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On Jimmy's Farm
Wild Swimming with River Expert Angela Jones
Ep. 8
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Angela Jones, also known as 'The Wild Woman of the Wye', often spends up to six hours in the river. She joins Jimmy on the farm to talk about wild swimming; the health benefits, risks, and impact on the environment.
Open water swimming boomed during the pandemic, with searches for the term “wild swimming” increasing by 94%, according the Outdoor Swimming magazine’s annual report. Many swimmers talk about the positive impact on their mental and physical health. Cold water immersion reduces inflammation and stress hormones, and one study found that it can boost dopamine levels by 530%.
Angela has swam in the Wye for decades, and often sleeps on the riverbank with just a sleeping bag. She's an advocate for swimming without a trace; being able to enjoy the health benefits and nature while simultaneously considering ecosystems. Hear how to avoid inadvertently damaging wildlife, and how wild swimming can improve your health and wellbeing.
Find out more about Angela's outdoor swimming business here.
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