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Hello and welcome to Second Nature! What a couple of weeks it's been – full of fun experiences that I can't wait to share with you. Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as we talk all things food, farming and homegrown.

First, I'm taking you behind the scenes of Farm Safety Week. I was so privileged to attend a powerful lunch hosted by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Hearing the raw, honest stories from individuals who've faced immense physical and mental challenges in farming was incredibly moving. We delve into the often-overlooked dangers of this vital profession and discuss why powerful campaigns like 'Who Would Fill Your Boots?' are so profoundly important. It was an emotional and inspiring day, and I share a very personal moment from it.

Then, get ready for an adventure to the stunning Lake District! I was lucky enough to stay with the wonderful Davidson family – Ange, Baz, and their incredibly dedicated 13-year-old son, Seth. You'll hear all about my delightful stay (I genuinely felt like a Disney princess with cows right outside my window!). We dive deep into the fascinating world of calf showing as I follow Seth through his meticulous preparations for the Penrith Show. You'll discover just how much effort goes into getting those calves show-ready – from shampooing and grooming to even "makeup"! I even tried my hand at walking calves (spoiler: it's much, much harder than it looks!).

You'll hear directly from Seth about his passion for his calves, his showmanship, and what it takes to win ribbons. His dad, Baz, a dedicated hoof trimmer, shares insights into his crucial role in animal welfare and his immense pride in Seth. Plus, Seth's mum, Ange, takes us through her diverse farming journey, from relief milking to her blooming passion for floristry and homegrown produce.

This episode is a true celebration of the dedication, resilience, and diverse talents within our farming community, from ensuring safety to preparing prize-winning livestock.

Tune in to hear all the stories, my hands-on adventures, and reflections on the unwavering spirit of those who feed our nation!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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"Hello and welcome to Second Nature!" Oh my goodness, what an event! Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I take you on an exciting journey to Groundswell, which is just the most vibrant and inspiring gathering for regenerative agriculture in the UK. I recently spent time completely immersed in this incredible festival of farming, and I honestly can't wait to share my experiences and all the amazing insights with you.

My first time at Groundswell was absolutely delightful – I'm still basking in the afterglow of all the connections I made, the conversations I had, and the huge feeling of inspiration and empowerment! The whole event just had this amazing sense of community; it's truly buzzing with inclusivity, where everyone from seasoned farmers to consumers can connect and share knowledge. A huge shout-out to Neil Barrett and Agri-Ton's newest team member, underscore Lisa underscore underscore, who perfectly captured that infectious, non-judgmental atmosphere.

In this episode, you'll hear me exploring the huge range of exhibitors showcasing some seriously innovative practices in agriculture, and wow, those engaging sessions attracted such a massive audience – it's clear the interest in regenerative farming is just exploding! I'll be sharing some super interesting bits from notable speakers who are totally shaping the future of farming, including a fascinating chat with Ed Brown from Wildfarmed about Prince William's unexpected visit – how cool is that?!

I dive deep into understanding regenerative agriculture principles, breaking down the five key elements like soil health, biodiversity, and the crucial role livestock plays (big thanks to The team at Easy Care Sheep for explaining how their breed fits right in!). You'll hear my conversations with so many different attendees, all with their own unique perspectives on what regenerative farming truly means.

I also had some really personal chats, like with the inspiring chief shepherdess, Zoe Colville, who openly shared the raw reality of balancing motherhood and farming. And it was brilliant to meet Alice (thecalfgirl) and Jazz (shepherdess jazz), who also shared their insights on livestock and farming life.

You'll discover exciting innovative products like virtual fencing – a huge thanks to Leah from Monil-virtual fencing for explaining how that works! And I loved learning about the world of wool and sustainable fashion from Maria Benjamin from the Wool Library and Farmers Yarn, and Deborah Barker, co-founder of the South East England Fibre Shed. Plus, a big shout-out to Paddy from Ruumi and Lucy and Kat from Goats Rodeo Goods for their fantastic contributions and showing us their amazing sustainable products.

This episode emphasizes the profound significance of community, sustainability, and innovation within the agricultural sector. Tune in to discover why Groundswell isn't just an event – it's a powerful, growing movement towards a more sustainable and connected future for farming.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Welcome back to Second Nature! I'm Lizzie McLaughlin, and in this episode, I'm bringing you even more vibrant insights and exciting interviews from my visit to BBC Gardeners' World Live which ran from June 12-15th. This is Part 2 of our special series, diving deeper into the worlds of gardening and cooking with a focus on creativity, community, and sustainability.

I had such a fantastic time chatting with some incredible people! You'll hear from Becky Excell, who makes gluten-free cooking fun and colourful, proving that "food is everything" and it certainly doesn't have to be boring. I also explore the stunning beauty of monochromatic gardens with Samantha Stringer and discover the incredible diversity of orchids with experts from the Thames Valley Orchid Society – learn how anyone can grow these beautiful plants! Plus, I caught up with Graham from Wool Pots, who shares how their innovative, sustainable wool pots can significantly reduce water usage in your garden.

Join me as we continue to explore practical tips and inspiring stories that highlight the joy of connecting with our food and fostering a greener lifestyle.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The vibrant and accessible world of gluten-free cooking with Becky Excell.
• The unique aesthetic of monochromatic gardens through Samantha Stringer's insights.
• How diverse and manageable orchids can be, even for beginners.
• Sustainable alternatives to plastic with Wool Pots, and how they save water.
  
  
• The ongoing importance of community engagement in gardening and cooking.
• New ways to embrace creativity and experimentation in your own plot and plate journey.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac