Sean's Wild Life

After a long time talking about it, I pay a visit to Ben Andrews' organic farm in rural Herefordshire to get the scoop on organic Vs conventional agriculture, countryside stewardship especially farmers' roles and how we can produce food in a nature friendly way that isn't as harmful to the climate and environment. We also get into a meaty discussion about veganism and food trends, dissect the gluten intolerance myth, explore agroecology and regenerative agriculture, and lots more besides. We're out in a windy field at the start, so there's a little crackling on the audio, but bear with it. We get into the shelter of Ben's buggy soon enough for a tour of the farm and the sound quality gets much better. Ben's intrepid pups Barney and Percy interrupt proceedings once or twice too. Come along for the tour, it's almost like you're down on the farm with Farmer Ben and I in real life! Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose. Production costs are self funded by Sean McCormack, but donations to fund future episodes are welcome on Acast Supporter here:http://supporter.acast.com/seans-wild-lifeor at www.patreon.com/seanswildlife.Cover photo credit: Ben Andrews.

A fascinating, hilarious and inspiring conversation with Derek Gow, an ecologist, reintroduction specialist, farmer and author of 'Bringing Back the Beaver'. Derek is well known for speaking out on the frustrations of our current systems and organisations in place to protect our natural landscapes and biodiversity. Or should that be to regulate our natural landscapes and attempts to restore biodiversity? In this episode he packs no punches in critiquing the bureaucracy and inertia of our conservation organisations. He suggests that perhaps we need to be bolder and get cracking right now on restoring nature on a larger scale and restore lost species as a matter of urgency.We discuss the psychology of humankind in historically conquering nature, obliterating species deemed harmful or indeed valuable to us, and reshaping the landscape in ways that have been immensely harmful to the natural world. We also explore Derek's varied career in farming, into global wildlife conservation, back to British wildlife conservation and most recently his pioneering role within the UK rewilding movement. Specifically his work from his Devon farm and collaborating with several other organisations in reintroducing threatened or extinct species, from water voles and harvest mice to beavers and white storks. If you're offended by crude language and straight talk, be warned. Personally I found Derek's refreshingly honest and bold approach truly inspiring. It's a compelling and humorous chat from a non-traditional nature conservationist not afraid to take risks or rock the boat! Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose. Production costs are self funded by Sean McCormack, but donations to fund future episodes are welcome on Acast Supporter here:http://supporter.acast.com/seans-wild-lifeor at www.patreon.com/seanswildlife.Cover photo credit: Magzter.

I chat to Conor Gallagher, founder of AllotMe.co.uk, a brand new online platform linking wannabe food growers with local landowners to start using urban spaces for food production. Think of it as the AirBnB for gardeners and food growers! We discuss the importance of connecting with our food systems, urban agriculture, the demand for and shortage of allotment space in urban areas and new technologies driving more sustainable food production. As well as why it's so important for global health and the environment to grow and shop local for food. Are you looking for a space to grow? Been sitting on an allotment waiting list for years? Don't have much outdoor space so think you'll never be able to grow your own food? Then think again, this episode and AllotMe.co.uk is just what you've been waiting for!Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose. Production costs are self funded by Sean McCormack, but donations to fund future episodes are welcome at www.patreon.com/seanswildlife or here on Acast Supporter here:http://supporter.acast.com/seans-wild-life.