Curious About Nature Rachel Mills

In this episode of the Curious About Nature podcast, host Rachel Mills and guest Gill Erskine, co-founder of Wild Strong, discuss the challenges of smartphone usage in families. They also share personal experiences of reducing screen time and its positive effects on their children's well-being. Gill recounts going smartphone-free during Christmas, and the benefits of outdoor activities and real-world interactions. Both express concerns over the impact of smartphones on children's mental health and social skills, and the pressures of parenting in a digital age. Gill shares her business - Wild Strong, which runs family movement clubs that focus on multigenerational movement and teaching physical literacy through outdoor play.
Gill Erskine:
Website: https://wildstrong.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewildstrong
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildStrongCommunity
Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
Website: https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you're listening to this.
Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and UK nature activity boxes that get digital kids outdoors.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode
Smartphone Free Christmas (00:00:44)
Gill's decision to go smartphone-free over Christmas and her reasons for doing so.
Engaging Without Smartphones (00:02:30)
The challenges and benefits of navigating without GPS and engaging with people for directions.
Dependency on Smartphones (00:03:25)
The increasing reliance on smartphones and the impact on daily life.
Children and Smartphone Exposure (00:06:54)
Concerns about children's exposure to smartphones, including access to inappropriate content and the influence of peer pressure.
Reducing Smartphone Dependency (00:11:11)
Strategies to reduce dependency on smartphones, including leaving work phones in the office and minimising screen time in the evenings.
Delaying Children's Access to Social Media (00:12:12)
The desire to delay children's access to social media and concerns about the impact of gaming culture on young boys.
Protecting Childhood and Children (00:18:04)
The need for collective action to pressure tech companies and governments to protect childhood and children from the negative impacts of technology.
Positive Outcomes of Smartphone-Free Time (00:21:43)
Reflecting on positive experiences and learnings from the smartphone-free Christmas.
After School Clubs (00:21:50)
Discussion about managing work and after school care, exploring the idea of a nature-based after school club for children.
Outdoor Movement and Yoga (00:24:47)
Challenges of finding movement classes for parents and children, the benefits of outdoor activities and community bonding.
Risk and Children's Play (00:27:02)
The importance of allowing children to take risks and play freely in nature, and the impact of overprotectiveness on children's mental health.
Inclusive Fitness and Movement...

In this episode of the Curious About Nature podcast, host Rachel Mills talks with Dr. Sarah Pye about her life's journey from sailing adventures to wildlife conservation. Dr. Pye shares her experiences of living in various parts of the world and how they shaped her commitment to nature. She discusses her work with sun bears in Borneo, her children's book series "Wildlife Wong," and her educational initiatives to connect children with wildlife. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling in fostering a love for nature among the younger generation and Dr. Pye's ongoing efforts in conservation education.
Dr. Sarah Pye
Website: https://sarahrpye.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_sarahrpye
Saving Sun Bears: https://sarahrpye.com/saving-sun-bears
Wildlife Wong: https://sarahrpye.com/wildlife-wong
Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
Website: https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you're listening to this.
Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and the UK's only nature prints with augmented reality.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode
Dr. Pye's Background (00:00:57) Dr. Pye shares her diverse background, from Gibraltar to sailing adventures, shaping her connection to nature.
Challenging Sailing Adventures (00:02:20) Dr. Pye recounts challenging sailing experiences, including severe weather and the positive moments at sea.
Transition to Tourism (00:04:04) Dr. Pye discusses sailing across the Atlantic, her time in the Caribbean, and the transition to the tourism industry.
Encountering Sun Bears in Borneo (00:09:34) Dr. Pye shares her experience visiting Borneo, encountering sun bears, and meeting Dr. Wong, leading to her conservation efforts.
Sun Bear Conservation (00:12:58) Dr. Pye discusses the threats to sun bears, including habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade.
Promoting "Saving Sun Bears" (00:14:54) Dr.

In this episode of the Curious About Nature podcast, host Rachel Mills interviews Julia Bedford, a multifaceted herbalist, artist, and food activist. Julia recounts her move from London to Glastonbury to deepen her connection with nature and discusses her projects at Herbal Brue, aimed at educating people on foraging and herbalism. They reminisce about their nature-filled childhoods and how they shaped their current interests. Julia offers advice to herbalism novices and stresses the importance of community. She shares her nature journaling practices, her artistry with natural dyes, and her exploration of Somerset's herbal traditions. The episode touches on biodiversity, Remembering Remedies, a collaboration between Julia and Rosie, future projects, and the role of plants in personal growth, emphasising the significance of a grounded, plant-centric lifestyle.
Remembering Remedies is a collaboration between Julia and Rosie and for more details on how to share your stories please go to herbalbrue.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/groups/532811655116874
Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
Website:
https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you're listening to this.
Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and the UK's only nature prints with augmented reality.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode
The background of herbalism (00:00:44) Julia's background in herbalism, foraging, and community projects.
Early memories of foraging (00:01:21) Julia's childhood experiences with plants and foraging, and her transition to foraging in Glastonbury.
Transition to herbalism (00:03:04) Julia's journey into herbalism and her desire to help people through plant-based remedies.
Starting out in herbalism (00:04:09) Tips for starting out in herbalism and foraging.
Influential resources (00:04:44) Julia's recommendations for books, films, and groups related to herbalism and foraging.
Documenting foraging and herbalism (00:06:26) Julia's methods of documenting foraging trips and herbalism, including using a receipt book and photography.
Exploring traditional practices (00:09:34) The tradition of herbalism and foraging in Somerset and the influence of local landscapes on foraging practices.
Remembering herbal remedies (00:10:39) Julia's project to collect and share herbal stories and remedies from the community.
Connecting with nature (00:13:29) Julia's thoughts on how families can connect with nature and the importance of gentle engagement.
Favourite foraging season (00:14:29) Julia's reflections on different foraging seasons and the unique beauty of each.
Observing changes in nature (00:15:29) Julia's observations of biodiversity loss and changes in the landscape over time.
Future plans and projects (00:17:37) Julia's plans for continuing her herbalism studies and mapping local medicinal...

In this episode of Curious About Nature, Rachel talks with Natalie Fée, an award-winning environmental campaigner, author, and founder of the non-profit organisation City to Sea. Natalie shares her journey from growing up with a love for nature to becoming an influential voice for environmental causes. Throughout the conversation, she discusses her passion for activism, the impact of plastic pollution on local and global levels, and her work in inspiring positive change through campaigns like Refill and Plastic Free Periods. We also delve into her tips for encouraging children and young adults to get involved in environmental activism, and her upcoming projects, including a mix of music and nature-focused endeavours. Join us as we explore the intersection of nature, creativity, and environmental responsibility with Natalie Fée.
Natalie Fée
Website: https://nataliefee.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliefee_
City to Sea
Website: https://www.citytosea.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citytosea/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citytosea_/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CitytoSea_
Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
Website:
https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you're listening to this.
Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and the UK's only nature prints with augmented reality.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode
Transition from nature lover to ocean activist. 00:00
Plastic pollution inspired action close to home. 03:46
Young activists lead successful anti-plastic campaigns. 06:50
Follow your passion and make a difference. 12:12
Complexity of plastic recycling, transparency, facility access. 15:51
Focusing on sustainability and new creative projects. 19:33
20:58 Transitioning from outward fighting to inward reflection.

Rachel interviews Alex Dommett, the Community Engagement Officer for My Wild City for Avon Wildlife Trust. They discuss the importance of community involvement in nature conservation and share their mutual passion for the natural world. Alex shares her personal journey into community engagement work and the mission of My Wild City to improve local wildlife sites. The conversation also covers fun bug facts, bug hunting activities for families, and the need for changes in governance and land management to support biodiversity.
Alex Dommett/My Wild City Website: https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/mywildcity
Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
Website: https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you're listening to this.
Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and the UK's only nature prints with augmented reality.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode
The journey into community engagement work (00:01:16) Alex shares their non-traditional route into community engagement work and how they discovered their passion for nature conservation.
Introduction to the My Wild City project (00:02:26) Alex explains the goals and activities of the My Wild City project, which aims to improve local wildlife sites and connect communities to nature in Bristol.
Citizen science and getting involved (00:05:47) Alex discusses citizen science and how families can participate in projects like the Big Garden Birdwatch and the City Nature Challenge to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts.
Ladybird Hatching (00:11:29) Alex discussed a three-year-old finding a newly hatched ladybird without spots and discovering that ladybirds hatch without spots.
Bug Facts (00:11:46) Alex shares interesting bug facts, such as snails having 14,000 teeth and glow worms turning snails into milkshakes.
Bug Hunting Activities (00:13:08) Alex makes some suggestions for bug hunting activities, including searching for butterflies, looking for bees, and exploring damp places for beetles and woodlice.

Rachel chats with Carol Murdoch, the founder of Love Outdoor Learning. They discuss the importance and benefits of outdoor learning for children. Carol shares her journey from being a primary school teacher to starting her own business, which promotes outdoor learning experiences. She provides accessible tips for teachers and parents on how to incorporate outdoor learning into their teaching or parenting styles.
Website: https://loveoutdoorlearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveoutdoorlearning/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveOutdoorLea1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveoutdoorlearning/
Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
Website: https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you're listening to this.
Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and the UK's only nature prints with augmented reality.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode
The journey to outdoor learning [00:01:15] Carol Murdoch shares her background and how she transitioned from being a primary school teacher to starting her own business focused on outdoor learning.
The transformative power of outdoor learning [00:02:05] Carol recounts her initial skepticism about outdoor learning and how witnessing its positive impact on students gradually changed her mindset.
The importance of outdoor time for children [00:03:44] Carol discusses the benefits of outdoor learning, including removing barriers to success, improving mental health, and enhancing communication and social skills.
Concrete as a Barrier [00:10:48] Discussion on how concrete should not be seen as a barrier to outdoor learning and how simple activities can be done outside.
Keeping Outdoor Learning Simple [00:11:34] Emphasis on the simplicity of outdoor learning and the use of basic materials like string, chalk, and balls.
Taking Learning Outdoors with Children [00:13:06] Ideas for parents to engage their children in outdoor learning, such as observing seasonal changes and using the senses during walks.
The Membership Site and Resources [00:20:42] Carol discusses the Love Outdoor Learning site, which offers over 200 lessons, activities, curriculum plans, and training for outdoor learning in schools.
Exploring Plants [00:21:29] Carol talks about a lesson on exploring plants, including identifying plants, learning about different categories of plants, and delving into the science behind them.
Planning a School or Home Garden [00:22:22] Carol explains the sequence of lessons that leads to planning a school or home garden, covering topics such as researching plants, understanding their needs, and creating a beautiful garden using different categories of plants.