As part of our ‘It’s Time to ReWild Yourself’ campaign, we  invite a series of experts for a chat.

This month we are joined by researchers Dr Carly Butler and Dr Panu Pihkala and Nature writer Nicola Chester.

This was a really lovely chat, with a mix of the personal, practical and academic.  It included a number of tips on how people can use emotions as a means of improving their relationship with Nature,  favourite pieces of nature poetry and writing and also how to deal with feelings of sorrow, grief and loss associated with the natural world.  Finally, Nicola provided a few tips for those wishing to produce their own reflections, as part of our Nature Reflections Challenge.

PLEASE NOTE: A delay in the video software has caused a few moments where people are taking over each other. 

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Dr Carly Butler

Dr Carly Butler is a Researcher in Nature Connectedness in the Nature Connectedness Research Group at University of Derby. Her work explores human-nature relationships and seeks to understand how different ways of engaging with nature can change how people think about, feel towards and relate to the more-than-human world.

She is particularly interested in how arts and creative practice, citizen science, noticing everyday nature, and listening to nature’s voice can help grow people’s sense of nature connectedness, and how nature is talked about in everyday and organisational settings.

Dr Panu Pihkala

Photographer: Uzi Varon / Kirjapaja.

Dr Panu Pihkala is an expert in interdisciplinary eco-anxiety research from the University of Helsinki who also hosts the excellent podcast, Climate Change and Happiness, together with Dr. Thomas Doherty.  He is also an award winning author, for his books on eco-emotions, and regularly collaborates with artists and educators in his effort to share and communicate his research.

For a deeper dive on Panu’s research, you can explore both his academic work or download practical eco anxiety materials.

 

Nicola Chester

Nicola is a Nature writer, school librarian and “imperfect community activist!” From her “leaky rural cottage” in rural West Berkshire, she writes on belonging, protest, access and connection to Nature, with compelling prose that will have you reaching for both your binoculars and a protest placard.

Nicola has written regular columns for the RSPB, Guardian and others, contributed essays to numerous anthologies, and last year published her beautiful memoir, ‘On Gallows Down’. She still finds time to run writing workshops and for “activism in the gaps of life”, passionately promoting causes such as a responsible Right to Roam and Wild Service.

Take part in our Nature Reflections Challenge

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