 acres. Working in partnerships with businesses, whether through carbon-offsetting, team conservation days or natural mindfulness walks, their purpose is to protect nature.

• Website: https://www.makeitwild.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-neave-42200938/

[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom describe the structure of the episode, including a brief introduction to our guest, Helen from Make it Wild, and a brief summary of the landscape of the Grange Project.

[00:04:06] Chloe leads an update in numbers about the physical interventions that have occurred across the project since September 2024; including trees, brash piles, yellow rattle, the tiny forest and our market garden.  

[00:10:35] Tom moves into a conversation about the structure of the Grange Project and the decision to move from a Community Interest Company into a Limited Company and Charity.

[00:12:51] Finally, we update on the other commercial updates across the project: The Grange Distillery and the Grange Studio.

[00:15:47] Helen introduces herself and the mission and landscape of Make it Wild.

[00:22:57] Tom asks about the team at Make it Wild, including the conservation grazing team.

[00:28:37] We hear about the business model that enables Make it Wild to carry on helping nature.

[00:34:24] Chloe asks about carbon offsetting and Helen shares the basics of how this operates. 

[00:37:25] We discuss some of the ethical dilemmas of carbon offsetting, including the risk of not reducing emissions at source, focusing on carbon without considering the impact on nature or not maintaining trees for the long term.

[00:48:00] Helen tells us about their land owner partners and the opportunities of a franchise model.

[00:50:52] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview, including their decision not to pursue carbon credits.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

If you’ve ever contemplated heading to the hills in your own off-grid escape, this is the episode for you. Craftsman builder Simon Whitfield of the Tiny Home Company covers the key ingredients necessary to create your own self-built home, as well as philosophy underpinning the ‘tiny living’ lifestyle. We are so grateful to have worked with Simon in crafting the Grange Project’s Tiny Homes, if you feel inspired to experience them yourself after the episode, please book via our website.

**Book to stay in one of our wonderful cabins by clicking here**

• 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
• Podcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

The Tiny Home Company was founded in 2013 by craftsman builder Simon Whitfield. With 20+ years of carpentry and building experience, the company has grown organically through years of practice converting and creating live-in vehicles, traditional cabins and tiny houses. Simon and his family have lived in self built homes on wheels ranging from their vintage double decker bus to ‘the chapel’ - a dream tiny home project which has now been lovingly converted into a luxury glamping wagon. Simon also teaches courses with Black Mountains College, covering an introduction to Tiny Home design and building.

• Website: https://www.tinyhomecompany.co.uk/

[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom update on what’s occurred on the project since the last episode (including an apology and a big announcement!)

[00:04:29] Simon describes his background and what exactly he means by a Tiny Home.

[00:08:32] Tom invites Simon to give an overview of the process and key ingredients involved in building a Tiny Home.

[00:16:11] We hear about where Simon sources his timber and the characteristics that he values.

[00:22:32] We discuss the importance of insulation and energy sources, including a debate about the relative merits of natural versus reclaimed synthetic materials.

[00:32:20] We talk about the values that inform conscious decision making and the courage that’s required to make these choices. 

[00:39:14] We hear about how Simon is contributing to off grid living through various commercial enterprises.

[00:45:51] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview and share more details about how you can book your own ‘tiny home’ experience at the Grange Project.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

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. 

• 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
• Podcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

Matt 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=uk
• Website: https://www.henbant.org/

[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 Henbant.

[00:47:40] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

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. 

• Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
• Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

Jyoti 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=uk
• Website: https://www.northstartransition.org/

• Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk
• Podcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast
• Citizen Zoo Conference Details: https://www.citizenzoo.org/https://sites.google.com/citizenzoo.org/2025rewildingconference

[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 government in tackling these challenges and the importance of a credible reimagining. 

[00:29:19] Chloe asks Jyoti about what happens when stakeholders come together within the Wye-Usk Transition Lab and the role of behavioural science in this.

[00:37:20] Jyoti defines the three objectives of the Wye Usk Transition Lab: transformational, locally owned and investable. We explore the notion of ‘investable’ in more depth.

[00:45:20] Chloe questions Jyoti about how far they are away from proposing a plan that is credible for transformation, and how this is communicated. 

[00:49:10] Tom and Jyoti discuss whether they have the ‘right’ stakeholders round the table.

[00:54:28] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

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.

• 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

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
• Grange Project Partnership Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HNUjLB-bWDTgv4AJoYG7uUoAWEBE9q28/view?usp=drive_link

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/

• 3D Artist Karen: https://therubycube.com/
• Grange Project Partnership Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HNUjLB-bWDTgv4AJoYG7uUoAWEBE9q28/view?usp=drive_link

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, focusing on our newly launched Corporate Brochure.

[00:05:30] We meet James who introduces himself, his family and the origin story of the Rewild Podcast

[00:13:05] James summarises the aims of the Rewild Podcast

[00:16:05] We hear about two of the projects he featured on the podcast that James found particularly inspirational, Seawilding on the west coast of Scotland and Greater Coa Valley in Portugal.

[00:20:18] We discuss the differences in the scale of nature between Europe and the UK, and the power of nature recovery, even alongside modern day conflict in Ukraine. 

[00:26:58] James shares the unexpected challenges on route, which were mostly van related!

[00:32:44] Chloe asks James about the impact of the podcast, on listeners and him alike.

[00:36:36] We then go on to discuss what’s next for James and the power of communication and conversation. 

[00:41:36] James tells a story about lynx reintroduction to illustrate the need for common ground in the UK. 

[00:44:32] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

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. 

• Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
• Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

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=uk
• Website: https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/

• https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/tor-to-shore

[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 seagrass habitats.

[00:24:46] Chloe asks Matt about the meaning of ‘nature friendly farming’ and how Tor to Shore are working to engage farmers, including the role of data collection.

[00:31:55] We discuss the meaning of marine rewilding, the associated interventions and the engagement of fishermen and women. 

[00:35:53] Chloe asks Matt about the challenges they’ve experienced as part of the project to date, including an unexpected arrival.

[00:39:33] Closing the conversation, we discuss the importance of landscape scale recovery, the funding behind it and where listeners can go to find out more.  

[00:44:45] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project

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**

• Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
• Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

• Find out more about Youngwilders at www.youngwilders.co.uk
• Listen to Our Food 1200 with Duncan Fisher at https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-027-future-farms-with-our-food-1200

[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.

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.

• Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
• Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

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/

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

[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 conversation. 

[00:39:07] Tom concludes the conversation by inviting Simon to reflect on the future technological developments in this space

[00:42:37] Chloe and Tom reflect on the interview and what resonated most for them.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

Visit Grange Project