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A guided contemplative practice. Lean your back against a tree for five minutes of sensory presence. Robin opens with Tommy Cooper's "pick a card, any card." It becomes a playful doorway into stillness. He walks through breath, posture, and bodily sensation. The body settles into rhythm with its surroundings. The episode then turns reflective. Civilisation has distanced us from sensory, embodied intelligence. From hands-in-food eating to chairs and utensils, we've lost touch with our senses. This simple act of leaning against bark reclaims something. It's "the oldest conversation," Robin says. One living nervous system meeting another. This Episode Is Brought To You By Robin HarfordTranscripts This episodeSelected Resources From The Episode Connect with Robin HarfordWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook Books Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and IrelandForage In SpringForage In SummerForage In AutumnThe Eatweeds CookbookAudio Courses 30 Days of Domei Plant PracticesMindful In NatureThe Green PathFree Resources Domei NewsletterEatweeds Newsletter

In the 17th century, Descartes, Galileo, and Newton transformed a living world into mechanical clockwork.  Descartes drew the fatal line between mind and matter, rendering everything beyond the thinking self inert and available for measurement.  This lens birthed science and medicine, but cost us what Goethean scientist Craig Holdrege calls living thinking - thought that is responsive, relational, and shaped by what it encounters. Goethe knew perception isn't passive: to truly see a plant, you must let it work on you. Through Domei's sustained attention, observer and observed dissolve into a meeting of subjects. This Episode Is Brought To You By Robin HarfordTranscripts This episodeStay In Touch Website | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook Free Newsletters DomeiEatweedsBooks Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and IrelandForage In SpringForage In SummerForage in AutumnThe Eatweeds CookbookCourses 30 Days of Domei Plant PracticesMindful In NatureThe Green Path

Chris Holland has spent over three decades helping people - young and old - find their way back to the natural world. In this warmly personal conversation, Robin and Chris reflect on the threads that have woven their lives together: a shared love of plants, the legacy of plant mentor Frank Cook, and the quiet revolution taking place in nature connection education. Chris is the author of I Love My World, widely regarded as the unofficial Forest School manual, and the founder of Natural Musicians. A practice that democratises music-making in wild places, inviting children and families to listen deeply and celebrate landscape through sound.  His work sits at the intersection of nature pedagogy, John Young's Eight Shields framework, and a profound belief that connection to the other-than-human world is not a luxury, it is a necessity. They explore how children learn differently when handed a stick and a stone instead of a worksheet, why making music in a stone circle might change the listener more than the landscape, and what it means to truly stay — with a plant, with discomfort, with belonging. For educators, parents, and anyone who has ever felt the pull of a hedgerow, this episode is a quiet reminder that the wild is always closer than we think. This Episode Is Brought To You By Robin HarfordTranscripts This episodeConnect with Chris Holland Website | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Books I Love My WorldPlant Of The WeekSharing Nature With ChildrenThe Heat Will Kill You FirstCourses Natural MusiciansPeople, Places and Things Mentioned On The Show Buzzard YurtKingfisher YurtCity of Bath Roman BathsFluxus Art MovementFrank CookNew Age FraudPam HortonPauline OliverosSandor KatzSchumacher CollegeTrill On The HillRelated Resources 30 Days of DomeiDomei Newsletter

Robin Harford meets storyteller Clare Viner beneath a flowering hawthorn tree in Devon to explore the living tradition of oral storytelling. Clare shares how stories belong to everyone - not fixed texts handed down by celibate monks, but breathing, evolving things shaped by the teller's felt sense and relationship with land. They discuss how patriarchy silenced women's stories, how rivers and plants carry their own narratives, and why giving yourself permission to tell an imperfect story is a radical act. The episode closes with Clare's spellbinding retelling of Merlin and the Lady Nimue - a love story rooted in hawthorn, heart medicine, and the dreaming earth. About Clare Viner Clare Viner has been a storyteller for 26 years. Her roots are personal. As a child, her grandfather wove fairy tales for her. That inheritance stuck, and eventually became a vocation. She has told to audiences of every age and disposition: toddlers, teenagers, the elderly, festival goers. Clare has performed in the children’s tent at WOMAD for the last 15 years. She works without books or props, and no two tellings of a story are ever the same. Her book, The Emerald Dragon and Other Magical Tales of the Blackdown and Quantock Hills, reimagines the folklore of two beloved British landscapes from the perspective of someone who trusts and loves the earth. It was funded by a DEFRA grant. She was writer in residence for Connecting the Culm, a river conservation project that culminated in a four-day River Story Pilgrimage, walking and camping along the water's edge. She runs workshops exploring the folklore of British wild animals and trees, including Spirit of Hare, Spirit of Deer, and others. Having once been terrified herself, she takes particular pleasure in guiding the terrified through the process of finding their own storytelling voice. She takes old stories and dreams them new, again and again. This Episode Is Brought To You By- Robin Harford Transcript This episodeConnect with Clare Viner, Storyteller Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram Things Mentioned On The Show A Women's Book of Herbs by Elisabeth BrookeConnecting The CulmStories of the CulmRelated Resources Hawthorn T-Shirt

Show Notes: Understanding Domei This episode explores Domei, a contemplative practice designed to bridge the gap between humans and the living world through sensory engagement and "deep listening." Domei Resources The official Domei website30 Days of Domei: A Month of Botanical AttentionKey Takeaways The Origin of Domei: A neologism blending the Gaelic roots Domhain (deep) and Éist (listen).Beyond the Ears: Listening is defined as a whole-body experience—feeling into the environment rather than just hearing sound.A Shift in Perspective: The practice moves the participant from seeing nature as "scenery" to recognizing plants as "neighbors" and fellow beings.De-emphasizing Analysis: Domei encourages "wordless knowing," where the goal is to be with a plant without the need to identify, categorize, or extract information from it.The Practice: How to Engage The core of the practice is rooted in voluntary, unhurried attention. Find a Plant: Locate a living thing, even just beyond your doorstep.Quiet the Mind: Move away from analytical thinking and botanical classification.Physical Awareness: Notice how the presence of the plant affects your own body—your breathing, your balance, and the weight of your feet on the ground.Sit in Companionship: Spend as little as five minutes simply being present with the organism.Philosophical Foundations Domei draws from centuries of Western contemplative traditions. It suggests that humans possess an internal "sensory map" and guidance system that is revealed once they slow down enough to receive natural signals. Ultimately, it is a path toward realizing a lack of separation from the earth. "Domei is not only a practice. It is a way of being."

In this new short-form episode, Robin Harford challenges our relationship with common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) – a plant we've dismissed for centuries simply because it grows freely everywhere. This episode introduces a new podcast format: short observations (2-5 minutes) with a call to action. Robin doesn't want you to just listen, he wants you outside, engaging with plants where you are. Safety note: If you suffer from kidney stones or sensitivity to oxalic acids, avoid sorrel due to its high oxalate content.

In this episode of the Eatweeds Podcast, Robin Harford is joined by Dr Sarah Edwards, ethnobotanist at the University of Oxford.  Together they explore the 400-year history of Oxford Botanic Garden — Britain’s oldest physic garden — and why ethnobotany is vital for preserving both cultural knowledge and biodiversity. Dr Edwards shares her remarkable journey from Kew Gardens to working alongside First Nations communities in Australia, documenting traditional plant use and wisdom. She reflects on the threats facing global plant diversity, the role of botanic gardens in conservation, and why re-establishing kinship with plants is essential for our future. About Dr Sarah Edwards Dr Sarah Edwards is the author of The Ethnobotanical (link) and co-author of Phytopharmacy (link). She teaches Ethnobiology and Biological Conservation at the University of Oxford and manages plant records at the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum (link).  Her work bridges science, culture, and art, from field collaborations with First Nations communities in Australia to recent projects with the Richmond Arts Service’s Cultural Reforesting programme.

Tom Baxter is the founder of Bristol Fungarium, the UK’s first organic-certified medicinal mushroom farm. A former organic vegetable grower and forest school leader, Tom has spent years foraging in the wild across the Pyrenees, Siberia, and the forests of Somerset. Today, he leads a pioneering operation that not only cultivates native strains of mushrooms but also funds neuroscience research and runs the only dedicated analytical lab for medicinal fungi in the UK. In this episode, Tom joins Robin Harford for a rich and far-reaching conversation about the power, mystery, and challenges of working with medicinal mushrooms. They explore the rise of lion’s mane, the pitfalls of the supplement industry, why most mushroom powders are misleading, and what makes a mushroom extract genuinely effective. It’s a frank and passionate look into one of nature’s oldest and most complex kingdoms. 🎧 Listeners get 15% off at https://bristolfungarium.com/ — use the code WILDPOWER at checkout.

In this episode, herbalist and Ayurvedic practitioner Jo Webber joins Robin Harford to explore how Ayurveda — the world’s oldest system of natural health — can be rooted in the wild plants of Britain. Together, they unpack the Ayurvedic concepts of the five elements, the three doshas, and the six tastes — and how these ancient principles can guide your modern life, food choices, and foraging practice. Jo shares how local herbs like nettle, dandelion and wild garlic can be powerful food medicines, how foraging supports physical and emotional balance, and why bioindividuality is key to healing. This is a lively, grounded conversation blending Eastern philosophy with native plants, seasonal eating, and self-care rooted in the land. Links & Resources: Visit Jo’s course at: www.theayurvedaacademy.comFollow Jo and her work on Instagram: @theayurvedaacademyLearn more about Robin: www.eatweeds.co.ukMentioned books:Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Quiet by Susan CainIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend — especially someone curious about the intersection of traditional medicine, foraging, and seasonal wellbeing.

In this episode of the Eatweeds Podcast, Robin Harford sits down with Vivien Rolfe, a herbalist and researcher with a fascinating background in both science and herbal medicine. Recorded outdoors in the serene gardens of Penny Brohn in Bristol, this conversation delves into the art and science of herbal teas, the power of plants, and the rich cultural history surrounding their use. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Curiosity ResearchFree Subscription: Robin Harford's Daily Plant PracticesBook: Self Sufficient Herbalism by Lucy JonesABOUT VIVIEN ROLFE Viv is a keen herbal researcher, educator and tea blender (and drinker). She splits her time between the National Centre for Integrative Medicine in Bristol teaching on the diploma, and researching herbs as part of her own business Curiosity Research. She is keen that people have fun and learn more about herbs, so co-founded the Cotswold Herb Centre to provide workshops and herb walks in Gloucestershire where she lives.

In this episode of the Eatweeds podcast, Robin Harford is joined by filmmaker Nirman Choudhury to explore the deep connection between India’s indigenous communities and their traditional ecological knowledge of plants. Nirman shares insights from his project "Shifting Narratives," which highlights how tribal and Dalit communities use visual storytelling to document their relationship with their environment. The conversation delves into how these communities sustainably harvest forest produce, use plants for food and medicine, and maintain spiritual practices tied to the land. Through stories of resilience, they discuss the importance of preserving indigenous plant knowledge and the vital role it plays in environmental stewardship. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Shifting Narrativesnirmanchowdhury.inMadia Gond Tribe uses the camera for the first timeThe Dongria Kondh say plot of James Cameron's blockbuster reflects their plight as they struggle to stop company from opening bauxite mine on sacred mountainSarna ReligionIntroduction to India's TribesAdivasiActivists from Tribal IndiaPhotojournalist Sudharak OlweMinor Forest produceMadia Gond tribes leave ancestral land, to make way for tiger conservationImportant stories from Rural and Tribal IndiaHow one man fought a patent war over turmericABOUT NIRMAN CHOUDHURY Nirman Choudhury is a film-maker and Visual Artist working in the intersection of storytelling and films for change, with a strong focus on human rights issues such as caste discrimination, hunger and inter sectional indigenous/tribal issues. Using lens based practices to engage with communities and foster growth and social change. He also runs a commercial video production studio based in Mumbai.

In this powerful episode, host Robin Harford welcomes Hannah-May Batley, founder of Hedge School, to discuss her groundbreaking work in plant-based healing and community regeneration. Hannah-May shares her journey from a post-mining community in South Yorkshire to creating a unique curriculum that addresses trauma, particularly sexual violence against women, through reconnection with nature. She explains how foraging, wild food, and traditional plant knowledge can be powerful tools for recovery and resilience. Highlights Include The origins of Hedge School and its impact on post-mining communitiesHow plant-based practices can aid in sexual violence recoveryThe intersection of class, land rights, and healingPersonal insights into nature as an anchor during dark timesThis episode offers a sensitive yet hopeful exploration of how returning to our roots - literally and figuratively - can pave the way for profound healing and community restoration. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the transformative power of our connection to plants and place. Rape Crisis Resources Rape Crisis- England & WalesSurvivors NetworkRasacRecommended Books Women Who Run With The WolvesThe Sun & Her FlowersThe Body Keeps The ScoreGirlhoodCaliban & The WitchAbout Hannah-May Batley Hannah-May is an unruly educator & the founder of Hedge School, a school that seeks to recover, reconnect & restore our relationship with kith & kin through plant-work, traditional skills & unruly education.  She would describe herself as a woman deeply interested in the human relationship with plants, minerals & mark-making. Hannah-may teaches foraging, community herbalism, wild food, how to forage & process wild pigments & botanical inks, preservation methods & folk medicine. She is a writer with work published in several UK journals & magazines & is currently working on her first book. Hannah-May is a member of the Society of Ethnobotanist & Pigments Revealed International. She specialises in working with community trauma, taking plant-work into marginalised communities. Connect With Hannah-May Batley Instagram: Woman of the HedgeInstagram: Hannah-May BatleySubstack: Root and RockWebsite: HedgeSchool.co.uk Back Matter Follow me (Robin Harford), for the latest updates and insights around foraging and wild food on Substack, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you're ready to uncover the secrets of Britain and Northern Europe's wild plants, grab a copy of my bestselling foraging book. Inside, you'll learn how to safely harvest and thrive on nature's bounty. Embark on a journey through 48 essential wild plants, all beautifully illustrated in full colour. Rediscover the forgotten wisdom of our ancestors and revive our ancestral heritage. Get your copy today and start your foraging journey!

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 WebsiteLinktreeFacebookInstagramSoundwalk: The Secret Sounds of TreesCredits Many thanks to Pheobe riley Law for permission to use her photo of Jez in the episode artwork. WebsiteInstagram 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 FacebookBetonica on InstagramBetonica School of Herbal Medicine websiteBack 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 FacebookAndy's websiteAndy's Youtube channelBack 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.