Wilder Podcast

Grange Project
Wilder Podcast

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. 038: Thrivalism with Tony Juniper CBE

    3D AGO

    Ep. 038: Thrivalism with Tony Juniper CBE

    Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, shares with us a powerful thesis: we cannot fight the climate and ecological crisis without first addressing social inequality. Not content with just highlighting these connections, Tony describes the system change necessary to move us all forward; the new political philosophy of Thrivalism.  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/ Our Guests: Tony’s career is devoted to Nature recovery, environmental protection and sustainable development. Working across many activities, including research, campaigning, policy and writing. Involvement with many organisations including Friends of the Earth, Wildlife Trusts, WWF, HRH The Prince of Wales’s International Sustainability Unit, CISL Cambridge and Birdlife International. In depth activity on climate change, Nature conservation, circular economy and more. Now the Chair at Natural England. Website: https://tonyjuniper.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-juniper-cbe-a2763b31/?originalSubdomain=ukNew book "Just Earth": https://amzn.eu/d/8cwIaHn Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom provides a brief overview of the Grange Project and they discuss their latest addition: The Market Garden. [00:08:50] Tony introduces himself and his thesis that the environmental crisis cannot be addressed without first considering social inequality.  [00:11:40] We discuss examples of the connection between these two concepts including the disproportionate use of resources, the perceived value of limitless economic growth and the differing impacts of environmental decline.  [00:17:07] Tom asks about how the book has been received. [00:19:05] Chloe reflects on how cost of living is often given as a justification for environmental inaction, particularly with regards to cheap food, water and energy bills. [00:23:43] We talk about how we need to respond to these challenges and the concept of Thrivalism. [00:29:07] Chloe raises the point about how it’s in everyone’s interests to work towards a fairer society due to the risks of both environmental and...

    51 min
  2. Ep. 037: Taking Rewilding Mainstream with Alister Scott of the Global Rewilding Alliance

    MAR 20

    Ep. 037: Taking Rewilding Mainstream with Alister Scott of the Global Rewilding Alliance

    In this joyful episode to celebrate World Rewilding Day, we take a big picture view as Alister addresses key questions such as ‘what does a rewilded world look like’, ‘how do we get there’ and ‘what are the benefits?’ Amongst a range of topics, we discuss climate stabilisation, eco distress and environmental education, as well as the power of success stories in bringing the necessary energy to ‘take rewilding mainstream’. 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/ Our Guests: Alister has been a lifelong environmentalist since the eradication by silage making of the Corncrake where he grew up in the north west of Ireland. The thread of Alister’s career has been to learn how to make big, positive change happen. With a doctorate from the Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, Alister spent 15 years at the interface between science and policy. He has helped to build multiple movements and has supported many catalytic leaders as a trained coach and facilitator. A father of two and widower, Alister loves to get out in nature and the great outdoors. Alister is an Honorary Professor at University College London. Website: https://globalrewilding.earth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralisterscott/?originalSubdomain=uk Listen out for:[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom provide a brief overview of the Grange Project and introduce the episode. [00:03:20] Alister introduces himself and the global rewilding alliance. [00:11:32] We talk about the stages of the rewilding movement: invention, experimentation, preparing for global scaling, scaling and mainstreaming.  [00:19:54] Alister describes what a rewilded world at scale would look like, including changes at an urban scale and to people’s everyday lives. [00:28:36] We question Alister about the connections between rewilding, climate stabilisation and eco distress. [00:35:01] We talk about the power of the concept of rewilding and Tom asks Alister about the steps required to achieve the vision of mainstream rewilding. [00:41:26] Tom questions Alister about one of the oft cited challenges facing rewilding at scale, that of food security. [00:47:19] Chloe asks Alister how we create effective stories outside of the environmental movement. [00:50:55] We discuss the role of education in the rewilding movement. [00:58:40] Tom and Chloe...

    1h 3m
  3. Ep. 036: "It's the how, not the cow" with Grazing Management

    MAR 10

    Ep. 036: "It's the how, not the cow" with Grazing Management

    Join us round the farmhouse kitchen as we chat with Emily and Alex, the co-founders of Grazing Management. Over a cup of tea, and some excellent fruit cake, we discuss what conservation grazing is, why it’s so important for biodiversity and how they are managing to make it into a successful business.  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/ Our Guests: Grazing Management was set up by Alex and Emily Crawley in 2018. What started as an award-winning idea has since expanded into a business with an ever-growing flock and herd. They have built significant experience of working on a wide range of sites and still get excited about the emergence of wildflowers from areas which were once deserts of bracken. They were proud winners in their category at the prestigious British Farming Awards in 2023.  Website: https://grazingmanagement.co.uk//LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-crawley-78a3a014a/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-crawley-9361386a/ Listen out for:[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom update on the Grange Project, including their reflections on the largest community day yet. [00:06:38] Emily and Alex introduce themselves, their backgrounds and the origins of Grazing Management.   [00:15:00] We talk about the role of large herbivores in enhancing biodiversity. [00:22:01] Alex explains about the benefits of diversity for the cattle in kind, with the reduction in the use of medication. [00:24:46] Emily talks about the day to day operations of Grazing Management and the journey to this point.  [00:29:44] We hear about the no fence collar and the possibilities this provides. [00:35:24] Alex describes the differing impacts of hay cutting and mob grazing versus conservation grazing. [00:40:37] Tom asks about the relationship of this system to methane and carbon. [00:44:27] We finish by discussing the varied income streams associated with Grazing Management. [00:46:34] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview.

    50 min
  4. Ep. 035: In Business For Nature: Project Updates and Make it Wild

    FEB 13

    Ep. 035: In Business For Nature: Project Updates and Make it Wild

    What does it take to turn a family passion into a powerful force for nature? In this episode of two halves, we start with an update about The Grange Project, including the last 6 months of physical interventions, our evolving business structure, and the latest developments at The Grange Distillery and Studio. We then move into conversation with Helen Neave, co-founder of Make it Wild, where we discuss their purpose of protecting nature across 500 acres in North Yorkshire, using carbon-offsetting and corporate partnerships to create a sustainable financial model. Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/ Helpful Links:Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcastGrange Distillery: https://grangedistillery.com/ 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/ Our Guest: Helen Neave, Make it Wild:Helen is a retired surgeon on a mission to change the planet. Alongside her husband, Christopher Neave, they turned their family passion for nature into Make it Wild. With nature reserves across North Yorkshire, they have planted over 80,000 trees, dug ponds, restored wildflower hay meadows, protected ancient woodland and created many different habitats across over 500 acres. Working in partnerships with businesses, whether through carbon-offsetting, team conservation days or natural mindfulness walks, their purpose is to protect nature. Website: https://www.makeitwild.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-neave-42200938/ Listen out for:[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom describe the structure of the episode, including a brief introduction to our guest, Helen from Make it Wild, and a brief summary of the landscape of the Grange Project. [00:04:06] Chloe leads an update in numbers about the physical interventions that have occurred across the project since September 2024; including trees, brash piles, yellow rattle, the tiny forest and our market garden.   [00:10:35] Tom moves into a conversation about the structure of the Grange Project and the decision to move from a Community Interest Company into a Limited Company and Charity. [00:12:51] Finally, we update on the other commercial updates across the project: The Grange Distillery and the Grange Studio. [00:15:47] Helen introduces herself and the mission and landscape of Make it...

    55 min
  5. Ep. 034: Going Off Grid: Tiny Homes, Big Solutions

    JAN 20

    Ep. 034: Going Off Grid: Tiny Homes, Big Solutions

    If you’ve ever contemplated heading to the hills in your own off-grid escape, this is the episode for you. Craftsman builder Simon Whitfield of the Tiny Home Company covers the key ingredients necessary to create your own self-built home, as well as philosophy underpinning the ‘tiny living’ lifestyle. We are so grateful to have worked with Simon in crafting the Grange Project’s Tiny Homes, if you feel inspired to experience them yourself after the episode, please book via our website. **Book to stay in one of our wonderful cabins by clicking 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/ Our Guest: Simon Whitfield, The Tiny Home CompanyThe Tiny Home Company was founded in 2013 by craftsman builder Simon Whitfield. With 20+ years of carpentry and building experience, the company has grown organically through years of practice converting and creating live-in vehicles, traditional cabins and tiny houses. Simon and his family have lived in self built homes on wheels ranging from their vintage double decker bus to ‘the chapel’ - a dream tiny home project which has now been lovingly converted into a luxury glamping wagon. Simon also teaches courses with Black Mountains College, covering an introduction to Tiny Home design and building. Website: https://www.tinyhomecompany.co.uk/ Listen out for:[00:00:00] Chloe and Tom update on what’s occurred on the project since the last episode (including an apology and a big announcement!) [00:04:29] Simon describes his background and what exactly he means by a Tiny Home. [00:08:32] Tom invites Simon to give an overview of the process and key ingredients involved in building a Tiny Home. [00:16:11] We hear about where Simon sources his timber and the characteristics that he values. [00:22:32] We discuss the importance of insulation and energy sources, including a debate about the relative merits of natural versus reclaimed synthetic materials. [00:32:20] We talk about the values that inform conscious decision making and the courage that’s required to make these choices.  [00:39:14] We hear about how Simon is contributing...

    55 min
  6. Ep. 033: An Agriwilding Evolution with Matt Swarbrick

    12/13/2024

    Ep. 033: An Agriwilding Evolution with Matt Swarbrick

    Matt Swarbrick, a farmer in North West Wales, shares with us the journey of Henbant. Using the principles of holistic decision making and agriwilding, they’ve created a thriving ecosystem that enables them to produce delicious nutrient dense food and magical spaces for both people and nature. Enjoy Matt’s warmth and passion as he paints a picture of the beautiful world they are creating.  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/ Our Guest: Matt Swarbrick, HenbantMatt Swarbrick is a permaculture inspired farmer at Henbant in North Wales. An ecologist and filmmaker by background he and his family and the Henbant team are on a mission to prove that with a small farm you can produce good food, financial profit, build soil and biodiversity, build a community and enjoy it all at the same time. Henbant has an 80 share CSA scheme and produces enough eggs, beef and veg for 80 local families from amongst a diversity of silvopasture systems. They are now working with the Wildlife trust to explore the space between ecologically intensive farming and maximum biodiversity enhancement; agri-wilding Henbant’s watershed. Henbant runs a range of courses in and is one of Europe’s leading models of small scale regenerative agroecology. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-swarbrick-322503289/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.henbant.org/ Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, focused on food production focused developments. [00:06:48] Matt introduces himself and his background. [00:12:30] Matt describes their journey to Henbant and the layout of the farm.  [00:17:25] We discuss their approach; holistic decision making and the concept of agriwilding. [00:24:33] Tom and Chloe question Matt about the food Henbant is producing including the importance of agroforestry. [00:30:11] We discuss risk, entrepreneurship and the value of diversification. [00:35:58] Chloe asks about how people are invited to join the system at Henbant. [00:39:16] Matt tells us about the courses that are run from Henbant. [00:43:42] We question Matt about the future vision for...

    54 min
  7. Ep. 032: How to Build a Regenerative Nation with North Star Transition

    11/25/2024

    Ep. 032: How to Build a Regenerative Nation with North Star Transition

    How do you make a nation regenerative? What does it take to transform the Wye and Usk catchments? Jyothi Banerjee and North Star Transition are asking some of the most complex questions of our time, with three clear objectives: to propose a plan which is transformative, locally owned and investable. This is a fascinating conversation about systems change from an incredibly articulate communicator.  Your Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/ 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/ Our Guest: Jyoti Banerjee, Co-Founder and CEO of North Star TransitionJyoti was part of the team that created the Integrated Reporting movement globally. He has been an impact investor for two decades and used to be an entrepreneur in the tech sector. He taught technology entrepreneurship at Said Business School, University of Oxford.  He grew up in New Delhi and lives in London. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyoti-banerjee/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.northstartransition.org/ Helpful Links:Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcastCitizen Zoo Conference Details: https://www.citizenzoo.org/https://sites.google.com/citizenzoo.org/2025rewildingconference Listen out for:[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe update on the project, including our new ‘podcast journeys’ (find them on the Grange Project podcast webpage), a new floor for the Wilder Hub and the Citizen Zoo Conference: Rewilding Our Future. [00:05:20] Jyoti introduces himself and the origin of North Star Transition. [00:10:55] We hear about the approach of North Star Transition and their ambition to make Wales a regenerative nation. [00:17:20] Jyoti sets the context for the Wye Usk Transition Lab by describing why this landscape is in crisis.   [00:21:30] Tom asks why the landscape is still deteriorating despite over 20 years of understanding and Jyoti describes the risk of the ‘silver bullet’ and the importance of asking the right question. [00:25:53] We discuss the role of the...

    59 min
  8. Ep. 031: A European Adventure with James Shooter

    11/08/2024

    Ep. 031: A European Adventure with James Shooter

    We journey across Europe with James Shooter, host of the rewild podcast. From inspirational community led rewilding projects, to the trial and tribulations of road tripping, sit back and enjoy his story-telling skills. On that theme, we end the episode with a discussion about the role of communications and collaboration in the rewilding movement. 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.uk 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/Grange Project Partnership Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HNUjLB-bWDTgv4AJoYG7uUoAWEBE9q28/view?usp=drive_link Our Guest:James Shooter is a nature photographer, filmmaker and podcaster currently based in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. He’s fully immersed in the world of rewilding, the large-scale restoration of nature, and finding ways to communicate positive environmental stories through a variety of different media. For the last 10 years he has worked at Scottish rewilding charity, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture as a visual content creator and guide. Throughout 2023 & 2024 he was travelling across the continent, teaming up with Rewilding Europe, to produce The Rewild Podcast - immersive discussions with an army of passionate people fighting back for nature. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-shooter-b1920256/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://www.jamesshooter.com/ Podcast: https://rewildingeurope.com/the-rewild-podcast/ Resources:3D Artist Karen: https://therubycube.com/Grange Project Partnership Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HNUjLB-bWDTgv4AJoYG7uUoAWEBE9q28/view?usp=drive_link Listen out...

    50 min

Trailer

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)!

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