#64 Land Beneath the Waves: Chronic Illness, Memory, and Finding Home in Nature with Nic Wilson cover art

#64 Land Beneath the Waves: Chronic Illness, Memory, and Finding Home in Nature with Nic Wilson

#64 Land Beneath the Waves: Chronic Illness, Memory, and Finding Home in Nature with Nic Wilson

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 What if the nature on your doorstep holds more healing power than distant wilderness adventures?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Nic Wilson, a Guardian country diarist, BBC Gardeners' World magazine writer, and author of the beautiful memoir 'Land Beneath the Waves.' Nic's story reveals how nature became her sanctuary as a child dealing with her mother's chronic illness, and how, decades later, when facing her own health challenges, local wildlife and nearby landscapes offered support and belonging.From her early memories in a Cheshire garden to becoming an insightful nature writer, Nic demonstrates how paying attention to the smallest details of our immediate environment can transform our understanding of home, memory, and resilience. Her work creating the first Peat Free Nurseries list shows how personal nature connection can evolve into meaningful environmental action."I think we hugely underestimate in our society the value of sitting in one place and looking at something for an extended period of time and seeing where that takes you."In this episode:How nature became a refuge during childhood when traditional memories failed to formWhy ‘nearby nature’ can be more powerful than distant wilderness for those with limited mobilityA lifelong affinity with wildlifeHow chronic illness led to discovering a true calling as a nature writerPractical ways to bring nature indoors when you can't get outsideThe creation of the UK's first Peat Free Nurseries list and itsenvironmental impact"If you're in a wild place, whether that's in the middle of a wood or whether that's sat on your front doorstep, which can still be a wild place, and you do slow down, wildlife tends to come more because you're sitting there and you're quiet and you're still."Nic shares practical wisdom for anyone seeking to deepen their nature connection, including:How drawing plants forces you to really see their intricateconstructionUsing the Merlin app to identify birdsong from your bed when mobility is limitedWhy bringing scents like mint or lavender inside can combatsensory overwhelmHow local wildlife groups can provide expert knowledge andcommunity connectionConnect with NicPlease connect with Nic on social media, visit her website or sign up for her newsletter to follow her journey and find out about workshops, talks, and her book. Read her Country Diary column on the Guardian online. WebsiteGuardian Country DiaryGardener’s WorldBlue SkyBookshop.org – order Nic’s book "We need stories ... We need narratives about it that have hooks that people are interested in and they remember."Also mentioned:Tom Cox Ring the HillMichael J. Warren The Cuckoo’s LeaNicola Chester Ghosts of the FarmAlan Garner The Weird Stone of BrisingamenRobert Westall The Wind EyeTerry Pratchett The Wee Free ManTrevor Dines Urban PlantsElizabeth Tova Bailey Wild Snail EatingMerlin Bird AppPodcast Chapters03:58 The Connection Between Place and Identity06:45 The Role of Nature in Writing and Healing09:37 Influences from Literature and Experience12:21 Childhood Memories and Their Impact15:11 The Importance of Sensory Experiences17:51 Breaking Down Boundaries20:53 Journalling and Self-Discovery23:30 Reflections on Nature and Society26:29 The Future of Nature and Wildlife Awareness35:47 Creative Journalling and Personal Expression40:33 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge in Nature Writing43:34 Bringing Nature into Daily Life for Those with ChronicIllness48:39 The Importance of Observation and Connection58:07 Peat-Free Practices_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner Please connect with me on your preferred platformJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter
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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.