Wilder Podcast

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.

• 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/

Chantal 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

[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.

To purchase Chantal’s wonderful book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/groundbreakers-the-return-of-britain-s-wild-boar-chantal-lyons/7453304?ean=9781399401630

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

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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• 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/

Toni 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/

[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.

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!

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

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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• 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/

Jack 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.

[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 listeners. 

[00:09:36] Noah defines who Youngwilders work with and Jack describes the origins and aspirations of the organisation.

[00:13:26] We discuss why rewilding is particularly attractive to young people.

[00:16:15] Noah and Jack describe what Youngwilders actually do, how they access funding and some of the projects they’re currently involved in.

[00:22:36] We talk about the format of the Youth Volunteer days and how they’re accessible for everyone, as well as how landowners can get involved.  

[00:28:08] The conversation expands to talk about financial sustainability, the future aspirations for Youngwilders and the challenges and opportunities of volunteering in the environmental sector.    

[00:36:35] Tom and Chloe reflect on the episode. 

https://www.youngwilders.org: The website for Youngwilders, a non-profit focused on accelerating the rewilding of the UK and involving young people in the movement. Working to address two problems: 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.

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

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?

• 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/

[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.

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.

https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-006-restoring-the-wild-rewilding-britain-with-prof-alastair-driver

Ep. 003: The Rising Tide of Climate (in)Security With Lt Gen Richard Nugee

In this episode, we discuss Tom's evolution to a 'reluctant eco-warrior' and co-founder of the Grange Project. We were then privileged to be joined by Lt Gen Richard Nugee who introduced us to the Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach report he authored about the importance of a climate prepared defence force. We discuss the concerns an average British citizen should harbour about the report and make links between the ongoing cost of living crisis and narratives surrounding climate change.

https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-003-the-rising-tide-of-climate-insecurity-with-lt-gen-richard-nugee

Ep. 012: DIY Nature Reserve

Covering everything from the scientific theory of rewilding (diversity, disturbance and distribution!) to the art of tree planting on his very own nature reserve, the inspirational communicator that is Chris D'Agorne will leave you both enthused and resourced to enhance biodiversity in your own green space.

https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-012-diy-nature-reserve

Ep. 005: Growing Change: Julia Hailes MBE on Peat, Wilding and Biodiversity

This episode's focal point is a really informative interview with Julia Hailes MBE, who emphasises the impact of individual consumer choice on driving change. We also discuss the concept of 'wilding' and how her 9 acre land holding has evolved from field to nature haven. We talk about management strategies for cultivating wildflower meadows, handling thistles, docks, and nettles, and managing grasslands. Finally, Julia introduces her 'Wilding Weekends' and offers some top tips for encouraging biodiversity in gardens.

https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-005-growing-change-julia-hailes-mbe-on-peat-wilding-and-biodiversity

Ep. 010: Landscape of Hope: Lynbreck Croft

Sharing the wisdom generated over recent years of wilder farming on a 150 acre croft in the Cairngorms, Lyn Cassell’s reflects on the importance of connection to the land, holistic living and the principles of wilder regenerative farming. We leave inspired and full of admiration for the pioneering work at Lynbreck Croft, we hope you do too?

https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/landscape-of-hope-lynbreck-croft

Ep. 004: Biodiversity: The Silent Crisis with Prof Tom Crowther

In this episode Tom paints a vivid picture of biodiversity loss, aptly termed the 'silent crisis,' and sheds light on its intrinsic link to human existence and the human activities that are contributing to its depletion. The discussion then moves into the fantastic work of the Crowther Labs, including their innovative digital platform: Restor.

https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-004-biodiversity-the-silent-crisis-with-prof-tom-crowther

Is rewilding in the UK even possible? Why are terms important? What is rewilding anyway?

In this episode we are joined by academic expert in rewilding, Dr Stephen Carver, as we discuss the role of human intervention, our desire for an ‘outcome’ and the challenges of rewilding in the UK. 

Dr Carver is a Geographer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds. His areas of special interests include wilderness, wild land, rewilding, landscape evaluation and public participation. He has worked extensively on the development of wild land mapping and evaluation methodologies and has tested and applied these globally. 

Stephen has worked with a range of agencies on wild land topics and has published widely in over 100 papers, books, book chapters, conference proceedings and generalist articles. He is Director of the Wildland Research Institute and is Joint Chair of the IUCN CEM Task Force on Rewilding. He also sits on advisory panels for the Wild Ennerdale and Rewilding Britain projects and is co-chair of the World Wilderness Congress' Science and Stewardship Symposium. 

https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/geography/staff/1013/dr-steve-carver

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-carver-509a917/

• 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/

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe introduce the episode and our guest, Dr Stephen Carver, and briefly share updates from the Grange Project: defeat for our drainage works, Tom’s new walking companion and an exciting update about the first podcast of 2024.

[00:05:45] We begin our conversation with Stephen, who after introducing himself, shares his definition of rewilding and the scale necessary. 

[00:09:50] Tom questions Stephen about the tension between allowing nature to lead and the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, including a discussion about active and passive rewilding.  

[00:13:10] We discuss the risks and benefits of different approaches towards nature restoration; from active management to land abandonment.

[00:19:50] Tom asks Stephen about the importance of words and we discuss the spectrum of rewilding and regenerative agriculture.

[00:28:00] Is rewilding in the UK even possible? How are we going to restore 30% of our landscape by 2030? Does it mean everything and nothing?

[00:39:22] Stephen reflects on the importance of positionality, government policy and fiscal mechanisms.  

[00:44:18] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview together.

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

Covering everything from the scientific theory of rewilding (diversity, disturbance and distribution!) to the art of tree planting on his very own nature reserve, the inspirational communicator that is Chris D'Agorne will leave you both enthused and resourced to enhance biodiversity in your own green space.

Chris is an entrepreneur and a founder of a number of websites including How to Rewild, Life to Land and Buy Native. If you’re interested in rewilding and regenerative farming, these are all fantastic and ever evolving sources of guidance and support. Previously, Chris has held a number of roles including Communications Lead for Ecosulis (Ecology Consultancy focusing on Rewilding). Chris is also rewilding 3.5 acres in Somerset; taking an ecologically barren former horse paddock into his very own nature reserve.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdagorne/

• 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/

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe briefly share updates from the Grange Project - rain, mud and fence removal, before introducing their guest for today’s episode - Chris D’Agorne.

[00:06:32] We meet Chris and he shares his passion for rewilding, the childhood dream of a nature reserve and some of the construction required to establish it.

[00:12:00] We learn about Chris’ interpretation of the science behind rewilding - diversity, disturbance and distribution.  

[00:23:12] Chris highlights the importance of the philosophy of rewilding; connection with community, financial viability and consideration of neighbours.

[00:28:45] We hear about the story of Chris’ nature reserve, how he found the field, the state it was in initially and the interventions that have taken place to date.

[00:33:30] Chloe questions Chris about the approach he’s taken to tree planting at the nature reserve and the importance of prioritising a naturalistic feel.

[00:42:25] We discuss Chris’ fantastic website resource - buynative.co.uk.

[00:45:00] The conversation concludes with hopes for the future and the importance of stories.

[00:48:18] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview and what resonated for them both.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerrytheranger/

• https://howtorewild.co.uk 'How to Rewild' is a helpful source of clear and science-based advice on rewilding, with practical guides, accessible to people with all levels of rewilding knowledge. 
• https://buynative.co.uk At Buy Native, it's not just easy, but fun to filter over 100 native plants that attract wildlife to your garden. Discover curated collections - plants for shade, for clay soils and more, or nerd-out on beautiful plant profiles, then click our seller links to buy plants from independent British nurseries. 

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

As one of the key mechanisms of international action to address climate change, this episode covers everything you need to know about the COP: why it exists, what happens during the COP, the critiques of the process and what we should look out for at COP 28. ‘We can’t really afford not to engage with the COP, and not to drive the movement to lower the emissions to the level we need.’ - Noora Firaq, Climate Outreach.

Noora is the Deputy CEO of Climate Outreach where she leads on organisational development and business strategy. Noora is from the Maldives – one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world due to the country’s natural land scarcity and low-lying geography. Having experienced how people and communities are adapting to climate change, Noora is passionate about having an inclusive conversation about how we tackle climate change as a global community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorafiraq/

• 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/

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe remind listeners about the aims of the Wilder Podcast and share their hopes for the episode today, alongside an introduction to Noora Firaq.

[00:03:30] We are joined by Noora Firaq, she introduces herself and some of the work of Climate Outreach. 

[00:07:25] We get stuck-in to the theme of today’s episode, discussing what is the COP, who attends and what occurs during the process.

[00:18:10] Tom questions Noora about some of the criticisms of the COP process, specifically that they haven’t had the specific impact we require to address increasing emissions. 

[00:22:50] We discuss the legal obligations of the COP process, and the best approach to engage people in a change process (using the recent change to 20mph in urban areas in Wales as an example!)

[00:27:52] Noora shares some of the historic achievements of COP, specifically focusing on the Paris Agreement in 2015.

[00:30:40] We look towards COP 28, what we should be looking out for and how you can engage with the COP process.

[00:34:40] We talk about Noora’s current levels of optimism and her hopes for the future.

[00:36:16] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview and what resonated for them both.

https://climateoutreach.org to find out more about how they’re putting people at the heart of tackling climate change, focusing their efforts on six key programme areas they believe are critical to building a social mandate for climate change: communities, impact and adaptation, policy and just transition, visuals and media, lifestyle changes and science communicators.

https://climateoutreach.org/britain-talks-climate/ Britain Talks Climate is an evidence-based toolkit designed to support any organisation that wants to engage the British public on climate change. It offers a shared, strategic understanding of the British public, and – against a backdrop of growing concern about polarisation – identifies effective ways to engage across the whole of society. The segmentation research underpinning Britain Talks Climate is More in Common’s Core Beliefs model.

https://www.cop28.com for all the information about the COP 28 UAE.

The podcast "Outrage and Optimism" is a weekly podcast that explores the climate crisis from a dual perspective of outrage and optimism. The podcast is hosted by Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson, and it features interviews with scientists, policymakers, activists, and everyday people who are working to address climate change. https://www.outrageandoptimism.org

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

Sharing the wisdom generated over recent years of wilder farming on a 150 acre croft in the Cairngorms, Lyn Cassell’s reflects on the importance of connection to the land, holistic living and the principles of wilder regenerative farming. We leave inspired and full of admiration for the pioneering work at Lynbreck Croft, we hope you do too?

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

Lynn was working in the south east of England for the National Trust where she met Sandra, and they connected over their shared vision to live closer to the land – raise our own animals, grow our own produce and be as self-sufficient as possible.  That vision has grown into Lynbreck Croft, a 150 acre croft in the Cairngorms from which they have created a new rural, vibrant enterprise. They firmly believe that working with natural processes and in harmony with nature is the only way to run our business and to live our lives.

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/lynbreckcroft

• 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/

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on rewilding interventions on the Grange Project, including ‘leaky woody debris’ and mud (where it’s wanted and where it’s not).

[00:06:40] Introduction to our guest and Lynbeck Croft, before being joined by the fantastic Lyn Cassells.

[00:12:03] Reflections on the balance between a ‘busy life’ and a ‘full life’. 

[00:14:25] We discuss the principles of ‘regenerative wilder farming’, including responding to the land, mob grazing and the role of grazing animals in regeneration. 

[00:26:44] Exploration of the root cause behind why we need to rewild; the loss of our connection to the land.

[00:30:18] We talk about the merits of natural regeneration versus tree planting.

[00:37:06] Lyn shares her hopes behind the education and outreach activities at Lynbreck Croft - the Landscape of Hope and we talk about the financial viability of wilder food production, in balance with holistic living.

[00:42:55] We talk about the value of reconnecting with nature and our land.

[00:49:00] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview and what resonated for them both.

https://www.lynbreckcroft.co.uk for more about regenerative wilding farming and the merchandise, courses and tours offered from the croft.

https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/our-wild-farming-life-adventures-on-a-scottish-highland-croft-lynn-cassells/6584445?ean=9781645020707 This is the inspirational true story of Lynbreck Croft – a regenerative Scottish croft rooted in local food and community – and the dreams of two women in search of a new, wilder existence.

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’re now 6 months in, and it seems like as good a time as any for a different type of episode. In a slightly shorter conversation than usual, thanks to Tom’s tenacious editing, we reflect on the progress of the Grange Project to date. Conversations touch on what we’ve appreciated (doughnuts in the digger), what's challenged us (what is rewilding anyway?) and we announce a shift in approach (listen to find out more!)

• 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/

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe discuss their hopes for today’s episode; to recap the listeners about the journey so far, reflect on appreciations and challenges, then to consider what they’re looking for (including a big announcement). 

[00:02:13] Recap about the Grange Project, including our ‘digital achievements’ over the past 6 months.

[00:03:44] Discussion about the physical changes on the land including solar panels and the activities of ‘thinking like a wild boar’.

[00:10:35] We discuss a shift in approach with the project, specifically a decision to step away from rewilding consultancy and towards ‘self-learning and discovery’.

[00:12:55] Appreciations for learning, teaching and hard work. Reflections on challenges including the ‘rewilding spectrum’, varying perspectives and the fatigue of decision making! 

[00:21:40] Tom talks about the challenges of ‘storytelling’ about climate change and biodiversity loss, using the sycamore gap as an example.

[00:23:40] What we’re looking forward to, including feedback from the pre-application, and the ‘big announcement’ of our collaborative rewilding project.

https://embercombe.org for details of the Rewilding Course, and a range of other programmes, all set within a 50 acre valley in Rural Devon.

How do you permanently remove billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide, utilising natural processes and of benefit to the land owner? Ben Westcott speaks to us about UNDO; an innovative company deploying the latest technology to speed up enhanced rock weathering, a geological process that locks away CO2. From this, we step into the challenges and opportunities of the carbon credit market and the co-benefits of nature based carbon storage technologies. Tom and Chloe also share some exciting news at the start of the episode about a pre-planning discussion for our community education space.

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

Ben Westcott is the Head of Enhanced Weathering Operations at UNDO, an innovative company utilising the latest technology to research the enhanced weathering of rocks for carbon removal. Ben was previously in the British Army for nearly 20 years, before joining UNDO in June of 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-westcott/ 

• 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/

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe discuss the latest developments at the Grange Project; specifically a planning update regarding our education space and temporary cabins.

[00:07:10] Introduction to the episode and our guest; Ben Westcott, Head of Enhanced Weathering at UNDO.

[00:11:08] Ben describes what enhanced weathering is, the steps involved in the process and the benefits for agricultural land.

[00:18:10] Tom questions Ben about the commercialisation of this approach and how it works for the landowner.  

[00:21:45] We step into Ben’s reflections on the challenges and opportunities of the carbon credit market.

[00:26:53] We discuss how UNDO intend to scale-up their work, the future of enhanced weathering, and the co-benefits of other nature based carbon storage technologies.

[00:30:40] Chloe queries about the risks of unintended consequences associated with nature based technologies.

[00:33:58] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview together.

https://un-do.com to find out more about enhanced rock weathering, the co-benefits of this approach and how you can get involved.

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