Welcome to Episode 50 of the Eatweeds podcast, where host Robin Harford takes us on an auditory journey into the world of sound art and ecoacoustics with guest Jez riley French.

In this episode, titled 'The Sound of Trees', we dive into the fascinating world of listening to plants and the hidden layers of sound that surround us.

Jez, a leading British sound artist, shares the behind-the-scenes details of his latest exhibition in the Forest of Dean, revealing the actual internal sounds of plants and trees through his self-built microphones.

The immersive live installation aims to change the way we engage with forests, moving beyond their traditional leisurely use.

Highlights of the episode include Jez's discussion on the ethics of field recording, the importance of listening on nature's terms, and the significance of durational listening.

He also sheds light on the often overlooked history of women in sound art and field recording, challenging the conventional narratives that have long dominated these fields.

Listeners are encouraged to rethink their relationship with nature and sound, embracing the complexity and beauty of the world's acoustic environment.

Whether you're a seasoned sound artist or new to the concept of ecoacoustics, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the art of listening and the power of sound to connect us more deeply with the natural world.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the sounds that often go unnoticed.

Show notes are below for a deeper dive into Jez riley French's work, and the transformative power of sound.

Connect With Jez riley French

• Website
• Linktree
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Soundwalk: The Secret Sounds of Trees

Credits

Many thanks to Pheobe riley Law for permission to use her photo of Jez in the episode artwork.

• Website
• Instagram

Back Matter

Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book. In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.

In this episode, #49 of the Eatweeds podcast, I sit down with Helen Kearney at the Betonica herb school on a lazy Summer day in the Devon countryside.

We dive into the added value herbalists bring to the strained National Health Service (NHS) and discuss Helen's path from being inspired by her grandmother to becoming a medical herbalist and educator.

We tackle the evolution of medicine since World War II, highlighting the crucial role of self-care and the struggle for herbal medicine's legal recognition.

Helen shares the comprehensive training that goes into becoming a skilled herbalist and how Betonica equips students with necessary business skills to make the practice successful.

Our discussion also spans the integration of herbal medicine into the NHS, social prescribing, and the need for herbalists to actively engage with their communities.

I wrap up the conversation by exploring how herbalism is becoming more inclusive, the shift in gender dynamics in the field, and Betonica's community-focused principles.

Helen details her vision for Betonica as more than just a school; it's a place that connects and builds community in response to healthcare challenges.

Join me in this episode for a direct discussion on personal experiences and insights into the future of medical herbalism.

Connect With Helen Kearney and the Betonica Herb School

• Betonica on Facebook
• Betonica on Instagram
• Betonica School of Herbal Medicine website

Back Matter

Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book. In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.

In this episode of the Eatweeds podcast, Robin Harford invites the seasoned forager, Andy Hamilton, for a deep and meaningful conversation about the evolving world of foraging, wild food, and wildcrafting.

They take listeners on a journey, reflecting on their first meeting years ago and exploring the transformation of the foraging community's online presence over the years.

Connect With Andy Hamilton

• Facebook
• Andy's website
• Andy's Youtube channel

Back Matter

Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

And if you're ready to discover the secrets of Britain and Ireland's wild plants, get my bestselling foraging book. In it I teach you how to safely thrive from nature's larder.