Wilder Podcast

• Ep. 041: The Lost Art of Nature Connection

  SummaryIn this episode of The Wilder Podcast, hosts Chloe and Tom explore the concept of nature connection, discussing its importance for mental health and wellbeing, the barriers that prevent it, and the pathways to rekindling our relationship with the natural world. They explore the significance of understanding nature connection, particularly among adolescents, and stress the need for systemic change to encourage deeper engagement with nature. The conversation underscores the reciprocal relationship between people and the environment, calling for a shift in language and policy to strengthen nature connection across society.Prof Miles Richardson's booksWebsiteThe Blackbird's SongReconnectionNature Connection Research GroupTakeawaysNature connection is vital for mental health and wellbeing.The UK ranks low in both nature connectedness and biodiversity.Urbanisation and technology are major contributors to disconnection from nature.Emotional engagement and education can foster stronger nature connection.Adolescents often experience a notable dip in nature connection during their teenage years.Research shows a strong correlation between nature connection and pro-environmental behaviour.Engaging the senses is a powerful way to deepen nature connection.Community involvement plays a key role in successful nature restoration projects.Nature connection should be seen as a reciprocal relationship.Systemic changes are essential to improving access to nature for everyone.Chapters00:00 – Introduction10:49 – Understanding Nature Connection16:01 – Defining Nature Connection21:25 – Nature Connection and Wellbeing32:55 – Barriers to Nature Connection45:43 – Pathways to Nature Connection50:48 – Engaging Adolescents in Nature Connection55:54 – Reflections and Future Directions

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• Ep. 040: Rivers in Crisis – A Conversation with James Wallace

  What happens when we treat our rivers like sewers, ignore regulation, and allow polluters to profit from destruction? In this milestone 40th episode of The Wilder Podcast, we sit down with James Wallace, CEO of River Action, for one of our most eye-opening conversations yet. Beyond the outrage, this conversation is a masterclass in what needs to change, how it can change, and what each of us can do to be part of the solution.Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcastGrange Project Contact & Social MediaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Fencing Company Tom Mentioned: https://www.wilcrickgroup.co.uk/Our Guest: James Wallace is the CEO of River Action, an environmental NGO committed to ending river pollution in the UK. A former archaeologist, campaigner, and founder of multiple environmental organisations, James has worked on conservation projects from the UK to Madagascar, and now leads legal and policy challenges to clean up Britain’s rivers.🔗 Visit River Action UK 🌊 Explore the River Rescue Kit 📱 Follow @riveractionuk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and XEpisode Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction and updates from the Grange Project, including the new market garden, the first school visit to the project and freedom for the pigs.[09:42] Meet James Wallace – CEO of River Action and hear his journey from chalk stream childhood to river campaigner[13:42] What’s the problem with our rivers? A breakdown of pollutants[17:46] What healthy rivers could mean for wildlife, communities and the economy[23:24] Why haven’t we fixed this already? A deep dive into regulation and politics[27:35] What can individuals and communities do to make a difference?[34:33] What is the River Rescue Kit and how will it help local campaigners?[38:00] Do we need new laws or better enforcement of existing ones?[42:42] Political will, lobbying pressure, and the role of growth narratives[46:00] Why River Action is pursuing new legal challenges in 2025[49:00] Reflections on the river as a public good—and why this moment matters[53:20] Closing reflections from Tom & Chloe⭐️ Enjoyed the Episode?Tap Follow or Subscribe so you...

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• Ep. 039: The Act That Could Change the World

  In this episode we speak with the inspirational Jane Davidson, the former government minister who proposed the groundbreaking Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. We discuss how the Act came to be, the influence the legislation has had and why Wales is now being watched by countries around the world looking to follow its lead.Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast**Community Day Sign-up** https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/volunteers-dayThrivalism Episode: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast/ep-038-thrivalism-with-tony-juniper-cbeGrange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Our Guest: Jane Davidson is an environmentalist, author and international speaker. From 2000 - 2011, Jane was Minister for Education, then Minister for Environment and Sustainability in the Welsh Government, where she proposed legislation to make sustainability the central organising principle; the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act came into law in 2015. She introduced the first plastic bag charge in the UK, and her recycling regulations took Wales to third best in the world. She created a Climate Change Commission for Wales, the post of Sustainable Futures Commissioner, and the Wales Coast Path. Website: https://janedavidson.wales/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-davidson-24070337/Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, including an exciting update about the opening of the Grange Hub.[00:04:17] Jane introduces herself and the rich influences from her background.[00:13:23] We hear about the development of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, what it contains and what it means.[00:21:02] Chloe asks about how the act was received at a government level.[00:26:18] Tom questions Jane about examples of policy shifts associated with the act and she shares various examples, for example: universal basic income for care leavers,...

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• Ep. 038: Thrivalism with Tony Juniper CBE

  Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, shares with us a powerful thesis: we cannot fight the climate and ecological crisis without first addressing social inequality. Not content with just highlighting these connections, Tony describes the system change necessary to move us all forward; the new political philosophy of Thrivalism. Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcastGrange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Our Guests: Tony’s career is devoted to Nature recovery, environmental protection and sustainable development. Working across many activities, including research, campaigning, policy and writing. Involvement with many organisations including Friends of the Earth, Wildlife Trusts, WWF, HRH The Prince of Wales’s International Sustainability Unit, CISL Cambridge and Birdlife International. In depth activity on climate change, Nature conservation, circular economy and more. Now the Chair at Natural England.Website: https://tonyjuniper.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-juniper-cbe-a2763b31/?originalSubdomain=ukNew book "Just Earth": https://amzn.eu/d/8cwIaHnListen out for:[00:00:00] Tom provides a brief overview of the Grange Project and they discuss their latest addition: The Market Garden.[00:08:50] Tony introduces himself and his thesis that the environmental crisis cannot be addressed without first considering social inequality. [00:11:40] We discuss examples of the connection between these two concepts including the disproportionate use of resources, the perceived value of limitless economic growth and the differing impacts of environmental decline. [00:17:07] Tom asks about how the book has been received.[00:19:05] Chloe reflects on how cost of living is often given as a justification for environmental inaction, particularly with regards to cheap food, water and energy bills.[00:23:43] We talk about how we need to respond to these challenges and the concept of Thrivalism.[00:29:07] Chloe raises the point about how it’s in everyone’s interests to work towards a fairer society due to the risks of both environmental and...

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• Ep. 037: Taking Rewilding Mainstream with Alister Scott of the Global Rewilding Alliance

  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’.Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcastGrange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: 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=ukListen out for:[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...

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