Why access matters, thinking about land rights and nature connection with Dartmoor Walking Tours

Why access matters, thinking about land rights and nature connection with Dartmoor Walking Tours

In this episode, I was so delighted to be joined by the wonderful Gillian Healey from Dartmoor Walking Tours in Hembury Woods, just outside of Buckfastleigh. We went for an early morning stroll, to the backing track of the dawn chorus, to discuss nature connection, land rights and how she found herself working on Dartmoor. We talked about her involvement in 'The Stars Are For Everyone' campaign, which was set up to protect our right to wild camp on Dartmoor and her subsequent connections with Right to Roam. We also meandered into talking about the mental health benefits of spending time outside and how she facilitates space for connecting with the land through the walks she leads. It was a gentle, interesting, and enjoyable conversation and we hope you enjoy listening to it!

Plant medicine, chronic illness and getting to know the land with The Dartmoor Herbalist

In this episode, I was delighted to be walking through the beautiful woods at Lustleigh with Jenny Carden, also known as The Dartmoor Herbalist. A qualified medicinal herbalist and Hill & Moorland Leader, Jenny has an enviable knowledge base and it was an absolute treat to see her mind at work as we walked through the woods earlier this summer. We discussed her road to herbalism, the importance of getting to know your local landscape season after season, plant medicine, and the work she does on Dartmoor. We also discussed the barriers of getting out on the moors for those with chronic illnesses and she shared her experience of this. We talked about foraging, nature connection, accessibility, and she shared some fantastic stories and anecdotes from her life. It was frankly, an absolute pleasure and we so hope you enjoy listening to the episode! You can find out more about Jenny and the work she does at www.thedartmoorherbalist.wordpress.com.

Maps, compasses, and digital apps...navigation with Discover Dartmoor

In this episode, I was delighted to meet Rob Gardner at Hound Tor for a blustery walk and talk. Rob runs Discover Dartmoor, an organisation that runs guided walks and navigation workshops. We chatted about his earliest navigational experiences, his journey to becoming a Hill & Moorland Leader and the work he does now. We discussed the importance of navigational skills, particularly in a place like Dartmoor, a landscape notoriously difficult to navigate on. We talked about the place the digital mapping apps have, where they hold value and some of the things people who use them should be aware of. We also discussed the role of social media when it comes to honey pot spots and mused on how you strike a balance. It was an enjoyable and easy conversation and we hope you enjoy listening to it! You can find out more about Rob and his work at www.discover-dartmoor.co.uk.

Dartmoor folklore, myths and stories, with Lisa Schneidau

In this episode, we were delighted to be joined by the wonderful human being that is Lisa Schneidau. Lisa is a professional storyteller, ecologist, and one of the founders of the Dartmoor Nature Alliance. She is passionate about finding and telling stories that inspire, provoke curiosity and build stronger connections between people and nature. Lisa joined me at Two Bridges to walk towards Wistman's Wood where we wandered and talked about the tradition of story on Dartmoor, the art of storytelling and her journey into story. We discussed where these stories and myths have come from, their purpose, themes that run throughout them and how they can be relevant in today's environment. We also touched on how the story of Old Crockern has become a symbol of resistance and hope, and the work that the Dartmoor Nature Alliance does. It was a really interesting and enjoyable conversation and we're so grateful to Lisa for her time. If you'd like to find out more about the work she does and her upcoming projects, you can do so at https://www.lisaschneidau.co.uk/.

From conservation to cists; in conversation with Dartmoor Paul

In this episode I was delighted to meet up with the fantastic Paul Rendell, also known as 'Dartmoor Paul'. We found a sheltered spot nestled underneath Bell Tor to enjoy the view on a blustery day and to talk about Paul's life on Dartmoor. He shared his earliest experience of Dartmoor that ignited his love of this area of the world and his particular interest in Burrator Reservoir and the tragic story surrounding it. We talked about his involvement in the discovery of a Bronze Age burial cist on Cut Hill, the origins of letterboxing and his involvement in this traditional moorland activity. We also chatted about his work as a Dartmoor guide, his penchant for spooky stories and his passion for conservation. It was a fantastic chat that we really enjoyed having. You can find out more about Paul and his work at www.paulrendelldartmoor.co.uk.