Wilder Podcast

Grange Project
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  • NATURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Wilder Podcast! Co-hosted by Chloe and Tom, we explore topics including "rewilding", sustainable living and climate change, whilst documenting our attempts to apply these principles on our 80 acres in rural Monmouthshire. We speak with experts who are passionate about understanding, protecting and restoring the natural world, to the benefit of us all. Whether that’s a professor of rewilding, a micro green start-up or charity founders, we explore their stories in a way that’s accessible to all. Alongside their expertise, we also share our journey of the Grange Project - where we are learning through doing and without any relevant background in ecology or nature recovery. Essentially, we ask the stupid questions so you don’t have to. Whether you're a seasoned environmentalist, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about how you can make a difference, we hope this podcast will entertain, inspire (and perhaps educate a little too)!

  1. Ep. 049: Regenerative Agriculture Changing How We Grow Food

    FEB 7

    Ep. 049: Regenerative Agriculture Changing How We Grow Food

    Tom and Chloe sit down with Clare from Planton farm to explore what regenerative agriculture really means. Drawing on Claire’s journey from the conventional food industry into regenerative farming, the conversation explores why our current food system is under strain and how working with nature offers a viable, hopeful alternative. Together they explore soil health, livestock grazing, culture change in farming, and the realities farmers face when trying to shift away from extractive systems. From cattle as “ecosystem engineers” to the surprising role chickens can play in regeneration, this episode is a grounded, honest look at food, farming and the mindset shifts required to restore landscapes while keeping farms viable. Key topics & chapter markers[00:00] – Introduction and context Clare joins the podcast after visiting the Grange Project, sharing her background and passion for grazing livestock and regenerative farming. [03:56] – What regenerative agriculture actually means A clear explanation of regeneration as the opposite of degradation – restoring soil, water, biodiversity and people – and why there is no single “recipe” for doing it well. [05:24] – Regenerative vs organic farming How organic and regenerative systems overlap, where they differ, and why organic certification doesn’t automatically guarantee soil regeneration. [07:05] – The challenge of definition and greenwashing Why regenerative agriculture lacks certification, how the term can be misused, and the importance of asking one key question as a consumer: what is this regenerating? [08:48] – Why the current food system is struggling A look back to post-war agriculture, the drive for volume, the rise of chemical inputs and the unintended consequences for soil health, nutrition, biodiversity and resilience. [13:16] – Economics of regenerative farming Why high-input, high-output farming is hitting a ceiling, how rising input costs are eroding margins, and why some farmers turn to regenerative approaches for financial survival as much as environmental reasons. [15:02] – Culture change and farmer mindset Farming as identity, pride and tradition – and why regenerative farming challenges deeply held ideas about tidiness, productivity and what “good farming” looks like. [20:28] – Roots to Regeneration Clare explains the two-year Roots to Regeneration programme, designed to support farmers and food-system professionals through deep, supported transition rather than surface-level change. [24:23] – Cattle, climate and eating less but better meat Why grazing animals can be central to regeneration, how grasslands co-evolved with ruminants, and why cattle can act as ecosystem engineers when managed well. [29:38] – Chickens in a regenerative system Exploring pasture poultry, nutrient imbalance, river pollution and why the current chicken industry is structurally broken. [36:07] – Interconnected roles on the farm How chickens and cattle support each other through manure management, pest control, fertilisation and orchard grazing. [38:47] – The future of farming Regenerative agriculture as a potential fifth agricultural revolution, the rise of eco-literacy and a vision of farming that is more resilient, humane and joyful. About the guestClare is a regenerative farmer and food-system specialist based in Shropshire. She runs Planton Fam, an 80-acre regenerative holding integrating cattle, chickens, trees and perennial crops. With a background spanning the...

    51 min
  2. Ep. 048: Wilder Purbeck - Connecting a Community to the "Super National Nature Reserve"

    12/24/2025

    Ep. 048: Wilder Purbeck - Connecting a Community to the "Super National Nature Reserve"

    In this pre‑Christmas episode, hosts Chloe and Tom sit down with Tom Clark and Alex Brocklesby from the National Trust at Purbeck. Purbeck is one of the UK’s most biodiverse areas, yet many residents remain disconnected from the nature on their doorstep. Tom and Alex explain how varied geology; including Pool Harbour, chalk ridges and heathlands, creates an incredible range of habitats. They describe how the Purbeck Heaths, the UK’s first super national nature reserve, unites 3500hectares of heathland owned by NGOs, statutory bodies and private landowners. The conversation explores why connecting local communities to this landscape is as important as ecological restoration, highlighting systemic barriers like work pressures and lack of time. Key topics & chapter markers:Each bullet below begins with the approximate start time for that segment: [00:05] Welcome & purpose of the Wilder Podcast. Chloe and Tom explain that the podcast has evolved from documenting their family’s rewilding journey to exploring wider systemic challenges—education, community, economy and eco‑entrepreneurship. [04:20] Conservation sheep and lessons in rewilding. Chloe and Tom recount borrowing six conservation sheep, difficulties moving them between fields and why most commercial sheep aren’t suited to rewilding. Conservation breeds like the Castlemilk Moorit nibble less and promote diverse grasslands. [16:55] Introducing Purbeck’s biodiversity. Tom Clark and Alex Brocklesby describe Purbeck as one of the most biodiverse parts of the UK because of its varied geology—harbours, chalk ridges, heathlands and limestone cliffs. They note the long‑standing presence of organisations like Natural England, the National Trust and RSPB. [19:17] Super National Nature Reserve. The guests explain that the Purbeck Heaths are the UK’s first super national nature reserve. The reserve unites several smaller reserves into a continuous 3500 hectare landscape that includes private landowners, demonstrating collaboration beyond NGOs. [20:54] – Experiences on the Isle of Purbeck. Visitors can see snakes, lizards, puffins, eagles, beavers and butterflies; picnic in flower‑rich meadows; explore sheltered beaches with seahorses; wander ancient woodlands; watch sunsets; or go coasteering along the Jurassic Coast. Four million people visit each year because the region offers so many ways to connect with nature. [22:55] – Why local people aren’t more connected to nature. Despite living in a biodiverse landscape, Purbeck residents aren’t any more nature‑connected than people elsewhere. Nearly 40 % of local children start school without ever having been to the beach. Tom and Alex discuss building trust with schools, community groups and businesses and reflect on the need for community‑led approaches, rather than top‑down conservation. [27:19] – Systemic barriers & opportunities. Modern lifestyles—commuting, low‑paid seasonal work, high numbers of second homes—leave little time for nature connection. Society is structured around nine‑to‑five routines rather than natural rhythms. The guests urge listeners to co‑create solutions that make time in nature accessible to everyone. About the guests:Tom Clark Land & Outdoors Manager for the National Trust’s Purbeck portfolio. He leads teams responsible for nature conservation, habitat restoration and visitor engagement across the Purbeck Heaths. Tom is passionate about collaborative, community‑led rewilding and believes the future of conservation depends on partnerships between NGOs and local people. Alex Brocklesby Community & Volunteering Manager for the National Trust at Purbeck. With a background in...

    1h 8m
  3. Ep. 047: Monmouth Floods Discussion

    11/17/2025

    Ep. 047: Monmouth Floods Discussion

    Guest: Tom Johnstone – Founder of We Are Nature Based Host: Tom Constable (co‑founder of The Grange Project) Episode overviewIn this special episode, Tom Constable talks to flood‑management expert Tom Johnstone about the catastrophic flooding that recently hit Monmouthshire and large parts of Wales. We explore what drove the event, whether it was simply a natural flood or part of a climate‑induced trend, and what practical solutions exist to reduce future risk. This conversation is grounded in both data and lived experience; it also responds to a social‑media debate where some posts dismissed any link between climate change and flooding. About Tom Johnson:Founder of We Are Nature Based, a community interest company that helps water companies, local authorities and land managers adopt natural flood management techniques.Works across the UK integrating nature‑based solutions with traditional (grey) infrastructure, including leaky woody dams, tree planting and wetland creation.Previously collaborated with the Grange Project to install around 50 leaky woody structures in their stream – an effort that Tom Constable credits with slowing water on the farm. Episode highlights:[00:00] Introduction & purpose – Host Tom Constable explains the devastating floods that struck Monmouthshire and his aim to explore whether the floods are climate‑induced or natural. [01:50] Acknowledging the impact – Guest Tom Johnson sends sympathies to affected communities, noting the hardship and setting the tone for a thoughtful discussion. [03:20] Why Tom Johnstone? – Tom Johnstone outlines his credentials as the founder of We Are Nature Based and his expertise in natural flood management. [04:30] What happened? Rainfall & river levels – The conversation turns to the flood statistics: nearly 120 mm of rain fell in 12 hours (more than 10 % of the annual average) and the River Monnow’s defences were overtopped. [06:30] Are floods climate‑induced? – Tom Johnson explains that while floods are natural, the frequency of heavy rainfall and droughts is increasing due to climate change. [09:00] Land use, soils & runoff – They discuss how centuries of land drainage, river straightening and intensive farming have compacted soils and accelerated runoff; Tom uses a dried‑out sponge analogy to describe baked soils repelling water. [13:00] Dredging vs. slowing the flow – A pragmatic discussion on dredging where it’s needed and why slowing the flow with leaky dams, ponds and vegetation is often a better approach. [16:00] Grange Project anecdote & climate projections – Tom Constable shares how hedgerows, tussocky grass and woody debris have slowed runoff on his farm; Tom Johnson discusses predictions of more flash‑flood events in Wales. [19:00] Beyond higher walls: budgets & catchments – They question the wisdom of endlessly raising flood walls and advocate investing some flood‑defence budgets in catchment‑wide natural solutions. [22:00] Policy & planning recommendations – Tom Johnstone suggests permeable paving for new developments, smart rainwater butts, incentives for farmers to hold water on their land, and...

    31 min
  4. Ep. 046: Healing in the Wild with Jo Robert, CEO Wilderness Foundation UK

    11/06/2025

    Ep. 046: Healing in the Wild with Jo Robert, CEO Wilderness Foundation UK

    In episode 46 of The Wilder Podcast, hosts Chloe and Tom explore how wild places heal people and ecosystems. Their guest is Jo Roberts, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation UK. Jo shares how her childhood in South Africa fostered a deep respect for wilderness, how trauma influenced her career path, and why she believes access to nature should be a basic public health right. The conversation covers the Grange Project’s latest updates (volunteers, community‑days and new Berkshire pigs), the difference between parks and true wilderness, and the Wilderness Foundation’s programmes for survivors of domestic abuse, young people experiencing mental‑health challenges and at‑risk youth. Together they discuss why being outdoors with others, facing manageable challenges and reconnecting with non‑human nature can transform mental and emotional health. Guest:Jo Roberts – CEO, Wilderness Foundation UK Jo has been Chief Executive of the Wilderness Foundation since 2004 and previously worked as Projects Director and Project Coordinatorwildernessfoundation.org.uk. A South African by birth, Jo was shaped by wild places across Africa and studied social anthropology during apartheid. She moved to the UK in 1984 and later merged her global network of wilderness practitioners into programmes that use nature to promote wellbeing and behavioural changewildernessfoundation.org.uk. Jo is a master NLP practitioner and psychotherapeutic counsellor who leads wilderness therapy programmes, with research interests in how immersion in nature affects mental healthwildernessfoundation.org.uk. She also serves on the Essex Climate Action Commission and champions the idea that “we help nature and nature helps us”wildernessfoundation.org.uk. Timestamps & Topics:[00:00] Introductions & Grange Project update [08:00] Jo Roberts’ background [16:00] What counts as wilderness? [28:00] Why wilderness heals [36:00] Programmes & therapeutic work [45:00] Access to nature as a public health right [55:00] Reflections & takeaways: Key Takeaways:Wild places are medicine. Research on the Wilderness Foundation’s TurnAround programme shows that spending time in wilderness and receiving long‑term support improves emotional wellbeing for most participants and helps them into education, training or worksmileymovement.org.Nature‑based therapy blends challenge and care. Programmes like Blossom and Brave Futures combine bushcraft, outdoor cooking and art therapy with trauma‑informed counsellinga href="https://wildernessfoundation.org.uk/domestic-violence-recovery/#:~:text=Schedule%3A%201%20day%20a%20week,can%20be%20supplied%20if%20needed" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 1m
  5. Ep. 045: Community Land Stewardship with Chris Blake

    10/08/2025

    Ep. 045: Community Land Stewardship with Chris Blake

    This week on the Wilder Podcast, we sit down with Chris Blake to explore how communities can steward land through collaboration, long-term vision and trust between local people and public bodies. We also share Grange Project updates (bumper apple harvest, the market garden & "cathedral-scale" polytunnel!), two recent courses, and announce Wilder Away Days - our nature-based corporate retreats. Key takeaways:Community land stewardship ≠ one model. Freehold, long leasehold, management agreements and co-production each offer different ways for local values to shape land.Co-production works when power is shared. Start with a blank page, bring evidence-givers (forestry, ecology, education), and let a mixed panel turn evidence into values & principles - not expert-written plans.Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) can beat clear-fell on 100-year horizons: better soils, flood risk, vistas - and local, steady jobs from ongoing thinning rather than boom-and-bust harvesting.Public bodies win too. Communities unlock grants, volunteers and entrepreneurial energy that agencies often lack - delivering outcomes already in policy (biodiversity, access, carbon).Trust is the glue. A year-long, facilitated process built mutual respect between Natural Resources Wales managers and residents; FSC certification also helps keep plans on track.Practical first steps. If transfer isn’t feasible, explore long leases or co-produced forest/resource plans; talk to national support orgs early (see "Resources"). Timestamps:00:06 — Welcome & what’s ahead 00:30 — Grange Project update: community day, record apple harvest & juice pressing 06:50 — Announcement: Wilder Away Days (purposeful team retreats in wild nature) 10:15 — Guest intro: Chris Blake & the journey to community stewardship 13:05 — What is “community land stewardship”? Why it matters 15:40 — Lessons from Scotland’s community buyouts (Noidart, forestry, hydro, housing) 19:40 — The co-production model in the Rhondda: who’s in the room & how it ran 27:55 — Designing for Continuous Cover Forestry & local jobs over decades 30:00 — Why agencies benefit: capacity, risk culture, and policy delivery 34:35 — Accountability: FSC, public scrutiny & relationship-based safeguards 37:55 — Inside the room: creative methods, expert “witnesses,” values > wish-lists 47:50 — Where to go for help (nation-specific orgs) 49:47 — Closing reflections: changing the values that shape landscapes 50:02 — Hosts’ debrief: win-wins, optimism, and where else co-production fits Guest:Chris Blake - social entrepreneur focused on community energy and land stewardship; founding director at The Green Valleys,...

    58 min
  6. Ep. 044: The Quiet Revolution of Growing Your Own with Gaz Oakley

    09/11/2025

    Ep. 044: The Quiet Revolution of Growing Your Own with Gaz Oakley

    In this episode, Tom and Chloe sit down with chef-turned-homesteader Gaz Oakley to explore his remarkable journey from the high-pressure kitchens of Cardiff and London to a more grounded life growing food and foraging in the Welsh hills. With 1.8 million YouTube followers, five cookbooks, and a deepening connection to land, Gaz shares how food, nature, and simplicity became the foundation of his transformation. This honest conversation explores the systemic challenges of modern living, the healing power of growing your own food, and how small acts like growing herbs on a windowsill can become a radical form of resistance. Key TakeawaysNature deficiency is real. Gaz describes the anxiety and disconnection he felt in city life — and how growing his own food and spending time outdoors radically improved his wellbeing. Food is medicine. From fermenting tomatoes to foraging yarrow, Gaz has reimagined food not just as fuel but as nourishment for body, soul, and soil. Start small, grow meaningfully. Whether it's a tomato plant on a windowsill or an allotment plot in the city, Gaz encourages listeners to take accessible first steps towards food autonomy. Authenticity over aesthetics. Despite his large digital following, Gaz speaks candidly about the tension between online influence and offline peace, and his longing to connect with people in-person through real-world projects. Music, clothing, and relationships change. When you reconnect with nature, everything else aligns — even your Spotify playlist. Timestamps00:00 – A sip of hibiscus and a warm welcome 01:00 – Setting the tone: hospitality, herbs, and grounding rituals 03:00 – What’s The Grange Project? An intro for new listeners 06:00 – Upcoming community day highlights (apple pressing, polytunnel building, wood meadows) 08:00 – Meet Gaz Oakley: chef, YouTuber, homesteader 11:30 – From burnout to foraging: Gaz’s turning point during COVID 15:00 – How growing food changed Gaz’s entire relationship with cooking 18:00 – The deeper meaning of foraging, soil health, and nourishment 22:00 – From beats to birdsong: how Gaz’s music taste reflects his transformation 25:00 – Systemic critique and compassion for city dwellers 28:00 – Social media, influence, and the silent revolution of self-sufficiency 34:00 – How self-sufficient is Gaz? The ups and downs of growing most of your food 38:00 – Time, joy, and the rhythm of gardening 41:00 – Herbalism, slow living, and detoxing from industrial life 46:00 – Gaz’s advice: practical steps for rewilding your life — even in the city 50:00 – Final reflections and future plans 52:00 – Postscript chat: bromances, polytunnels, and McDonald’s metaphors Guest BioGaz Oakley is a chef, author, YouTuber, and passionate homesteader based in Wales. Best known for his plant-based recipes and hugely popular channel "Avant Garde Vegan", Gaz is now on a mission to grow his own food, live more naturally, and inspire others to reconnect with the land. Links & ResourcesGaz Oakley on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/avantgardeveganThe Grange Project: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukJoin the WhatsApp Community: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/whatsappNewsletter Signup: Stay updatedSupport the podcast: Rate, review, and share! 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

    58 min
  7. Ep. 043: From Loss to Life - Ben Goldsmith & Natural Capital

    08/28/2025

    Ep. 043: From Loss to Life - Ben Goldsmith & Natural Capital

    In this episode of the Wilder Podcast, we sit down with Ben Goldsmith, financier, conservationist, and passionate rewilding advocate, to explore the deeply personal and global dimensions of nature restoration. Ben shares how the tragic loss of his daughter, Iris, became the catalyst for rewilding his Somerset farm, transforming grief into a living love letter to her wild spirit. We also explore his belief in the healing power of nature, both for individuals and for landscapes, and why reconnecting young people with the natural world is one of the greatest challenges of our time. From there, we broaden the lens to global rewilding projects and the emerging role of nature credits, from carbon and biodiversity credits to water quality markets, in funding large-scale ecological recovery. Ben explains the opportunities, risks, and integrity challenges of these markets, and why, despite their imperfections, they may be one of the most powerful tools available to scale restoration at speed. Key TakeawaysHow the loss of Ben’s daughter Iris inspired his family’s rewilding journey.The healing role of nature in times of deep grief.Why rewilding can happen on any scale, from a window box to thousands of acres.The promise and pitfalls of nature credits, from carbon markets to biodiversity net gain.Why reconnecting young people with nature is essential for our collective future.How hope, optimism, and pragmatic financing can fuel a wilder world. Timestamps00:00 – Weather, drought, and the Grange Project’s changing landscape09:30 – Introducing Ben Goldsmith and his lifelong passion for nature16:00 – Rewilding in memory of Iris: grief, love, and transformation27:00 – Nature connection, childhood, and ecological identity33:00 – The return of beavers and winning hearts for rewilding36:00 – Nature credits explained: carbon, water, biodiversity46:00 – Risks, integrity, and scepticism in new nature markets52:00 – The future of Welsh farming and policy courage01:00:00 – Reflections on accountability, funding gaps, and next steps Guest Bio – Ben GoldsmithBen Goldsmith is an environmentalist, investor, and writer. He chairs the Conservative Environment Network and is the founder of Rewilding the World, a podcast sharing stories of global restoration. His memoir, God is an Octopus, documents his journey through grief and the solace he found in rewilding his Somerset farm after the tragic loss of his daughter Iris. Ben has also worked extensively in green investment, particularly in natural capital and renewable energy, seeking ways to channel finance into large-scale ecological recovery. HostsTom & Chloe Constable are the founders of the Grange Project, an 80-acre rewilding initiative in Monmouthshire, Wales. Through the Wilder Podcast, they document their journey in restoring nature, raising a young family, and exploring the wider rewilding movement with leading voices from around the world. The Wilder PodcastThe Wilder Podcast explores the people, ideas, and projects driving the rewilding movement. From family farms to global landscapes, we share honest conversations about restoring nature, finding hope, and building a wilder future. Connect with Us🌱 Visit the Grange Project: www.grangeproject.co.uk 🌿 Follow on Instagram: a href="https://instagram.com/grangeprojectwales?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener...

    1h 5m
  8. Ep. 042: Restorative Practices for a Wilder World

    07/23/2025

    Ep. 042: Restorative Practices for a Wilder World

    In this episode of the Wilder Podcast, Chloe and Tom discuss the recent opening of the Grange Hub and explore two significant restorative practices: Natural Flood Management (NFM) and Nature Guardianship. Tom Johnston from We Are Nature Based CIC explains how NFM utilises natural processes to manage water flow, contrasting it with traditional gray infrastructure. The conversation also explores Nature Guardianship, a concept that integrates the voice of nature into decision-making processes. The episode highlights the need for a mindset shift in water management and the potential for these practices to create our 'wilder world'. Community discount for the Grange Project's Wilder Cabins: 'COMMUNITY10'. Click here. 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 Grange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: hello@grangeproject.co.ukInstagram: 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/ Takeaways:The Grange Hub opening marks a significant milestone for the project.Natural Flood Management (NFM) uses natural processes to manage water flow.NFM can prevent flooding and enhance biodiversity.Nature Guardianship brings the voice of nature into decision-making.Restorative practices reconnect humans with nature.Community engagement is crucial for successful environmental initiatives.Cumulative small interventions can have a large impact on water management.Mindset shifts are necessary for effective water management.Nature Guardianship can help shift cultural attitudes towards nature.Investing in nature-based solutions is essential for sustainability. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Wilder Podcast and Grange Hub Opening 12:23 Natural Flood Management: Understanding the Concept 42:07 Nature Guardianship: A New Approach to Decision-Making 54:25 Restorative Practices: Reflections from the interview.

    1h 7m
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About

Welcome to the Wilder Podcast! Co-hosted by Chloe and Tom, we explore topics including "rewilding", sustainable living and climate change, whilst documenting our attempts to apply these principles on our 80 acres in rural Monmouthshire. We speak with experts who are passionate about understanding, protecting and restoring the natural world, to the benefit of us all. Whether that’s a professor of rewilding, a micro green start-up or charity founders, we explore their stories in a way that’s accessible to all. Alongside their expertise, we also share our journey of the Grange Project - where we are learning through doing and without any relevant background in ecology or nature recovery. Essentially, we ask the stupid questions so you don’t have to. Whether you're a seasoned environmentalist, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about how you can make a difference, we hope this podcast will entertain, inspire (and perhaps educate a little too)!

Information

  • Creator
    Grange Project
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Grange Project
  • Show Website
    Wilder Podcast

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