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 o ..read more

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 commun ..read more

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 Secret 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 chan ..read more

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 ho ..read more

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 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 disco ..read more

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 ep ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 r ..read more

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 ..read more