Best Grange Project Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 040: Rivers in Crisis – A Conversation with James Wallace 54:24

18d ago54:24

54:24

What happens when we treat our rivers like sewers, ignore regulation, and allow polluters to profit from destruction? In this milestone 40th episode of The Wilder Podcast, we sit down with James Wallace, CEO of River Action, for one of our most eye-opening conversations yet. Beyond the outrage, this conversation is a masterclass in what needs to ch…

1
The History of Witchcraft In Cheshire - Live from The Grange Theatre 39:16

18d ago39:16

39:16

The final episode of The Local Mythstorian Podcast is a live recording from Eli's talk at The Grange Theatre on Thursday May 22nd 2025, tracing the story of European witchcraft from its Roman origins through to the English witch-craze and into the county of Cheshire itself! Mythstoric Journeys, the hardback anthology collection from Eli, is availab…

1
Ep. 039: The Act That Could Change the World 59:07

2M ago59:07

59:07

In this episode we speak with the inspirational Jane Davidson, the former government minister who proposed the groundbreaking Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. We discuss how the Act came to be, the influence the legislation has had and why Wales is now being watched by countries around the world looking to follow its lead. Your Hosts: Tom Const…

1
Ep. 038: Thrivalism with Tony Juniper CBE 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, shares with us a powerful thesis: we cannot fight the climate and ecological crisis without first addressing social inequality. Not content with just highlighting these connections, Tony describes the system change necessary to move us all forward; the new political philosophy of Thrivalism. Your Hosts Tom Co…

1
Ep. 037: Taking Rewilding Mainstream with Alister Scott of the Global Rewilding Alliance 1:03:33

3M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In this joyful episode to celebrate World Rewilding Day, we take a big picture view as Alister addresses key questions such as ‘what does a rewilded world look like’, ‘how do we get there’ and ‘what are the benefits?’ Amongst a range of topics, we discuss climate stabilisation, eco distress and environmental education, as well as the power of succe…

1
Ep. 036: "It's the how, not the cow" with Grazing Management 50:46

3M ago50:46

50:46

Join us round the farmhouse kitchen as we chat with Emily and Alex, the co-founders of Grazing Management. Over a cup of tea, and some excellent fruit cake, we discuss what conservation grazing is, why it’s so important for biodiversity and how they are managing to make it into a successful business. Your Hosts: Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.…

1
Ep. 035: In Business For Nature: Project Updates and Make it Wild 55:28

4M ago55:28

55:28

What does it take to turn a family passion into a powerful force for nature? In this episode of two halves, we start with an update about The Grange Project, including the last 6 months of physical interventions, our evolving business structure, and the latest developments at The Grange Distillery and Studio. We then move into conversation with Hel…

1
The Long Grave - Little John and the Mystery of the Hathersage Giant 27:31

4M ago27:31

27:31

There are numerous legends regarding the subject of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws located throughout the UK. In the Derbyshire village of Hathersage however, there is a story concerning Robin’s chief lieutenant Little John that intrigues more than most, centred on a grave that during an excavation 250 years ago, revealed the bones of a man who…

1
Windstars and Cinder - H.G. Wells and the Inspiration of the Potteries 23:42

5M ago23:42

23:42

Known as the father of science fiction, H.G. Wells is as famous today as he was in his heyday of the 1890s. What isn’t so well known however, is the time he spent as a younger man amidst the burgeoning industrial landscape of the Potteries; and how that experience helped inform the imagery of his best-known work, The War of the Worlds, and also cha…

1
Ep. 034: Going Off Grid: Tiny Homes, Big Solutions 55:14

5M ago55:14

55:14

If you’ve ever contemplated heading to the hills in your own off-grid escape, this is the episode for you. Craftsman builder Simon Whitfield of the Tiny Home Company covers the key ingredients necessary to create your own self-built home, as well as philosophy underpinning the ‘tiny living’ lifestyle. We are so grateful to have worked with Simon in…

1
Christmas Special 2024 - The Hauntings of Cheshire 16:19

6M ago16:19

16:19

Bringing together a selection of unique curios and local tales concerning folklore and haunting from across the ancient county of Cheshire, join Eli by the fireside in this Christmas special from The Local Mythstorian Podcast. Mythstoric Journeys, the hardback anthology collection from Eli, is available here! Visit thelocalmythstorian.com…

1
Ep. 033: An Agriwilding Evolution with Matt Swarbrick 54:57

6M ago54:57

54:57

Matt Swarbrick, a farmer in North West Wales, shares with us the journey of Henbant. Using the principles of holistic decision making and agriwilding, they’ve created a thriving ecosystem that enables them to produce delicious nutrient dense food and magical spaces for both people and nature. Enjoy Matt’s warmth and passion as he paints a picture o…

1
Ep. 032: How to Build a Regenerative Nation with North Star Transition 59:17

7M ago59:17

59:17

How do you make a nation regenerative? What does it take to transform the Wye and Usk catchments? Jyothi Banerjee and North Star Transition are asking some of the most complex questions of our time, with three clear objectives: to propose a plan which is transformative, locally owned and investable. This is a fascinating conversation about systems …

1
Ep. 031: A European Adventure with James Shooter 50:56

7M ago50:56

50:56

We journey across Europe with James Shooter, host of the rewild podcast. From inspirational community led rewilding projects, to the trial and tribulations of road tripping, sit back and enjoy his story-telling skills. On that theme, we end the episode with a discussion about the role of communications and collaboration in the rewilding movement. Y…

1
Halloween Special - The Ghost of Barton Blount Manor 15:35

8M ago15:35

15:35

In this historically themed Halloween special, it's a personal tale from Eli regarding a very uncanny experience that he and his father shared when he was just 10 years old way back in 1993! Not quite a ghost story, but something wonderfully odd and beguiling, it was an experience that, thanks to the wonders of Google Earth, has since kicked up the…

1
Ep. 030: Tor to Shore - Landscape Level Recovery 49:49

8M ago49:49

49:49

There is a vision in Cornwall, one of large scale nature recovery from land to sea. In this episode we hear the story and the vision of ‘Tor to Shore’, eloquently described by Matt Walpole, CEO of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. We discuss unexpected challenges (looking at you beavers), the importance of joined up landscapes and the power of community eng…

1
Ep. 029: Failure and Success: 12 Months of Rewilding at the Grange Project 42:36

8M ago42:36

42:36

For both new and regular listeners, we cover everything you need to know about the Grange Project one year in. Whether you’re interested in the physical changes, how we intend to finance the project or our vision for nature education, we hope you find value in our enthusiasm! **Sign up for the newsletter at www.grangeproject.co.uk** Your Hosts: Tom…

1
Ep. 028: People and Technology in Rewilding with Simon Roper 47:28

9M ago47:28

47:28

In this interview with Simon Roper, we debate the problems and possibilities of technology in rewilding, covering everything from the latest innovations to whether technology ever could, or should, replace boots in the ground. Whether you’re a self described technology geek or living a low tech lifestyle, the debates in this episode offer something…

1
Ep. 027: Future Farms with Our Food 1200 45:41

10M ago45:41

45:41

In the context of carbon emissions related to imported foods, increasing food insecurity, pollution from intensive farming and corporate monopolies, maybe it's time we reimagined the future of farming in the UK? Duncan Fisher eloquently describes how Our Food 1200 / Ein Bwyd 1200 are working to build a reliable and affordable supply of food for all…

1
Ep. 026: What have the Wildlife Trusts ever done for us? 46:58

11M ago46:58

46:58

James Hitchcock, CEO of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, takes us on a big picture journey in this week’s episode. Covering a range of topics including the role of the Wildlife Trusts, the relationship between Wales and rewilding and the conception of his dream project, Wilder Pentwyn Farm. ********* SIGN UP for the VOLUNTEERS DAY: https://www.grangepro…

1
Ep. 025: Finding Your Tribe with Rewilding Training 1:00:41

11M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

The foundations of this rich episode are a conversation with Laura Fairs, the Lead Facilitator and Co-Creator of the Embercombe Rewilding Training. We discuss the history of the training, the key subjects covered in the training and the importance of inclusivity and diversity. It was then our pleasure to host alumni from the 2023 course: Claudia, O…

1
Ep. 024: Keystone Species - Beavers 42:01

12M ago42:01

42:01

Why do beavers create dams? How do they enhance the ecosystem around them? What is getting in the way of their return? As a Project Officer with the Welsh Beaver Project, Alicia Leow-Dyke is the perfect guest to introduce us to the beaver and their importance within the British Landscape. ********* SIGN UP for the COMMUNITY DAY: https://www.grangep…

1
Ep. 023: There will be Leaves on the Mountain Again with Rob Penn 50:19

1y ago50:19

50:19

Rob graciously takes us back to woodland basics in this fascinating episode as we consider the role of trees in addressing the climate and ecological crises. We discuss the unique opportunities presented by the Welsh uplands, the (successful) efforts of bracken to take over the world and the innovative techniques developed by Stump up For Trees as …

1
The Extraordinary Local Histories of Vale Royal - Live from The Grange Theatre 41:02

1y ago41:02

41:02

Recorded live at The Grange Theatre, Hartford on May 16th 2024, the last regular episode in Season 2 of the podcast presents Eli's talk on the extraordinary local histories of Vale Royal. Topics covered include the Vale Royal Rebellion, the prophet Robert Nixon and the Devil in Cheshire folklore. Mythstoric Journeys, the hardback anthology collecti…

1
Ep. 022: Rewilding London with Citizen Zoo 48:31

1y ago48:31

48:31

Are you one of the 84.4% of the population that live in an urban setting? In this episode, Elliot and Digby from Citizen Zoo tell us about rewilding projects across London, including the reintroductions of water voles and beavers. We hear about some of the unexpected impacts of these projects, the opportunity to create nature friendly ‘cities of th…

1
Ep. 021: Save the Curlew, Save the World with Mary Colwell 47:21

1y ago47:21

47:21

In this inspirational conversation, we start off with the story of the curlew and end up discussing the importance of ‘nature literacy’. Mary’s creativity, passion and determination shine through as we hear about her historic campaign for the curlew, driving forward the natural history GCSE and her hopes for a nature pathway throughout our educatio…

1
Prescription Poison - Who Killed Thomas Meakin? 16:45

1y ago16:45

16:45

The story of Thomas Meakin's eighteenth century murder is a well-known legend of the Staffordshire Moorlands, yet there has never before been a full consideration of the circumstances surrounding his death, nor an inquiry into who may have killed him. Mythstoric Journeys, the hardback anthology collection from Eli, is available here! Visit thelocal…

1
Ep. 020: Heal Rewilding - New Spaces for Nature with Jan Stannard 50:26

1y ago50:26

50:26

Join the journey of Heal Rewilding as we hear about the mission of the charity, the acquisition of their first site and progress a year later. Jan Stannard, Founder Trustee and Acting CEO, clearly describes the many decisions made by the charity over the last year and the importance of new spaces for nature. We loved the ambition, the insights shar…

1
Ep. 019: Eat food, not too much, mostly plants with Frank Holleman 47:10

1y ago47:10

47:10

In this delightful chat with Frank, we start to make sense of why our relationship to food is so critical for the climate. We explore a range of topics including the scary impact of food waste, the challenge of our meat and dairy consumption and the role of social tipping points. As well as the science, Frank also shares with us his vision of the ‘…

1
Rites of the Spring - Derbyshire Well Dressing and the Cult of Arnemetia 17:21

1y ago17:21

17:21

A spring bonus episode of sorts, recorded for season one but never released, its seasonal theme sees it make it into Season 2... Well-dressing is much loved local custom which enjoys an almost exclusive patronage in the county of Derbyshire. It’s origins are much debated and appear to be forever shrouded in the deep history of the region’s ancient …

1
Ep. 018: Rewilding in Semi-Urban Environments with Stephen Mason 47:36

1+ y ago47:36

47:36

As the majority of the UK population lives within an urban environment, it’s critical that ‘wilder nature’ is not the privilege of the rural landscape. Stephen Mason, Community Parks Officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, shares practical examples of what rewilding can look like in a semi-urban context, how to bring people along with the journey an…

1
The Last Day of August - Great Budworth's Civil War Secret 33:06

1+ y ago33:06

33:06

The village of Great Budworth possesses one of the most remarkable churches in all of Cheshire, not just loved by locals but genuinely appreciated by history fans and enthusiasts of late medieval architecture right across the UK. Something visitors may not be aware of however is the visit paid to the village by Parliamentarian forces on the last da…

1
Ep. 017: (re)Wild the Boar with Chantal Lyons 50:03

1+ y ago50:03

50:03

Chantal’s passion for the wild boar exudes throughout this interview as we discuss the role the boar plays in habitat-regeneration, the challenge they present for their human neighbours and how they might just be rewilding us? Following the success of her recently published book ‘Groundbreakers - The return of Britain’s wild boar’, Chantal indulged…

1
Ep. 016: Growing for the future with Green Up Farm 46:04

1+ y ago46:04

46:04

Toni, co-founder of Green Up Farm, takes us through everything you need to know about indoor hydroponic vertical farming: from what you need to get started, routes to market and the challenges of being zero waste. We loved this episode for Toni’s transparency and the strength of the values which underpin the success of Green Up Farm. ************ S…

1
The Hungry Prophet - The Legendary Sale of Robert Nixon 33:22

1+ y ago33:22

33:22

The story of Robert Nixon, the 'Cheshire Prophet’ starved to death by the king, was once the best known legend of the county, retold and republished dozens of times across the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Precisely who the man was however, has always been something of a mystery, with many assuming he was little more than a fairy tale. Yet r…

1
The Local Crusader - Ranulf de Blondeville and the Saracens of Biddulph Moor (Live Special) 40:26

1+ y ago40:26

40:26

There are few more curious associations in local legend than that of Saracen prisoners being settled on the land that is now known as the Staffordshire Moorlands village of Biddulph Moor. Travelling back to the thirteenth century to discover the untold story behind the legend, we reach a place where the adventures of the crusades meet with the dark…

1
Ep. 015: Generation Wilder 42:18

1+ y ago42:18

42:18

The UK’s ecological health is in the bottom 10% on earth and over 80% of UK young people are eager to take action to help the environment, but only 1 in 5 believe they are being listened to on environmental issues. Jack and Noah share the story of Youngwilders, which exists to turn these statistics around. Listen to them talk about youth engagement…

1
Ep. 014: The Moments that Shaped Us 21:50

1+ y ago21:50

21:50

As we look forward into 2024, Tom and Chloe have reflected on the Wilder Podcast back catalogue and selected six moments which particularly resonated from them. Whether you’re a regular listener who’d enjoy a reminder, or a new recruit who’s interested in what the Wilder Podcast is all about, we hope you take something away from our conversation. W…

1
Invisible Fortress - The Vanishing of Shipbrook Castle 33:40

1+ y ago33:40

33:40

The castle at Shipbrook near Davenham is long lost to us today, its last traces being cleared from the land in the 1790s. However, in balancing the brutal events of early Norman England together with the history of a key local family, not only can we better appreciate this often overlooked corner of medieval Cheshire, but perhaps for the first time…

1
Ep. 013: Can we even 'REWILD' in the UK?! 52:00

1+ y ago52:00

52:00

Is rewilding in the UK even possible? Why are terms important? What is rewilding anyway? In this episode we are joined by academic expert in rewilding, Dr Stephen Carver, as we discuss the role of human intervention, our desire for an ‘outcome’ and the challenges of rewilding in the UK. Our Guest Dr Carver is a Geographer and Senior Lecturer at the…

1
Christmas Special - The Friar's Fool (Live Stream Event) 21:55

1+ y ago21:55

21:55

A mid-season bonus episode - a recording of The Local Mythstorian website Zoom live stream event from December 7th; The Friar's Fool - A Brief History of English Devil Lore and Its Place In Cheshire Legend. Mythstoric Journeys, the hardback anthology collection from Eli, is available here! Visit thelocalmythstorian.com…

1
Ep. 012: DIY Nature Reserve 52:48

1+ y ago52:48

52:48

Covering everything from the scientific theory of rewilding (diversity, disturbance and distribution!) to the art of tree planting on his very own nature reserve, the inspirational communicator that is Chris D'Agorne will leave you both enthused and resourced to enhance biodiversity in your own green space. Our Guest Chris is an entrepreneur and a …

1
A Ghost Story for Cheshire - The Bones of Marbury Park 35:11

1+ y ago35:11

35:11

The haunting of Marbury Park is one of Cheshire’s most enduring legends of the supernatural. Most retellings however, if not all, have simply sought to repeat the basics of the tale without looking deeper into the history of the protagonists within. When we do, and look to consider the legend within the context of its earliest form, we find a very …

1
Ep. 011: What is COP 28 and why should we care? 39:58

1+ y ago39:58

39:58

As one of the key mechanisms of international action to address climate change, this episode covers everything you need to know about the COP: why it exists, what happens during the COP, the critiques of the process and what we should look out for at COP 28. ‘We can’t really afford not to engage with the COP, and not to drive the movement to lower …

1
Ep. 010: Landscape of Hope: Lynbreck Croft 55:13

1+ y ago55:13

55:13

Sharing the wisdom generated over recent years of wilder farming on a 150 acre croft in the Cairngorms, Lyn Cassell’s reflects on the importance of connection to the land, holistic living and the principles of wilder regenerative farming. We leave inspired and full of admiration for the pioneering work at Lynbreck Croft, we hope you do too? Your Ho…

1
Scholar of Magic - Ranulf Higden and the Wands of Chester Cathedral 27:23

1+ y ago27:23

27:23

The Cheshire monk Ranulf Higden is remembered to historians today as the author of a distant world history from the fourteenth century. However, beyond his daily religious work in the abbey at Chester, he was an inquisitive and curious man of his age; traits that can help us understand better why such a figure of Christian piety would come to be bu…

1
Ep. 009: Building the Ultimate Mosaic: A Grange Project Update 30:15

1+ y ago30:15

30:15

We’re now 6 months in, and it seems like as good a time as any for a different type of episode. In a slightly shorter conversation than usual, thanks to Tom’s tenacious editing, we reflect on the progress of the Grange Project to date. Conversations touch on what we’ve appreciated (doughnuts in the digger), what's challenged us (what is rewilding a…

1
Ep. 008: Crushing Rocks for the Climate: Enhanced Weathering with Ben Westcott 39:21

1+ y ago39:21

39:21

How do you permanently remove billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide, utilising natural processes and of benefit to the land owner? Ben Westcott speaks to us about UNDO; an innovative company deploying the latest technology to speed up enhanced rock weathering, a geological process that locks away CO2. From this, we step into the challenges and oppor…

1
Blood In the Barley - The Hidden Story of the Vale Royal Rebellion 38:19

1+ y ago38:19

38:19

Welcome to Season 2! The Vale Royal Rebellion is a medieval tale of murder, manipulation and struggle set amidst one of the most turbulent periods in all of English history. Yet it is only when we bring the contributing political factors, key players and major events of the story together as one, that we can really appreciate just what a remarkable…

1
Ep. 007: Into the Wildlands with Alasdair Cameron 52:31

1+ y ago52:31

52:31

Alasdair Cameron, Founder and Executive Director of Somerset Wildlands, passionately discussed the concept of rewilding, its distinctions from conservation and restoration, and the pressing need for more wild land in this country. Alasdair emphasises the benefits of wildness for humans on all levels; including the provision of ecosystem services an…

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