Nature Connects

About Nature Connects

Join us for an immersive walk and talk series that celebrates the stories and sounds from Tamar Valley National Landscape, on the Devon/Cornwall border. Become more connected and feel closer to Nature, and all that this special landscape has to offer, through our episodes that are released at the end of every month. ‘Nature Connects’ has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape.

Publisher

tamarvalleynationallandscape

Category

leisure · science · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jan 2025

Latest episode

19 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Dec 2025

   The Earth Beneath our Feet

   Land Management Officer Sarah Richardson and farmers Bonny and Tim Lightfoot explore soil health, regenerative practices, and climate resilience in the Tamar Valley, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming for community and nature in this interview.

2. 

   25 Nov 2025

   The Power of Trees

   Ben Norwood from Forest for Cornwall discusses the vital role of trees in climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and community wellbeing in an interview about National Tree Week.

3. 

   7 Nov 2025

   Food From the Valley

   Host Ginnette Sutherland explores the Tamar Valley's local food systems, highlighting Tamar Grow Local and Wheal Farm's efforts to reconnect people with nature through sustainable agriculture and community engagement in this interview episode.

4. 

   2 Oct 2025

   Where Nature Meets History: Biodiversity at Devon Great Consols

   Host Ginnette Sutherland interviews Lesley Strong about Devon Great Consols, a former mining landscape transformed into a biodiversity hotspot, highlighting the balance between heritage and ecological restoration.

5. 

   18 Jul 2025

   Beaver and Butterflies: Summer Special Ep 6, part 2 - Butterflies

   Ginnette Sutherland interviews Jenny Plackett about the conservation of the Heath Fritillary butterfly in Greenscombe Woods and the role of citizen science in monitoring butterfly populations.

6. 

   18 Jul 2025

   Beavers and Butterflies: Summer Special Ep 6, Part 1 - Beavers

   Host Ginnette Sutherland interviews Matt Holden and Mark Elliot about the Devon Wildlife Trust beaver trial, exploring the ecological benefits of beaver activity and their influence on national policy in this interview episode.

7. 

   2 Jun 2025

   Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Tamar's Migratory Story

   Marine Senior Officer Angela Gall and Scheme Manager Dr. William Darwall discuss the migratory patterns of the Atlantic Salmon and the Allis Shad in the River Tamar, highlighting conservation efforts in this interview episode.

8. 

   30 Apr 2025

   The Beauty of Blossom and the Benefits of Hedgerows

   A special extended episode of Nature Connects podcast has just been released from Tamar Valley National Landscape, this month focussing on blossom in a Tamar Valley cherry orchard and the great benefits of hedgerows. In advance of The Tree Council’s National Hedgerow Week (5-11 May), hedge specialist and author, Rob Wolton, reveals the many benefits of hedges during a stroll around South Hooe Cottage Farmland Nature Trail on the Bere peninsula. Discover the secrets of these wildlife corridors and habitats in their own right, find out how they contribute to wider ecosystem services and learn how you can better manage hedges in the future. Podcast hosts, Ginnette Sutherland and Charlotte Dancer from Tamar Valley National Landscape, also spent time at a cherry orchard near St Dominick where James Evans and Mary Martin have spent over 30 years preserving local heritage varieties of cherry, apple and pear trees. James and Mary share the fascinating origins and history of these stunning orchards; explore the diverse species growing there; highlight the management practices required to maintain the trees and discuss the incredible benefits to both biodiversity and our own wellbeing. Ginnette Sutherland says; “This episode contains a wealth of advice and information on the benefits of blossom and hedges, so much so we’ve produced a longer podcast this month for our listeners. We’ve learned how to age a hedge, found out why there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ hedge and how orchard growers are needing to adapt as our climate changes.” The monthly podcasts highlight at least one Tamar Valley Special Species; 17 plants and animals that were identified within Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 that need a helping hand to thrive. In this episode, find out more about the nationally-rare Plymouth Pear. A regular feature of the podcast also includes taking just a moment to pause, engage and connect to the natural sounds that can be heard in the Tamar Valley, based on University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness research. This time, sit back and listen to the bird life at South Hooe. Charlotte Dancer shares how you can explore this month’s topic further; “If you’ve been inspired by our latest podcast, and would like to delve deeper into orchards and hedges, James and Mary’s books ‘A Cornish Pomona’ and ‘Tamar Valley Cherries’ are available to buy from Tamar Valley Food Hubs - https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/tamar-valley-food-hubs/shop. ‘Devon Hedges’ is also available to buy https://devonhedges.org/resources/publications/” Nature Connects was launched in January this year, to bring the benefits of Nature to a wider audience, by celebrating the stories and sounds from Tamar Valley National Landscape, through a series of immersive walk and talk podcasts. Listeners can find all episodes of Nature Connects on podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. New podcasts will be released at the end of each month throughout 2025. These podcasts have been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape. Hedgerow links Home - Devon Hedge Group National Hedgerow Week - The Tree Council Hedgelink - Working together for the UK’s hedgerows Hedgerows - People's Trust for Endangered Species South Hooe - Tamar Valley National Landscape Tamar Valley National Landscape Blossom Orchards links Festival of Blossom at Cotehele | National Trust UK Orchard Network Home South West England | UK Orchard Network Resilient Orchards Cornwall – Growing – Pruning – Grafting – Workshops – Advice Traditional Orchards - People's Trust for Endangered Species HOME | Tavy And Tamar Apple

9. 

   27 Mar 2025

   Sustainable Tourism in the Tamar Valley – green tourism initiatives and a closer look at the Tamara Coast to Coast Way

   Whether you’re planning a day trip or looking to stay for a while in the Tamar Valley, Sarah Bartlett from Visit Tamar Valley highlights just some of the ways in which local tourism providers are offering a sustainable experience, to help conserve the natural beauty of our area. Find out more about Visit Tamar Valley’s eight Green Ambassadors, the sustainability pledge and their work towards a sustainable tourism charter during a walk and talk at Lopwell Dam, where we caught up with Sarah just ahead of English Tourism Week (15-24 March). Your hosts, Ginnette Sutherland and Charlotte Dancer from Tamar Valley National Landscape, also chat with one of the first walkers to complete the 87-mile Tamara Coast to Coast Way when it launched in summer 2023. We catch up with Gary Lewis (Senior Heritage Officer for Tamara Landscape Partnership) at Okel Tor, to hear how he and Sarah Richardson walked the entire length in seven days, and the advice he’d give to walkers who would like to explore the route. This episode, you’ll hear the sounds of Nature at Okel Tor as we pause, engage and connect for a few moments in our regular slot inspired by the nature connectedness work and research undertaken by University of Derby. Learn more about one of our Tamar Valley Special Species – 17 animals and plants that were identified within the Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030, as needing a helping hand to thrive. Gary Lewis talks about the Willow Tit that favours willow or other suitable thicket and scrub habitat in damp places. Your hosts Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported) Charlotte Dancer, Information & Communications Officer, Tamar Valley National Landscape Our guests Sarah Bartlett, Marketing Consultant, Visit Tamar Valley Gary Lewis, Senior Heritage Officer (Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (Tamar Valley National Landscape project, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund) With thanks Thank you to Jim Baldwin and Ross Sinclair from Fotonow for their technical support. Links Find out more… Visit Tamar Valley’s sustainable tourism initiatives - https://visittamarvalley.co.uk/sustainability-pledge Tamara Coast to Coast Way - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/discover-explore/walking/tamara-coast-to-coast-way/ Tamara Coast to Coast Way Guidebook - https://visittamarvalley.co.uk/product/tamara-coast-to-coast-way-guide-book Shorter walk options - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/discover-explore/walking/short-walks/?difficulty=All%20Difficulties&location=any-start-points&type=any-type&placeid=21&typeid=31 Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/ University of Derby Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/ Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature. Wildlife Equipment – we have a range of surveying equipment that you can borrow to find out what’s visiting your garden or community space. Please contact bryony.james@cornwall.gov.uk for further details. Production This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscapes throughout the UK that work in partnership to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of these protected landscapes. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1995, the Tamar Valley’s special qualities are; A rare valley and water landscape A landscape of high visual quality A unique wild

10. 

    27 Feb 2025

    Green Careers – apprenticeships, traineeships and internships in the Tamar Valley

    This month, to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been spending time on the Bere peninsula, interviewing Marketing Trainee Kirsty at Harlings Devon and our Community Engagement intern, Ginnette, as we explore green careers in the Tamar Valley. Your hosts, Ginnette Sutherland and Charlotte Dancer from Tamar Valley National Landscape, meet the next generation that are benefitting from real hands-on experience and knowledge exchange throughout our National Landscape, and discover more about the apprenticeships, traineeships and internships created through our National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme. Dave Bouch, Head Gardener at National Trust’s Cotehele and Antony, explains how he started his career as an apprenticeship at Antony in the 1980s, and introduces their current apprentice Sophie. If you’re interested in a green career, this podcast offers tips and advice that you might like to consider as you start your journey. This episode, you’ll hear the sounds of Nature at Weir Quay as we pause, listen and connect for a few moments in our regular slot inspired by the nature connectedness work and research undertaken by University of Derby. Learn more about one of our Tamar Valley Special Species – 17 animals and plants that were identified within the Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030, as needing a helping hand to thrive. Bryony James, Community & Volunteer Officer for Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, talks about the harvest mouse that can be found in a range of habitats including species-rich grassland, reedbeds, tussock grasses on heathland and field margins. Creating field margins and reducing grazing pressure are just two ways in which we could help the harvest mouse. Your hosts Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported) Charlotte Dancer, Information & Communications Officer, Tamar Valley National Landscape Our guests Kirsty Henderson, Marketing Trainee, Harlings Devon Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported) Sophie, Assistant Gardener Apprentice, National Trust’s Cotehele & Antony Dave Bouch, Head Gardener, National Trust’s Cotehele & Antony Bryony James, Community & Volunteer Officer, Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (Tamar Valley National Landscape project, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund) With thanks Thank you to Jim Baldwin and Ross Sinclair from Fotonow for their technical support. Links Find out more… Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/ Tamara Trainees – through this project, 5 x 18-month apprenticeships and 6 x equivalent to 12 month fte training or internship equivalent have been/are being offered. Opportunities will be posted here - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/opportunities/ Harlings Devon - https://harlings.co.uk/ National Trust Cotehele - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/cotehele National Trust Antony - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/antony Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/ National Apprenticeship Week University of Derby Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/ Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature. Production This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscap

11. 

    31 Jan 2025

    Tamar Valley Wetlands – supporting a wealth of wildlife, benefitting our environment and all that lives within - Episode 1

    Find out more about Calstock Wetlands with Pete Thompson, and the wetland area at National Trust’s Cotehele from Lead Ranger George Holmes. Your hosts, Ginnette Sutherland and Charlotte Dancer, from the Tamar Valley National Landscape team, take a walk around Calstock and through the woods to Cotehele, to discover more about these amazing habitats and the wealth of wildlife they support, together with the vital role they play to benefit our wider environment and climate. You’ll hear the sounds of Nature on the wetlands as we pause, listen and connect for a few moments, inspired by the nature connectedness work and research undertaken by University of Derby. Learn more about three of our Tamar Valley Special Species – 17 animals and plants that were identified within the Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030, as needing a helping hand to thrive. Valerie Darwall, Project Officer for Tamar Valley National Landscape, who is leading on this piece of work, talks about the beautiful avocet wading bird, one of which has been spotted this season at Calstock Wetlands; Palaemon longirostris, known locally as the ‘Calstock’ prawn; and triangular club-rush, with only one known remaining UK population on the muddy banks of a tidal stretch of the Tamar Estuary in Tamar-Tavy Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and was considered at risk of extinction in the UK. Your hosts Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported) Charlotte Dancer, Information & Communications Officer, Tamar Valley National Landscape Our guests Pete Thompson, member of Tamar Community Trust George Holmes, Lead Ranger, National Trust Cotehele Valerie Darwall, Project Officer, Tamar Valley National Landscape With thanks A big thank you to Jim Baldwin and Ross Sinclair from Fotonow for their technical support, advice and patience during the filming and editing stages, and for the images. Links Find out more… National Trust Cotehele, wetland creation - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/cotehele/creating-new-wetlands-at-cotehele Tamar Community Trust - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/discover-explore/places-of-interest/calstock-wetlands/ Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/ Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/ Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/ University of Derby Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/ Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature. Production This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscapes throughout the UK that work in partnership to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of these protected landscapes. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1995, the Tamar Valley’s special qualities are; A rare valley and water landscape A landscape of high visual quality A unique wildlife resource A remarkable heritage A landscape of artistic and public appeal The podcast has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape, that aims to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities, by creating opportunities and positive change through a programmes of 10 exciting projects. Contact us Email: enquiries@tamarvalley.org.uk Social media: @tamarvalleynl – find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn More episodes Look out for our next podcast that will be releas

Who has been a guest on Nature Connects

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ben Norwood
• Lesley Strong
• Jenny Plackett
• Matt Holden
• Mark Elliot

Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

16

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0