The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast The People's Countryside

In their signature unvarnished style, your co-hosts, Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow aren't afraid to push boundaries, and explore taboo subjects often left undiscussed. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged, as these two plumb the depths of protests and trigger warnings, from refreshingly candid angles.

First up, Stuart and William dive into the nature of protests, which was prompted by the following question from listener Imelda in Pichincha, Ecuador - “Does effective protest have to be disruptive and noisy?”

Stuart ponders if art can be a form of protest, while William wonders aloud what even constitutes a true "protest". From silent sit-ins to raucous street marches, they explore the many faces of activist expression.

Next it's on to the prickly topic of trigger warnings, where your co-hosts are triggered into the conversation by the following listener question, which came from Layla in Bahrain - “Are trigger warnings really needed? I know they are good for strobe lights etc that can have physical impacts, but let's focus on things like Shakespere plays, where we half expect to see scenes of violence. It can have more impact if we’re not fully expecting it. Should TW’s be on podcasts like yours, because I worry about the potential learning by the listener being exposed to such material, is watered down because we might be pussy footing around people's feelings too much? It's vital we get the balance around this right, but where is that balance, and who dictates where that is? Balance means different things in different countries too”.

Stuart argues some trigger warnings are necessary (like seizure warnings), but that we risk being overly cautious. William raises the example of film ratings providing upfront content advisories. But is there value in experiencing art's shocks and surprises organically and unexpectedly? The pair debate whether ubiquitous trigger warnings diminish their purpose and cause us to live lives of avoidance, or if they are simply a necessity in our hyper-connected age.

This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice, and we like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside


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Charlie, from Montrose, Scotland has sent in this listener question  - “Who owns land is at the heart of the housing crisis in the UK. It's not because bricks and mortar have suddenly become incredibly expensive. It's because the value of land has gone through the roof. Is it possible to own land though when we as humans came from it, are part of it, and ultimately, will go back to it?”

Stuart feels that land ownership is all an illusion and the concept of land ownership has been going on for centuries. Indigenous cultures ask the question, how can you own yourself? Stuart contests Charlie’s question, exploring that isn’t the way that we disperse our population, and how we use and repurpose the buildings we already have, really at the heart of this matter?

Stuart’s action is for you to stand back and look at your life, and ask yourself do you really own anything?

William sees land ownership, in the UK, as a form of control. You get to dictate who is allowed on your land. He contrasts this with what happens in Finland which has the right to roam. He believes that land ownership is just a piece of paper that states you do. He further explores how there can often be issues with legacy that leaves housing empty.

William’s action is to put some pressure on politicians for how we use existing buildings that can be easily utilised as housing, but currently aren’t. He goes on to want people not to get onto the property ladder just because you feel you should, just to keep up.

Gary, from Stirling, Scotland asks the second question - “Can you guys recommend any books that are worth reading?”

Stuart recommends 


The Bible, 


The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. 



https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Hidden-Life-of-Trees-by-Peter-Wohlleben-author-Jane-Billinghurst-translator/9780008218430




William recommends 


Notes On A Nervous Planet by Matt Haig.



https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Notes-on-a-Nervous-Planet-by-Matt-Haig/9781786892690



Bulletproof by Chantal by Chantal Burns.



https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Bulletproof-by-Chantal-Burns/9781292330020




William’s action is to become a member of your local library as it is an amazing resource. It’s good for you, and it is good for the library, as they often offer lots of other really useful services.

The fundraiser to get Stuart back out into nature with an all-terrain chair is also mentioned again today, and you can donate here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20240518_ 

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. 

We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers.

Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside


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Mariama, a listener from Sierra Leone has sent this question in for discussion on today's episode - “For a few years I lived in Cumbria in the UK, and miss your country walks there. Countryside here in Sierra Leone is a very different thing though. Tell me, what frustrates you guys the most about the countryside in the UK?”

The biggest thing that frustrates Stuart are gates that block access to green spaces for certain disabilities, and that some gates are accessible to some wheelchairs and not others. Though he’s also frustrated that people generally stick to the well beaten track and how we’re obsessed with how the hedgehog is decline in the UK, yet there are other animals that are in more imminent danger.

Stuart’s action is to open your eyes and ears when you’re out in nature, and to put your damn phones down!

William’s biggest issue with access to the countryside is that if it’s private land, the king and his castle attitude pervades. He also sees people following a habit about where they go in the countryside, going to the same places as everyone else. Not off the beaten track. He talks about the habits we take into the countryside that don’t need to be there, such as being on your phone, and not being mindful of your surroundings.

William’s action is to think about why you go out into nature.

The fundraiser to get Stuart back out into nature with an all-terrain chair is mentioned, and you can donate here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20240518_ 

Tommy, from Alloa, Scotland has set this second question today -  “Concealing wealth is part and parcel of preserving it. Are the wealthy really as insecure as it would seem to me?”

Stuart asks how we can truly know whether someone is insecure, and brings up how those who win the lottery often conceal they’ve done so, but is that down to insecurity? 

William carries this thought on, that it’s often a good idea to conceal a big win as people suddenly crawl out of the woodwork, and ask for money.

Stuart talks about those who are born into wealth and the idea of hiding what someone is investing is as a way of concealing things, but again is that down to insecurity? He doesn’t know what Tommy’s angle is as he isn’t sat with them, he does however get the impression that Tommy’s banging the wealthy over the head for being wealthy.

Stuart raises that maybe those with wealth can be petrified of losing their wealth, and ends up by throwing a question back at Tommy: So what if people are concealing their wealth? 

William wonders whether wealth is concealed as a way to avoid taxes? Stating that the best way to use your own wealth is not to feel you need to show it off, and that those who show their wealth are potentially more insecure. He also feels it doesn’t mean that if someone is concealing their wealth they are insecure either, they maybe just don’t want to flaunt it.

He further brings up that even if they had a wealthy person in the room with them, they wouldn’t necessarily be indicative of everyone with wealth. 

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers.

This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. 

Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside


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In this short episode, co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow reflect on reaching the impressive 500 episode mark for this podcast. The big question on everyone's mind - will they make it to the ultra-rare 1,000 episode club?

Stuart is bullish on the prospect, believing if they keep up their well-oiled podcast production process, the 1,000 episode milestone will come along naturally. William, ever the pragmatist, prefers to focus just on creating the next great episode, rather than thinking too far ahead.

While reaching 1,000 episodes would certainly be a unique achievement in the podcasting world, the hosts agree that arbitrary numbers aren't their main motivation. As William states, he has no desire to simply "pootle along" chasing a number.

For Stuart and William, the real drive is continuing to engage their audience with entertaining, insightful content, episode after episode. Still, they can't help but revel in the 500 episode landmark as a testament to their longevity and consistency in the podcasting game.

Listen in for this celebratory episode as the hosts look back on their podcast journey so far, whilst pondering what the future may hold. Wherever they end up, you can be sure every episode will be a wild ride!

We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers.

This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. 

Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside


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As 2024 unfolds before us, your co-hosts William and Stuart embark on a discussion about the year ahead.

They talk about the future of the podcast, and how they currently have listener questions lined up and in the kitty, and what would happen if that supply would one day run out.

Stuart delves into how the fundraiser for the Extreme 8 is his biggest personal focus.

Throughout this bonus episode they together navigate the dynamics of their partnership, balancing immediate priorities with long-term aspirations.

This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. 

We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like discussed on this podcast? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.comHelp us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside


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Ah, the sweet serenade of the dawn chorus!

When was the last time you really listened to the birds singing, particularly in the morning? 

Well today Stuart and William are highlighting that it’s International Dawn Chorus Day.

The release time of this bonus episode is 5am, which is the perfect time to get out and listen to nature's greatest symphony. 

And there you have it! Stuart and William, embracing the early morning madness of the feathered talent show. Remember, folks, it’s not just about hearing the birds; it’s about really listening to their feathered ballads. Happy International Dawn Chorus Day! 

(Disclaimer: No actual birds were harmed in the making of this podcast).

You can find out more about this day with the following links:

wildlifetrusts.org/dawn-chorus-day

rspb.org.uk/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers.

This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message