Your Forest Radio Series
Launch
Introducing... Your Forest
Urban Forests and woodlands are the lungs of our towns and cities. For communities living in and around them trees provide access to nature - with all its health benefits – as well as places to walk, play and learn. The Your Forest series brings together a network of Radio Stations located in and around some of England’s Community Forest areas. Over the next month listeners will be invited to help create the first Community Forest soundmap of England by recording sounds from their local park, woodland or forest. Find out how you can get involved and listen out for the Your Forest series to discover why urban forests are so important.
Episode 1
Forests for Health
Research shows that spending just 2 hours a week in nature significantly improves our mental, social and physical wellbeing. In this episode This Morning’s Dr Zoe Williams and bio-chemist Diana Beresford-Kroeger are among those explaining why being in forests, green spaces or parks can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress and generally make us feel better. Find out how Community Forests are using a ‘Natural Health Service’ to improve quality of life in our towns and cities, and how you can learn to enjoy the ancient practice of forest bathing! Also this week, Black Girl’s Hike founder, Rhiane Fatinikun, reveals how finding a way to explore nature helped her recover from the most traumatic experience of her life.
Episode 2
Forests for Nature
Woods and forests are cities for our wildlife. How much do you know about the plants, trees, birds and animals living in the trees or woodlands on your doorstep? In this episode author and broadcaster, Melissa Harrison, tells us how how we might best appreciate the wildlife living among our urban trees. Mya-Rose Craig, aka Birdgirl explains why there is no better time to spot birds and animals than springtime - and champions the glory of the ‘small brown birds’ that surround us, such as the wren. And get tips for being able to identify the trees and wildlife when you visit your local wood or park.
Episode 3
Forests for All
The pandemic has shown us how green, natural spaces around our towns and cities are so important. But it’s also highlighted that access to forests and parks is much easier in some places than others. In this episode you’ll hear from the groups campaigning for better access to nature for all, and describing some of the many cultural barriers that make getting out into woodlands problematic. Find out how you can get involved in improving the local green spaces and woodlands in your area.
Episode 4
Forests of the Future
We need forests. They make us happier and healthier; they create jobs, reduce flooding and help tackle climate change. So, what is being done to make sure trees and forests in and around our towns and cities flourish? Find out about the expanding roots of England’s Northern Forest – linking up the cities of Liverpool, Chester, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. Discover why Tiny Forests are springing up in our towns and cities and get an insight into futuristic town planning and the tree-sprouting buildings that could help make our urban spaces greener, healthier and more beautiful!