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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

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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I share my exciting experiences and discoveries from BBC Gardeners' World Live! I recently visited the show, which ran from June 12-15th, and in part one, this episode of Second Nature, we're diving deep into the vital theme of sustainability in both gardening and cooking.

I chat with incredible guests, including Nick Bailey, who unveils the innovative Plant-Based Garden and discusses his inspiring "Make a Meter Matter" campaign – showing how even small spaces can yield big harvests. You'll also hear from Kate Patrick about the crucial role of bee-friendly gardening. Prepare to be moved by the heartfelt story behind Beth's Sunflowers, a charity bringing joy through gardening after personal loss, and discover Bountiful Pink, a new plant from the Young People's Horticultural Association designed for easy growing. Finally, renowned cook Jane Dunn emphasizes the delicious importance of using seasonal produce to minimize food waste and enhance your cooking.

Tune in for practical tips, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on how we can all cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle from our gardens to our kitchens.

What you'll take away from this episode:

• Sustainability is a key focus in modern gardening and cooking.
• How to make a big impact in small garden spaces with insights from Nick Bailey.
• The importance of supporting bee-friendly environments.
• Inspirational stories of community and healing through gardening.
• Tips for seasonal cooking and reducing food waste with Jane Dunn.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

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

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I share the highlights from my recent visit to BBC Gardeners' World Live! I had the incredible opportunity to chat with a variety of gardening experts and enthusiasts, uncovering innovative techniques and hearing the heartfelt stories behind beautiful garden designs. The show is running until Sunday, June 15th, so make sure to catch it if you can!

In this episode, I caught up with Nick Bailey, who introduced me to the inspiring "Make a Meter Matter" initiative, showing how astonishingly one square meter can feed a family of four with vegetables! I also had the pleasure of speaking with Jane Dunn, the blogger and baker with 1 million followers, about the joys of seasonal baking with fresh ingredients, and Becky Excell, who opened my eyes to the vibrant world of gluten-free recipes.

You'll hear from gardeners on the ground, including Kate Patrick and Andrea Charles, who shared their passion and practical advice.

Plus, I chat to the Thames Orchid Society around mastering the art of growing orchids and catch Wool Pots to learn about the vital movement towards ditching plastic pots. Whether you're a novice gardener or expert, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights into sustainable living and how gardening fosters community connection.

I'll be posting social media clips and updates throughout this weekend, so keep an eye out, and the full episode will be out next week on the usual Friday! Tune in to cultivate your own creativity and deepen your appreciation for the journey from seed to plate.

What I Discovered in This Episode:

• How to make the most of small gardening spaces with Nick Bailey's "Make a Meter Matter."
• The fun and benefits of seasonal cooking and baking with insights from Jane Dunn.
• Vibrant and delicious gluten-free recipes with Becky Excell.
• Why sustainable gardening practices are essential, featuring Woolpots.
• The power of community gardening and supporting local, with stories from Kate Patrick and Andrea Charles.
• Tips for growing beautiful orchids from the Thames Orchid Society.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

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

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Welcome to Second Nature! I'm Lizzie McLaughlin, and in this episode, I'm taking you on an incredible journey to Open Farm Sunday! Willow and I headed down to Somerset to help Sophie Gregory, organic dairy farmer, and MarshwoodVale Farmers with their fantastic event. It was truly inspiring to see firsthand the amazing efforts farmers are making to educate the public, champion regenerative agriculture, and build stronger communities.

I had the pleasure of chatting with so many passionate people, including Tim Mead from Yeo Valley, and 11-year-old Sebastian from Coppethill Farm, who told me all about moths on the farm. I also spoke with Amy, a Dairy Advisor for the NFU, and many members of the general public, including little Luna, who shared all about her favourite biscuits with milk! You'll hear directly from them about the passion behind farming, the vital role of biodiversity, and how social media is helping to tell the authentic story of agriculture.

From debunking those persistent myths about dairy farming to exploring how we can all help foster a new generation of agricultural enthusiasts, this episode is packed with fascinating insights. Tune in to discover why events like Open Farm Sunday are absolutely crucial for building trust, understanding, and a more sustainable future for our food. A big thanks to Sophie and the team for inviting me to podcast, do a talk on connecting people to their food, and having me and Willow stay the weekend! I truly believe you'll leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for where your food comes from.

What You'll Discover:

• Why Open Farm Sunday is such a fantastic opportunity for public engagement.
• The crucial role of regenerative agriculture in sustainable farming.
• How educating children about farming can inspire future generations.
• The significant impact of dairy farming on our food production.
• Why connecting consumers with farmers helps build trust and understanding.
• How social media is a powerful tool for sharing farming stories.
• The essential role of biodiversity in a healthy ecosystem.

Listen for These Moments:

• "The turnout already has been fantastic."
• "Open Farm Sunday is brilliant."
• "It's a chance to interact with our customers."
• "Cows are killing the planet?"
• "Buy British, learn the story behind your food."

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

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

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Join me, Lizzie McLaughlin, as I welcome Pippa Streatfeild to the show! We discuss her fascinating transition from a London PA to managing her family's farm, exploring the power of regenerative agriculture in boosting soil health and welcoming back wildlife. We also touch on how glamping and camping are bringing new life (and families!) to the farm.

One of the most exciting parts of our conversation centers around Open Farm Sunday. As I'm personally looking forward to visiting Sophie Gregory's Home Farm for the event this year, Pippa offers fantastic insights into what visitors can expect – from seeing cows being milked and taking tractor rides, to interactive educational activities. She emphasizes how these free events are a wonderful way to reconnect the public with farming and food production. Tune in for a heartwarming and insightful chat about modern farming, community, and the magic of Open Farm Sunday!

Plus, listen to find out how you can WIN BBC Gardener's World Live Tickets!

You can find out more about Open Farm Sunday here: https://farmsunday.org/

Details for Sophie's Open Farm Sunday:

📍Home Farm, TA20 4PW
🗓️ Sunday 8th June
🕙 10am - 4pm

🐄 Meet the animals
🚜 Climb on a tractor
🥛 Learn where your milk comes from
🍦 Enjoy local treats
🎨 Kids’ activities & more!

🎟️ FREE ENTRY — ALL WELCOME!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

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

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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This week, I headed to North Yorkshire to speak with Fergus Corrigan from Northern Lavender. Not only has Fergus built a thriving lavender farm from a non-farming background, but Northern Lavender stands as the UK's largest organic lavender farm! Join me as we delve into his inspiring journey, uncovering the realities of establishing this vast and aromatic haven right here in the north.

We explore the nitty-gritty of building Northern Lavender from the ground up, discussing the unique hurdles Fergus faced in scaling an organic operation to such a significant size and the essential processes involved in cultivating those stunning purple blooms across his fields. Our conversation blossoms as we delve into the vital importance of organic and regenerative farming methods at Northern Lavender, understanding the rigorous standards he adheres to and the evolving definition of the latter, all through Fergus's extensive experience.

Beyond the cultivation on this impressive scale, we uncover the art and necessity of marketing Northern Lavender's unique agricultural products and the profound significance Fergus has found in bridging the gap between consumers and the countryside. Prepare to be moved by his insights on the often-untold mental health benefits of working the land, something he experiences every day at Northern Lavender.

This episode offers a candid look at the long-term commitment that farming demands, the invaluable wisdom Fergus has gleaned from inevitable stumbles in building such a pioneering organic farm, and the power of weaving a compelling narrative around Northern Lavender's exceptional offerings. Plus, we get a sneak peek at his exciting future plans to diversify and expand Northern Lavender's already impressive horizons. If you've ever been curious about the journey into farming, the magic of lavender, or the dedication it takes to run the UK's largest organic lavender farm, then tune in – you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with the inspiring Fergus Corrigan from Northern Lavender.

www.second-nature.co.uk

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

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

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac