With insights on the inevitability of change, and the importance of finding joy in our surroundings, this episode encourages listeners to rethink their connection to the countryside. Why should those who rarely venture outdoors care about environmental issues?

Welcome to The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate podcast, where your co-hosts Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow are often discussing questions sent in by listeners.

However in a break from the norm, and to give you an opportunity to get your question in for them to discuss, they instead are exploring one of the unused questions that was set during the Environmental Live & Unscripted (the live iteration of this podcast) that was in May 2023 in the setting of the Bothy Vineyard, Oxfordshire.

The question set by Julian, a member of the audience, is as follows:

“If we have effective policies that result in less meat & dairy - the Great British heritage lobby will say that we’ll be throwing away the British countryside - how it looks. How do we involve the public thinking about the future countryside that they want and also helps save the planet?”

During this discussion Stuart explores the notion of maintaining protected nature reserves—should we preserve them, as they were, as they are, or as we envision them to be in the future? He emphasises the importance of a balanced approach, and the power of a strong, supported transition in environmental stewardship. William adds to the conversation by reminding us that the British landscape is largely a human creation, prompting us to consider how we might reshape it once more.

As the duo navigate the challenges of changing public habits and perceptions, they delve into the deeper question of, our resistance to change. Could our reluctance to embrace new ideas be tied to our fear of mortality? Stuart and William reflect on how our life spans influence our views, and how we can cultivate a clearer vision for the future of our environment.

Join us for an engaging discussion that challenges your perceptions and inspires action in these challenging times.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

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This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.

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