Ep. 007: Into the Wildlands with Alasdair Cameron

Written By Tom Constable

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. Alastair emphasises the benefits of wildness for humans on all levels; including the provision of ecosystem services and the developments of cultures grounded in place. It was a joy to hear about the fantastic work of Somerset Wildlands, the approach they’re taking to rewilding and how individuals can support their endeavours.

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Our Guest

Founder and Executive Director of Somerset Wildlands. Alasdair is an environmental campaigner with many years experience working on international wildlife trade, beaver reintroduction, climate change, conservation, investigations, energy and much else besides.

Grange Project Contact & Social Media

Listen out for:

[00:00:00] Update on the activities of the Grange Project; including participation at the ACE Monmouth Climate Festival, rewilding gardens and a sustainable transport quiz. 

[00:05:30] Tom introduces an exciting new mini-series on ‘homesteading’ with Simon Whitfield, topics to include: living off-grid, aquaponics and the value of community.

[00:07:00] Introduction to the episode and our guest; Alastair Cameron, Founder and Executive Director of Somerset Wildlands

[00:07:39] Alastair introduces himself and his definition of the most hopeful thing happening in the environmental sector at the moment; rewilding.

[00:10:30] What are the differences between rewilding, conservation and restoration? Alastair shares his perspective on the definitions of these concepts and how they inter-relate.

[00:18:45] Alastair highlights the absence of wild land in our country and the importance of rewilding in addressing this. 

[00:20:50] We talk about the benefits of wildness and connection to nature for humans including ecosystem services, a culture grounded in place and our responsibilities to nature and wildlife. 

[00:25:44] We learn more about Alastair’s passion for rewilding and the increase of diversity within the fields that have been under his care since 2016.  

[00:30:40] Somerset Wildlands purchased two additional sites in 2022 and we discussed the management approaches to this land, focusing on ‘allowing it to breathe’.

[00:39:15] Alastair introduces the concept of membership of Somerset Wildlands and how individuals can connect to nature through becoming wardens of the land. He goes on to talk about ‘wilder stepping stones’ and their role in the Somerset levels.

[00:44:00] We discuss how people can support the activities of Somerset Wildlands.

[00:48:00] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview together.

Keen for more:  

Websites

  • https://www.somersetwildlands.org Find out more about the work of Somerset Wildlands including where to find their land, the characteristics of the different sites and critically, how to donate to this fantastic cause.

  • https://cherylcummingswildgardenwriting.co.uk Cheryl’s website is a treasure trove of information about how to think about your garden in a wilder way. With ideas around how to embrace the changes that promote biodiversity, the principles of disturbance, dispersal and diversity, and the value of native wildlife, Cheryl’s expertise is tangible in her writing. 

  • Cherry's Socials: Facebook: @cherrysnodiggarden and Instagram: @cherryswildgarden

  • Simon's Socials: Instagram: @osminlavey

Tom Constable
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Ep. 008: Crushing Rocks for the Climate: Enhanced Weathering with Ben Westcott
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Ep. 006: Restoring the Wild: Rewilding Britain with Prof Alastair Driver