Wilder Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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...

In the context of carbon emissions related to imported foods, increasing food insecurity, pollution from intensive farming and corporate monopolies, maybe it's time we reimagined the future of farming in the UK? Duncan Fisher eloquently describes how Our Food 1200 / Ein Bwyd 1200 are working to build a reliable and affordable supply of food for all, focusing on accessible and small scale agroecological farms.

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

• Email: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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/

Duncan Fisher is the Director and Co-Manager of Our Food 1200, he lives in Crickhowell and has a varied background, including extensive experience in child welfare and development and sustainable travel.

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

https://ourfood1200.wales/ to find out more about the work of Our Food 1200, including the application link for the Future Farms Partnership in Powys.

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, sharing the love from our second community day and news of a recently awarded grant.

[00:06:40] Our guest for today, Duncan Fisher, introduces himself and gives an overview of Our Food 1200.

[00:12:05] Tom asks Duncan to elaborate on why we require a new approach to farming, specifically in relation to food security and the affordability of farmland.

[00:16:50] Chloe questions Duncan about the environmental impacts of our current food system, including the carbon impact of imported food, and the profitability of growing fruit and vegetables. 

[00:23:14] We discuss the definition of agroecological and what you might expect from a small-scale future farm.

[00:26:16] Duncan introduces their flagship project: The Future Farms Partnership.

[00:31:22] We discuss the perspective of George Monbiot and his ‘protein factories’, considering the importance of decentralisation. 

[00:35:58] Chloe reflects on the joy of community connections associated with local and  small-scale farming. 

[00:39:25] 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...

As the majority of the UK population lives within an urban environment, it’s critical that ‘wilder nature’ is not the privilege of the rural landscape. Stephen Mason, Community Parks Officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, shares practical examples of what rewilding can look like in a semi-urban context, how to bring people along with the journey and the benefits for people, places and nature alike. 

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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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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/

Stephen Mason is the Community Parks Officer for Cheltenham Borough Council. He is passionate about nature, rewilding, volunteering and engaging communities, and is delighted to be paid for doing the work he loves!

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mason-926893259/
• https://www.facebook.com/cheltenhamparks

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe share a lengthy update on the Grange Project, discussing the plan for the volunteers day, the dilemmas of health and safety, and what they’ve learnt about native trees and tree protection.

[00:] Stephen introduces himself and the role of a Community Parks Officer.

[00:] We discuss the importance of context and what ‘rewilding’ means in a semi-urban to Cheltenham Borough Council, for example the creation of a wild-flower meadow in a heritage park within the town.

[00:] Stephen shares the consultation process involved with making changes to community green spaces and how the council are working to engage and educate people.

[00:] We then talk about a community orchard project, including a scrape, and the benefits for nature and the local residents.

[00:] Chloe talks about her experiences working in mental health and the value of green prescribing and engaging young people with nature. 

[00:] Stephen shares more examples including veternising a mature sycamore tree in order to create wildlife habitats and the importance of a mosaic of habitats. 

[00:] We end the interview with Stephen by discussing the challenges of dispersal and wildlife corridors within a semi-urban environment.

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

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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:

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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...

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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: Jack@youngwilders.uk

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...

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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.

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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...

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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:

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: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
• 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...