Episode 27- Vertical Meadow ) Alistair Law and Rosie Whicheloe

In this episode of the Biodiversity Podcast, the panel discusses the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for London, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, human connection to nature, and the need for measurable targets in biodiversity efforts. They explore the challenges of data collection, particularly regarding urban gardens, and highlight the psychological benefits of nature connection. The conversation also touches on the significance of visualizing a nature-recovered city and the potential for incremental changes to lead to significant improvements in urban biodiversity. This conversation explores the multifaceted relationship between nature, community, and economic benefits. The speakers discuss the importance of integrating nature into public health, the need for sustainable funding models, and the role of storytelling in fostering a connection to nature. They emphasize the necessity of collaborative networks and participatory strategies to enhance community engagement and support for green spaces. The dialogue culminates in a call to reframe nature as essential infrastructure, advocating for a shift in consciousness towards a more inclusive and connected approach to environmental stewardship.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy01:05Understanding the Nature Recovery Strategy04:46The Role of Community Engagement08:45Human Connection to Nature12:36Challenges in Data and Measurement18:04The Importance of Gardens in Biodiversity21:54Engaging the Public in Nature Recovery26:15The Psychological Impact of Nature Connection29:56Visualizing a Nature-Recovered London33:43Incremental Change and Protopian Futures39:43Celebrating Nature Recovery Initiatives50:11The Economic Argument for Nature53:32Sustaining Green Spaces through Community Engagement56:31Storytelling and Communication in Nature Connection01:02:10Building Collaborative Networks for Nature Recovery01:07:43The Role of Community in Nature Connection01:11:41Funding and Support for Community Initiatives01:17:20Reframing Nature as Infrastructure01:32:01Creating a Participatory Nature Recovery Strategy

In this episode of the Biodiversity Podcast by Teasels, the host is joined by Peter Massini, an urban ecologist and green infrastructure expert from Future Nature Consultancy. Peter shares his journey from managing nature reserves to focusing on policy, particularly in London, working with organizations such as the London Wildlife Trust and Natural England. He discusses the shift in conservation focus to urban environments, the challenges and benefits of integrating green infrastructures like green roofs and SUDs (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) into urban planning, and the complexities surrounding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies. Peter highlights the unintended consequences and disproportionate impacts BNG has on small sites, proposing streamlined solutions such as local tariffs. He also emphasises the importance of designing urban spaces that balance human needs and wildlife sustainability, reflecting on the transformative potential of collaborative, well-informed policy frameworks.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:37 Peter's Background and Early Career02:15 Transition to Policy Work04:58 Urban Greening and Policy Impact07:20 Challenges and Realizations in Urban Greening19:27 Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Early Metrics23:18 Small Site Metric and Its Implications27:04 Issues with BNG Implementation38:23 Potential Solutions and Policy Adjustments44:10 Navigating Local Planning and BNG Requirements44:41 Challenges with Small Site BNG Assessments45:35 Proportional Application of BNG45:49 Ecological Appraisals and BNG Documentation47:01 Backyard Developments and Planning Policies48:17 Mandatory BNG and Over-Engineering Issues48:48 Guidance and Communication on BNG57:05 The Role of Habitat Banks in BNG01:02:18 On-Site BNG Challenges in Urban Areas01:10:48 Balancing Urban Greening and Biodiversity01:26:32 Future of BNG and Policy Interactions01:27:24 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Transforming a Family Garden for Biodiversity and Joy: A Chat with Nikki ShepherdIn this unique episode of the Biodiversity Podcast by Teases, we deviate from our usual format of interviewing industry professionals to have an engaging chat with Nikki Shepherd, a former client. Conducted from Nikki's own garden, we delve into the transformative journey of turning a neglected football pitch into a thriving, biodiversity-rich garden. Nikki shares insights on the project's inception in early spring 2023, the challenges faced, and the heartwarming community contributions, like using neighborhood brambles and rubble. They also discuss the evolving landscape's impact on mental well-being, family bonding through DIY efforts, and the joy of reconnecting with creativity and nature. This episode captures the essence of personalized garden design and its profound effects on lifestyle and environment.00:00 Introduction to the Biodiversity Podcast00:36 Meet Nikki Shepherd: A Client's Journey01:03 Transforming the Garden: From Football Pitch to Biodiverse Haven02:20 Designing for Wildlife and Family03:39 The Evolution of the Garden06:16 Embracing Creativity and Play in Garden Design15:34 The Emotional Connection to the Garden17:32 Hands-On Garden Transformation: A Family Effort28:42 Theater Studies and Creative Background41:33 Neighborly Fence Project42:28 Creative Reuse of Materials43:17 Cognitive Dissonance in Sustainability44:17 Reviving Old Furniture45:17 Power Washing Adventures45:41 Kids and Reuse Lessons46:14 Wildlife in the Garden46:48 The Great Sand Debate50:35 Insect Mimicry and Observations58:18 Seasonal Changes and Garden Design01:06:38 Reflections on Seasons and Productivity01:17:49 Design Process and Visualization01:21:54 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Biodiversity Podcast, the conversation revolves around regenerative farming practices, focusing on soil health, microbial life, and the transition from conventional to regenerative methods. Nick shares his journey in agriculture, the challenges faced, and the importance of understanding soil ecosystems. The discussion highlights the nutritional value of crops, the business case for regenerative farming, and the future of agriculture as it moves towards more sustainable practices. The episode concludes with a call to action for farmers to embrace these changes for a healthier planet. The key takeawaysRegenerative farming focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity.Nick's journey illustrates the challenges and rewards of transitioning to regenerative practices.Soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture and food production.Microbial life plays a vital role in soil fertility and plant health.Conventional farming often relies on chemicals that harm soil ecosystems.Fungi are essential for nutrient uptake in plants and soil health.Nutritional value of crops can be enhanced through healthy soil practices.Scaling up regenerative practices can lead to significant environmental benefits.Inoculating soil with beneficial microbes can improve crop yields.The future of agriculture lies in sustainable practices that prioritize soil health.Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Regenerative Farming JourneySoil Health: The Foundation of Sustainable Farming"It's a nicer way of farming.""We are trying to grow that.""We want to keep that up."

The initial design process and the importance of client collaboration. A visit to John Little's garden in Essex and its impact on the project. The balance between aesthetics and creating habitats for wildlife. Overcoming challenges like budget constraints and unexpected garden visitors. The ongoing journey of learning and adapting in garden design.#Biodiversity #GardenDesign #Sustainability

Revolutionising Nature Restoration: A Chat with Benedict McDonald from RestoreWelcome to the latest episode of the Biodiversity Podcast by Teals, recorded at Groundswell 2025. In this episode, host Teasels is joined by Benedict McDonald from Restore. They discuss the exciting advancements in nature restoration, the financial viability of such activities, and the shift from governmental reliance to private market solutions. Benedict shares valuable insights into making nature restoration projects sustainable and government-proof, utilizing natural capital markets, biodiversity net gain, and carbon markets. Learn about the nuances of local land management, the importance of community knowledge, and how Restore's unique model can adapt to various landscapes. Tune in to discover how nature and agriculture can coexist sustainably, bolstered by long-term financial stability and impactful environmental change.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:29 Groundswell 2025: Nature Restoration Insights01:19 Making Business Government Proof01:38 Challenges with Government Policies03:12 Private Markets and Natural Capital07:11 Understanding Natural Capital Markets12:33 Restoration Units: A New Approach19:52 Success Stories and Future Plans29:25 Conclusion and Future Collaboration

in this podcast, we discuss the following ;Interconnectedness of Ecology and Health: The discussion highlights how our mental and physical health crises are interconnected with ecological and social justice issues. Recognising this interconnectedness is crucial for holistic well-being.Cultural and Indigenous Perspectives: Emphasizing the importance of learning from indigenous cultures, which view nature as an integral part of life rather than something separate. This perspective encourages a deeper connection and respect for the environment.Gardening as a Form of Eco-Activism: Gardening is portrayed as a powerful tool for eco-activism, allowing individuals to engage with nature directly and promote biodiversity through practices like using local seeds and fostering natural plant succession.The Role of Language in Ecology: The conversation touches on how language can both help and hinder our understanding of ecological relationships. There's a call to move beyond buzzwords and engage in meaningful discussions about native versus non-native species and their ecological roles.The Value of Wild Plants: There's a strong emphasis on the importance of preserving wild plants and their natural relationships with the soil, as they are foundational to biodiversity and ecological resilience.Reimagining Gardens and Landscapes: The idea of gardens as dynamic, evolving spaces rather than static, controlled environments is explored. This approach encourages a more sustainable and ecologically sound way of interacting with the land.

In this episode in chat with Blanche Cameron from The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. We discuss the integration of biodiversity in the build environment.

I interview the wonderful gardening team at Knepp.

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