Published by Robin Harford
An audio journey through the wonderful wild world of plants. Episodes cover modern and ancient ways wild plants have been used in human culture as food, medicine and other uses.
Listen on Apple PodcastsA guided contemplative practice. Lean your back against a tree for five minutes of sensory presence. Robin opens with Tommy Cooper's "pick a card, any card." It becomes a playful doorway into stillness. He walks through breath, posture, and bodily sensation. The body settles into rhythm with its surroundings. The episode then turns reflective. Civilisation has distanced us from sensory, embodied intelligence. From hands-in-food eating to chairs and utensils, we've lost touch with our senses. This simple act of leaning against bark reclaims something. It's "the oldest conversation," Robin says. One living nervous system meeting another. This Episode Is Brought To You By Robin Harford Transcripts This episode Selected Resources From The Episode Connect with Robin Harford Website | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook Books Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland Forage In Spring Forage In Summer Forage In Autumn The Eatweeds Cookbook Audio Courses 30 Days of Domei Plant Practices Mindful In Nature The Green Path Free Resources Domei Newsletter Eatweeds Newsletter
In the 17th century, Descartes, Galileo, and Newton transformed a living world into mechanical clockwork. Descartes drew the fatal line between mind and matter, rendering everything beyond the thinking self inert and available for measurement. This lens birthed science and medicine, but cost us what Goethean scientist Craig Holdrege calls living thinking - thought that is responsive, relational, and shaped by what it encounters. Goethe knew perception isn't passive: to truly see a plant, you must let it work on you. Through Domei's sustained attention, observer and observed dissolve into a meeting of subjects. This Episode Is Brought To You By Robin Harford Transcripts This episode Stay In Touch Website | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook Free Newsletters Domei Eatweeds Books Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland Forage In Spring Forage In Summer Forage in Autumn The Eatweeds Cookbook Courses 30 Days of Domei Plant Practices Mindful In Nature The Green Path
Chris Holland has spent over three decades helping people - young and old - find their way back to the natural world. In this warmly personal conversation, Robin and Chris reflect on the threads that have woven their lives together: a shared love of plants, the legacy of plant mentor Frank Cook, and the quiet revolution taking place in nature connection education. Chris is the author of I Love My World , widely regarded as the unofficial Forest School manual, and the founder of Natural Musicians. A practice that democratises music-making in wild places, inviting children and families to listen deeply and celebrate landscape through sound. His work sits at the intersection of nature pedagogy, John Young's Eight Shields framework, and a profound belief that connection to the other-than-human world is not a luxury, it is a necessity. They explore how children learn differently when handed a stick and a stone instead of a worksheet, why making music in a stone circle might change the listener more than the landscape, and what it means to truly stay — with a plant, with discomfort, with belonging. For educators, parents, and anyone who has ever felt the pull of a hedgerow, this episode is a quiet reminder that the wild is always closer than we think. This Episode Is Brought To You By Robin Harford Transcripts This episode Connect with Chris Holland Website | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Books I Love My World Plant Of The Week Sharing Nature With Children The Heat Will Kill You First Courses Natural Musicians People, Places and Things Mentioned On The Show Buzzard Yurt Kingfisher Yurt City of Bath Roman Baths Fluxus Art Movement Frank Cook New Age Fraud Pam Horton Pauline Oliveros Sandor Katz Schumacher College Trill On The Hill Related Resources 30 Days of Domei Domei Newsletter
Robin Harford meets storyteller Clare Viner beneath a flowering hawthorn tree in Devon to explore the living tradition of oral storytelling. Clare shares how stories belong to everyone - not fixed texts handed down by celibate monks, but breathing, evolving things shaped by the teller's felt sense and relationship with land. They discuss how patriarchy silenced women's stories, how rivers and plants carry their own narratives, and why giving yourself permission to tell an imperfect story is a radical act. The episode closes with Clare's spellbinding retelling of Merlin and the Lady Nimue - a love story rooted in hawthorn, heart medicine, and the dreaming earth. About Clare Viner Clare Viner has been a storyteller for 26 years. Her roots are personal. As a child, her grandfather wove fairy tales for her. That inheritance stuck, and eventually became a vocation. She has told to audiences of every age and disposition: toddlers, teenagers, the elderly, festival goers. Clare has performed in the children’s tent at WOMAD for the last 15 years. She works without books or props, and no two tellings of a story are ever the same. Her book, The Emerald Dragon and Other Magical Tales of the Blackdown and Quantock Hills , reimagines the folklore of two beloved British landscapes from the perspective of someone who trusts and loves the earth. It was funded by a DEFRA grant. She was writer in residence for Connecting the Culm, a river conservation project that culminated in a four-day River Story Pilgrimage, walking and camping along the water's edge. She runs workshops exploring the folklore of British wild animals and trees, including Spirit of Hare, Spirit of Deer, and others. Having once been terrified herself, she takes particular pleasure in guiding the terrified through the process of finding their own storytelling voice. She takes old stories and dreams them new, again and again. This Episode Is Brought To You By - Robin Harford Transcript This episode Connect with Clare Viner, Storyteller Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram Things Mentioned On The Show A Women's Book of Herbs by Elisabeth Brooke Connecting The Culm Stories of the Culm Related Resources Hawthorn T-Shirt
Show Notes: Understanding Domei This episode explores Domei , a contemplative practice designed to bridge the gap between humans and the living world through sensory engagement and "deep listening." Domei Resources The official Domei website 30 Days of Domei: A Month of Botanical Attention Key Takeaways The Origin of Domei: A neologism blending the Gaelic roots Domhain (deep) and Éist (listen). Beyond the Ears: Listening is defined as a whole-body experience—feeling into the environment rather than just hearing sound. A Shift in Perspective: The practice moves the participant from seeing nature as "scenery" to recognizing plants as "neighbors" and fellow beings. De-emphasizing Analysis: Domei encourages "wordless knowing," where the goal is to be with a plant without the need to identify, categorize, or extract information from it. The Practice: How to Engage The core of the practice is rooted in voluntary, unhurried attention . Find a Plant: Locate a living thing, even just beyond your doorstep. Quiet the Mind: Move away from analytical thinking and botanical classification. Physical Awareness: Notice how the presence of the plant affects your own body—your breathing, your balance, and the weight of your feet on the ground. Sit in Companionship: Spend as little as five minutes simply being present with the organism. Philosophical Foundations Domei draws from centuries of Western contemplative traditions . It suggests that humans possess an internal "sensory map" and guidance system that is revealed once they slow down enough to receive natural signals. Ultimately, it is a path toward realizing a lack of separation from the earth. "Domei is not only a practice. It is a way of being."
In this new short-form episode, Robin Harford challenges our relationship with common sorrel ( Rumex acetosa ) – a plant we've dismissed for centuries simply because it grows freely everywhere. This episode introduces a new podcast format: short observations (2-5 minutes) with a call to action. Robin doesn't want you to just listen, he wants you outside, engaging with plants where you are. Safety note: If you suffer from kidney stones or sensitivity to oxalic acids, avoid sorrel due to its high oxalate content.
In this episode of the Eatweeds Podcast , Robin Harford is joined by Dr Sarah Edwards, ethnobotanist at the University of Oxford. Together they explore the 400-year history of Oxford Botanic Garden — Britain’s oldest physic garden — and why ethnobotany is vital for preserving both cultural knowledge and biodiversity. Dr Edwards shares her remarkable journey from Kew Gardens to working alongside First Nations communities in Australia, documenting traditional plant use and wisdom. She reflects on the threats facing global plant diversity, the role of botanic gardens in conservation, and why re-establishing kinship with plants is essential for our future. About Dr Sarah Edwards Dr Sarah Edwards is the author of The Ethnobotanical ( link ) and co-author of Phytopharmacy ( link ). She teaches Ethnobiology and Biological Conservation at the University of Oxford and manages plant records at the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum ( link ). Her work bridges science, culture, and art, from field collaborations with First Nations communities in Australia to recent projects with the Richmond Arts Service’s Cultural Reforesting programme.
Tom Baxter is the founder of Bristol Fungarium, the UK’s first organic-certified medicinal mushroom farm. A former organic vegetable grower and forest school leader, Tom has spent years foraging in the wild across the Pyrenees, Siberia, and the forests of Somerset. Today, he leads a pioneering operation that not only cultivates native strains of mushrooms but also funds neuroscience research and runs the only dedicated analytical lab for medicinal fungi in the UK. In this episode, Tom joins Robin Harford for a rich and far-reaching conversation about the power, mystery, and challenges of working with medicinal mushrooms. They explore the rise of lion’s mane, the pitfalls of the supplement industry, why most mushroom powders are misleading, and what makes a mushroom extract genuinely effective. It’s a frank and passionate look into one of nature’s oldest and most complex kingdoms. 🎧 Listeners get 15% off at https://bristolfungarium.com/ — use the code WILDPOWER at checkout.
In this episode, herbalist and Ayurvedic practitioner Jo Webber joins Robin Harford to explore how Ayurveda — the world’s oldest system of natural health — can be rooted in the wild plants of Britain. Together, they unpack the Ayurvedic concepts of the five elements, the three doshas , and the six tastes — and how these ancient principles can guide your modern life, food choices, and foraging practice. Jo shares how local herbs like nettle, dandelion and wild garlic can be powerful food medicines, how foraging supports physical and emotional balance, and why bioindividuality is key to healing. This is a lively, grounded conversation blending Eastern philosophy with native plants, seasonal eating, and self-care rooted in the land. Links & Resources: Visit Jo’s course at: www.theayurvedaacademy.com Follow Jo and her work on Instagram: @theayurvedaacademy Learn more about Robin: www.eatweeds.co.uk Mentioned books: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Quiet by Susan Cain If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend — especially someone curious about the intersection of traditional medicine, foraging, and seasonal wellbeing.
In this episode of the Eatweeds Podcast , Robin Harford sits down with Vivien Rolfe, a herbalist and researcher with a fascinating background in both science and herbal medicine. Recorded outdoors in the serene gardens of Penny Brohn in Bristol, this conversation delves into the art and science of herbal teas, the power of plants, and the rich cultural history surrounding their use. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Curiosity Research Free Subscription: Robin Harford's Daily Plant Practices Book: Self Sufficient Herbalism by Lucy Jones ABOUT VIVIEN ROLFE Viv is a keen herbal researcher, educator and tea blender (and drinker). She splits her time between the National Centre for Integrative Medicine in Bristol teaching on the diploma, and researching herbs as part of her own business Curiosity Research. She is keen that people have fun and learn more about herbs, so co-founded the Cotswold Herb Centre to provide workshops and herb walks in Gloucestershire where she lives.
In this episode of the Eatweeds podcast, Robin Harford is joined by filmmaker Nirman Choudhury to explore the deep connection between India’s indigenous communities and their traditional ecological knowledge of plants. Nirman shares insights from his project "Shifting Narratives," which highlights how tribal and Dalit communities use visual storytelling to document their relationship with their environment. The conversation delves into how these communities sustainably harvest forest produce, use plants for food and medicine, and maintain spiritual practices tied to the land. Through stories of resilience, they discuss the importance of preserving indigenous plant knowledge and the vital role it plays in environmental stewardship. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Shifting Narratives nirmanchowdhury.in Madia Gond Tribe uses the camera for the first time The Dongria Kondh say plot of James Cameron's blockbuster reflects their plight as they struggle to stop company from opening bauxite mine on sacred mountain Sarna Religion Introduction to India's Tribes Adivasi Activists from Tribal India Photojournalist Sudharak Olwe Minor Forest produce Madia Gond tribes leave ancestral land, to make way for tiger conservation Important stories from Rural and Tribal India How one man fought a patent war over turmeric ABOUT NIRMAN CHOUDHURY Nirman Choudhury is a film-maker and Visual Artist working in the intersection of storytelling and films for change, with a strong focus on human rights issues such as caste discrimination, hunger and inter sectional indigenous/tribal issues. Using lens based practices to engage with communities and foster growth and social change. He also runs a commercial video production studio based in Mumbai.
In this powerful episode, host Robin Harford welcomes Hannah-May Batley, founder of Hedge School, to discuss her groundbreaking work in plant-based healing and community regeneration. Hannah-May shares her journey from a post-mining community in South Yorkshire to creating a unique curriculum that addresses trauma, particularly sexual violence against women, through reconnection with nature. She explains how foraging, wild food, and traditional plant knowledge can be powerful tools for recovery and resilience. Highlights Include The origins of Hedge School and its impact on post-mining communities How plant-based practices can aid in sexual violence recovery The intersection of class, land rights, and healing Personal insights into nature as an anchor during dark times This episode offers a sensitive yet hopeful exploration of how returning to our roots - literally and figuratively - can pave the way for profound healing and community restoration. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the transformative power of our connection to plants and place. Rape Crisis Resources Rape Crisis- England & Wales Survivors Network Rasac Recommended Books Women Who Run With The Wolves The Sun & Her Flowers The Body Keeps The Score Girlhood Caliban & The Witch About Hannah-May Batley Hannah-May is an unruly educator & the founder of Hedge School, a school that seeks to recover, reconnect & restore our relationship with kith & kin through plant-work, traditional skills & unruly education. She would describe herself as a woman deeply interested in the human relationship with plants, minerals & mark-making. Hannah-may teaches foraging, community herbalism, wild food, how to forage & process wild pigments & botanical inks, preservation methods & folk medicine. She is a writer with work published in several UK journals & magazines & is currently working on her first book. Hannah-May is a member of the Society of Ethnobotanist & Pigments Revealed International. She specialises in working with community trauma, taking plant-work into marginalised communities. Connect With Hannah-May Batley Instagram: Woman of the Hedge Instagram: Hannah-May Batley Substack: Root and Rock Website: HedgeSchool.co.uk Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Substack , Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . If you're ready to uncover the secrets of Britain and Northern Europe's wild plants, grab a copy of my bestselling foraging book . Inside, you'll learn how to safely harvest and thrive on nature's bounty. Embark on a journey through 48 essential wild plants, all beautifully illustrated in full colour. Rediscover the forgotten wisdom of our ancestors and revive our ancestral heritage. Get your copy today and start your foraging journey!
Welcome to Episode 50 of the Eatweeds podcast, where host Robin Harford takes us on an auditory journey into the world of sound art and ecoacoustics with guest Jez riley French. In this episode, titled 'The Sound of Trees', we dive into the fascinating world of listening to plants and the hidden layers of sound that surround us. Jez, a leading British sound artist, shares the behind-the-scenes details of his latest exhibition in the Forest of Dean, revealing the actual internal sounds of plants and trees through his self-built microphones. The immersive live installation aims to change the way we engage with forests, moving beyond their traditional leisurely use. Highlights of the episode include Jez's discussion on the ethics of field recording, the importance of listening on nature's terms, and the significance of durational listening. He also sheds light on the often overlooked history of women in sound art and field recording, challenging the conventional narratives that have long dominated these fields. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their relationship with nature and sound, embracing the complexity and beauty of the world's acoustic environment. Whether you're a seasoned sound artist or new to the concept of ecoacoustics, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the art of listening and the power of sound to connect us more deeply with the natural world. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the sounds that often go unnoticed. Show notes are below for a deeper dive into Jez riley French's work, and the transformative power of sound. Connect With Jez riley French Website Linktree Facebook Instagram Soundwalk: The Secret Sounds of Trees Credits Many thanks to Pheobe riley Law for permission to use her photo of Jez in the episode artwork. Website Instagram Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book . In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.
In this episode, #49 of the Eatweeds podcast, I sit down with Helen Kearney at the Betonica herb school on a lazy Summer day in the Devon countryside. We dive into the added value herbalists bring to the strained National Health Service (NHS) and discuss Helen's path from being inspired by her grandmother to becoming a medical herbalist and educator. We tackle the evolution of medicine since World War II, highlighting the crucial role of self-care and the struggle for herbal medicine's legal recognition. Helen shares the comprehensive training that goes into becoming a skilled herbalist and how Betonica equips students with necessary business skills to make the practice successful. Our discussion also spans the integration of herbal medicine into the NHS, social prescribing, and the need for herbalists to actively engage with their communities. I wrap up the conversation by exploring how herbalism is becoming more inclusive, the shift in gender dynamics in the field, and Betonica's community-focused principles. Helen details her vision for Betonica as more than just a school; it's a place that connects and builds community in response to healthcare challenges. Join me in this episode for a direct discussion on personal experiences and insights into the future of medical herbalism. Connect With Helen Kearney and the Betonica Herb School Betonica on Facebook Betonica on Instagram Betonica School of Herbal Medicine website Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book . In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.
In this episode of the Eatweeds podcast, Robin Harford invites the seasoned forager, Andy Hamilton, for a deep and meaningful conversation about the evolving world of foraging, wild food, and wildcrafting. They take listeners on a journey, reflecting on their first meeting years ago and exploring the transformation of the foraging community's online presence over the years. Connect With Andy Hamilton Facebook Andy's website Andy's Youtube channel Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book . In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.
In this episode of Eatweeds, host Robin Harford interviews Matthew Pennington, co-owner of The Ethicurean restaurant. Matthew discusses the restaurant's philosophy of using 80-90% of its ingredients from its own Victorian walled garden and orchard, as well as from local suppliers. He also talks about the importance of foraging for wild food, and how it can help to connect us to the natural world. Other topics covered in the episode include: The challenges of running a sustainable restaurant The importance of using seasonal ingredients The art of fermentation The future of food This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in food, sustainability, and the natural world. Connect With The Ethicurean Facebook Instagram The Ethicurean website Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book . In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.
This week on the Eatweeds podcast , we travel to the remote, idyllic region of Abruzzo, Italy, a haven for foragers, to meet our special guest, Marta Udalowa. Originally hailing from Poland, Marta has turned her passion for wild foods into a lifestyle, immersed in the bounty of nature. Join host Robin Harford as he engages in a fascinating conversation with Marta, a master pickler, about life in the Italian countryside, the art of foraging, and the delightful practice of pickling and preserving. This episode shines a spotlight on how Marta bridges the gap between the wild and the kitchen table, making the most of both cultivated and uncultivated plants. In episode 46, "Foraging In Italy", you'll discover: - The magic and abundance of Abruzzo’s unique flora, a true paradise for foragers. - The secrets and techniques of pickling and preserving, passed down through generations and honed by Marta to perfection. - The value and satisfaction of country living, and how the line between wild and cultivated foods can blur in a beautiful synergy. - Marta’s personal experiences and stories of foraging in Italy, offering a fresh perspective on wildcrafting. Whether you're a seasoned forager or just starting to explore the world of wild foods, you won't want to miss this insightful and inspiring episode. Discover how Marta's Italian adventure can provide you with new ideas for your own foraging practices, and maybe inspire you to try your hand at pickling! Connect With Marta (Forager In Italy) Facebook Instagram Marta's recipe for pickled cherries Book your stay on Marta's smallholding, Il Monte Farmhouse Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book . In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.
Join us for a breath of fresh air with episode 45 of 'Eatweeds,' a podcast dedicated to celebrating the joy and richness of wild food. Our host, Robin Harford, transports us away from the bustle of daily life, inviting us to pause, reflect, and savor the exquisite moments of being at one with nature. In this special episode, Robin trades his traditional role as host to become our storyteller, bringing to life his personal essay on the pure, simple beauty of gathering Hawthorn flowers for syrup. Key topics covered include: - The art and wonder of foraging, in this case, focusing on the hawthorn. - The transformative process of wildcrafting, turning simple hawthorn flowers into a tantalizing syrup. - Embracing nature's cycles and the magic of spring when hawthorns bloom. Robin takes us on a sensory journey, painting a vivid picture of an English spring, when Hawthorn trees burst into life, their branches heavy with cream-colored blooms. As he walks us through the process of gathering these delicate blossoms, we are immersed in a fairy-tale landscape where bees dance joyously around the flowers, and the early morning dew brings a glistening freshness to the day. But this episode is about more than just the act of gathering hawthorn flowers; it's a meditative exploration of our connection to the natural world. As Robin shares his experience, we learn how foraging becomes a kind of alchemy, transforming not just the flowers into syrup, but the forager into an integral part of nature's narrative. Robin eloquently conveys the sheer joy and vitality that come from engaging directly with nature, infusing life with a rustic simplicity that's often missing in our urbanized existence. Making hawthorn syrup becomes a meaningful ritual, a way to weave nature into our everyday routines, creating an escape from emails, screens, and the never-ending scroll of modern life. In this enchanting episode of 'Eatweeds', Robin invites you to join him in saying yes to the delight of gathering Hawthorn flowers and invites you to rediscover a connection that nurtures not just our bodies, but our souls. Tune in, step out, and allow the wild to feed your spirit with Eatweeds! Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book . In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.
My guest for this episode of the Eatweeds podcast is the remarkable Mo' Wilde. An author and experienced foraging teacher, Mo' has done something few could even contemplate: she lived for a full year completely sustained by wild food. Her fascinating journey and profound insights will have you rethinking your daily meals and your connection to the world around you. Key topics for this episode include: The incredible diversity of the microbiome and its importance for gut health. The essential practice of foraging and how it connects us to our ancestors. The astounding variety and nutritional richness of wild food. An in-depth discussion on food choices, their impact on our bodies, and the environment. Throughout the episode, Mo' shares the highs and lows of her year on wild food, detailing how it impacted her health, wellbeing, and particularly her microbiome. You'll hear about the changes she observed, the challenges she faced, and how the experience deepened her connection with nature. Robin and Mo' also delve into thought-provoking discussions about our food choices and how they directly influence not only our personal health, but the health of our soil and the broader ecosystem. Mo's unique perspective brings a refreshing and much-needed critique of our contemporary food systems, inspiring listeners to consider their own role within these systems. Join us for Episode 44 of Eatweeds, 'A Year on Wild Food', and take a step into the wild side of nutrition and ecological awareness. Whether you're a seasoned forager or just starting your wild food journey, this episode is a trove of knowledge, inspiration, and food for thought. Connect with Mo Wilde Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Selected links from the show The Wilderness Cure book The Wildbiome Project Eatweeds podcast archives Napiers the herbalists Association of Foragers About Mo Wilde Mo is a forager, research herbalist and ethnobotanist. She lives in West Lothian in a self-built wooden house on 4 organic acres where she is encouraging medicinal and foraging species to make their home, creating a wild, teaching garden. She has a Masters degree in Herbal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the Linnean Society, a Member of the British Mycological Society and a Member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). She also teaches foraging and herbal medicine courses, with the aim of “Restoring Vital Connection”. Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book . In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.
In Episode 43, "Plants, Enchantment and Wild Words," Robin and Zoe delve into the enthralling world of plant lore and explore how enchantment and folklore have shaped our connection with the natural world. Zoe shares her unique insights into the role of plants in mythology and how anthropomorphism and gender have influenced our understanding and stories of the plant world. This episode also uncovers the magic of wordsmithing and the art of storytelling, revealing how the power of language can evoke a sense of wonderment and help us foster a closer bond with nature. Robin and Zoe discuss the significance of writing as a form of ritual and ceremony, demonstrating how creative expression can lead to a more profound connection with the earth and its stories. Highlights: Uncover the mesmerizing world of plant lore, enchantment, and folklore. Delve into the role of anthropomorphism and gender in our understanding of plants. Learn about the magic of wordsmithing and storytelling as a way to connect with the natural world. Discover writing as a form of ritual and ceremony. Join Robin Harford and Zoe Gilbert in Episode 43 of the Eatweeds Podcast, and let them guide you through a fascinating exploration of plants, enchantment, and wild words. Ignite your imagination and enhance your relationship with nature through the transformative power of storytelling and creative expression. Folk: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/folk/9781408884317 Mischief Acts: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/mischief-acts-joyous-the-times-best-summer-reads-2022/9781526628800 A Wild and Precious Life: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/a-wild-and-precious-life-a-recovery-anthology/9781783529643 London Lit Lab: https://www.londonlitlab.co.uk/ Zoe's website: http://zoegilbert.com/ Zoe's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindandlanguage About Zoe Gilbert Zoe's first novel, Folk (Bloomsbury), was shortlisted for the International Dylan Thomas Prize and adapted for BBC Radio (read by the brilliant Samantha Spiro). She has just finished turning some of the chapters from Folk into a libretto, for a song cycle that will have its world premiere in 2023. Her second novel, Mischief Acts (Bloomsbury), is released in March 2022, and is inspired by the past and future of the Great North Wood, which used to cover a large swathe of South London. Since completing Mischief Acts, Zoe has moved from London to the Kent coast, which is (not surprisingly) influencing her third novel. It turns out that place - alongside folklore, nature and social history - is a starting point for her writing. Besides novels, Zoe has been writing short stories for most of her adult life. You can find a few of them in anthologies by Comma Press, and they have also appeared in books and journals worldwide including The Stinging Fly, Mechanics' Institute Review, and the British Fantasy Society Journal. Some of her stories have won prizes, including the Costa Short Story Award. Zoe is co-founder of London Lit Lab with Lily Dunn, where she teaches creative writing, and the co-editor with Lily of A Wild and Precious Life (Unbound 2021), an anthology of writers in recovery.