The biggest changes in how we care for nature might start just outside our front door. This episode, I'm joined by adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys to discuss his latest book, Unwilding, and explore why reconnecting with the natural world is less about escaping to the wilderness and more about noticing what's already around us—from litter picking to climate handprints, and the power of small, everyday actions.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Weld Bee

Links

Alastair Humphreys – Official Website

Unwilded – Book Page

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Alastair, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature

Brigit Anna McNeill joins Sarah to explore what it means to truly reconnect with the natural world. Together they discuss healing through plants, reclaiming our relationship with nature, and how slowing down and paying attention can help us rediscover our place within it. It's a thoughtful companion to Alastair's reflections on finding wonder close to home and building a deeper connection with the landscapes around us.

Episode 373: V-Wilding

Sarah talks to Randal Plunkett about his ambitious rewilding project at Dunsany Nature Reserve, where farming has given way to a hands-off approach that allows nature to recover on its own terms. From biodiversity and conservation to rethinking our role in the landscape, this episode complements Alastair's conversation about repairing the places we already inhabit rather than searching for wilderness elsewhere.

What if the plants around us are carrying stories we've forgotten? This week, I'm joined once again by Amanda Edmiston of Botanica Fabula to explore her latest book, a rich blend of folklore, social history and the enduring stories of plants. We talk about how this knowledge is passed down through generations, and why now is the perfect time to start asking the people around us about the plants and traditions they remember.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Sieve-winged Snailkiller

Links

Website

Amanda on Instagram

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Amanda, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 104: Botanical Storytelling with Amanda Edmiston

Amanda first joined Sarah to explore the art of botanical storytelling, her work inspired by Elizabeth Blackwell's *A Curious Herbal*, and the rich connections between plants, history and storytelling. It's the perfect companion to this conversation, offering the beginning of Amanda's journey and the ideas that have since grown into her latest books.

Episode 347: Can Plants Help You Find Lost Things?

In this episode, Sarah talks to Christina Oakley Harrington about the folklore, history and magic of plants. Together they explore the stories and traditions that have surrounded herbs and flowers for centuries, making it an ideal follow-on from Amanda's discussion of plant lore, memory and the enduring power of botanical storytelling.

What if the biggest barriers to experiencing nature aren't natural at all? Today, I'm joined by author, poet and disability activist Bethany Handley to explore accessibility, belonging, and how redesigning our landscapes could create richer places for both people and wildlife.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Cinnabar Moth

Links

Bethany's website

My Body is a Meadow The Book

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Bethany, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens

In this episode, Sarah talks to Sandra Schwarz about the restorative power of green spaces and the qualities that make gardens welcoming, supportive and healing. Together they explore how thoughtful design can help people connect with nature, making it an ideal companion to Bethany's conversation about accessibility, belonging and creating landscapes that work for everyone.

Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity

In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Bethany's discussion of designing landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.

What happens when you stop trying to control a garden and start working with nature instead? This week, I'm joined by Charlie Harpur, head gardener at Knepp, to explore rewilding, biodiversity, and why careful observation and systems thinking can transform the way we garden.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Pantaloon Bee

Links

Website

A link to all the garden tours and workshops

And a link to the Knepp garden blog which, written by Moy

Please support the podcast on Patreon

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Charlie, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing

In this episode, Sarah talks to writer James Canton about *Renaturing* and his two-acre biodiversity project in Essex. Together they explore the differences between rewilding and renaturing, the value of close observation, and how thoughtful, small-scale interventions can help restore nature—making it an ideal companion to Charlie's discussion of rewilding in a garden setting.

Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity

In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Charlie's ideas about designing and managing gardens with biodiversity at their heart.

What if the secret to a better garden is letting go of control? This week I'm joined by gardener and conservationist Sue Mabberley from Nant-y-Bedd in the Black Mountains, where four decades of working with nature have created a thriving wildlife haven. We discuss the value of so-called weeds, gardening for biodiversity, and why even the smallest garden can make a difference.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Yellow Loosestrife Bee

Links

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Visit the Garden / Book Visits & Tours

Garden Meadows Workshop with Jo McKerr

Please support the podcast on Patreon

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sue, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife

In this episode, Sarah talks to Ralph Hobbs about creating gardens that actively support wildlife. From practical habitat creation to understanding the needs of different species, it's a great companion to Sue's philosophy of gardening with nature and making space for biodiversity.

Episode 333: Designing for Habitat & Biodiversity

In this episode, Sarah speaks with ecological landscape designer Emmaline Bowman about designing gardens and landscapes that support healthy ecosystems. The conversation explores how thoughtful planting and habitat creation can benefit wildlife, making it a natural follow-on from Sue's approach to working with, rather than against, the natural world.

Can a show garden change minds as well as win medals? This week, I'm joined by Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, whose Chelsea gardens championed peatland restoration and dementia research. We discuss whether the impact of a show garden can justify its environmental cost, and explore the power of gardens with a purpose.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Jewel Wasp

Links

Martha Krempel

Bog in a Box

St Pancras

Gut-brain health research information

Tina Worboys

Iota - manufacturers of amber structures in Tina's garden

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 190: Show Gardens

In this episode, I explore the world of show gardens, discussing their purpose, their impact, and the questions they raise about value, sustainability and public engagement. It's a perfect companion to this week's discussion about whether show gardens can justify their environmental cost through the awareness and change they inspire.

Episode 230: Sensory Gardens and Autism

In this episode, Sarah explores sensory gardens with a focus on design for people with autism. Featuring Camellia Taylor, Meraud Davis and Alexis Selby, it examines how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can support wellbeing, engagement and connection with nature.

What if the key to better health, stronger communities and a more sustainable future lies beneath our feet? This week, I'm joined by author Robert Ashton to discuss his new book Down to Earth and explore our relationship with soil. From farming and education to mental health and conservation, Robert reveals why reconnecting with the land could be one of the most important challenges of our time.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Shieldbug Stalker

Links

Down to Earth by Robert Ashton

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Robert Ashton, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition

In this episode, Sam Hamrebtan explores the links between soil health, food quality and human wellbeing. It's an excellent companion to Robert's discussion of our relationship with soil and the importance of caring for the living systems that sustain us.

Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary

In this episode, Joshua Sparkes discusses innovative approaches to farming and food production, challenging conventional ideas about agriculture and land use. It's a natural follow-on from Robert's reflections on regenerative farming, sustainability and how we can build a healthier relationship with the land.

What if the secret to connecting more deeply with nature lies in the stories we tell about plants? This week, I'm joined by landscape architect and Plant Connection podcast host Lisa Cutshaw to explore how folklore, history, and careful observation can transform the way we see the natural world.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Harlequin Ladybird

Links

Website

Instagram

Plant Connection

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Lisa Cutshaw, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species

In this episode, John Little shares his approach to creating gardens that support wildlife at every level, encouraging us to think beyond purely human needs and consider our place within a wider ecological community. It's a great companion to Lisa's reflections on reconnecting with nature and building meaningful relationships with the living world.

Episode 219: The Wheel of the Year

In this episode, Rebecca Beattie explores seasonal cycles, folklore, and our relationship with the natural world through the lens of the Wheel of the Year. It's a thoughtful follow-on from Lisa's discussion of plant stories, cultural meaning, and finding deeper connections with nature.