Rachel talks to Ian Stephens, a lawn care expert, to discuss his nature-friendly approach to lawn care. Ian's philosophy emphasizes the importance of preserving wildlife and nature while maintaining a healthy and lush lawn. He shares his personal strategies for engaging both children and adults with the great outdoors, including capturing unique moments through photography and paying close attention to small details. Ian's gentle tips on exploring nature will inspire you to slow down and observe your surroundings more mindfully.
Ian Stephens/Lawn Master
Website: https://www.lawnmaster.co.uk/lawn-care/nottingham-lincoln/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawnmasteruk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LawnMasterNotts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawnMasterUK
Curious About Nature is hosted by Rachel Mills, educator and founder of Buttercup Learning.
Website: https://buttercuplearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/
Email: [email protected]
Curious About Nature is a podcast for families, home educators and teachers who want to help children build a closer relationship with the natural world.
Through conversations with guests working across wildlife, conservation, outdoor learning, creativity and child development, the podcast explores the many ways we connect children, families and communities with nature.
The podcast is currently resting, with the full archive available to explore.
If you enjoy the show, please rate, review and follow Curious About Nature wherever you listen.
What we discussed in the episode
Background and Experience [00:00:46] Ian talks about his background and experience in lawn care, including his work on golf courses and his current job with Lawn Master.
Approach to Lawn Care [00:06:40] Ian discusses his unique approach to lawn care, which involves considering the needs of wildlife and nature.
Recommendations for Getting Outdoors [00:08:12] Rachel asks Ian for recommendations on how to get outdoors, and he talks about working with customers to incorporate nature into their lawn care.
Getting Outdoors [00:08:31] Ian suggests getting outdoors more and enjoying nature, even if it's just a local park or a tree in your garden.
Tips for Exploring Nature [00:12:39] Ian and Rachel discuss the importance of being mindful of your surroundings and not setting high expectations when exploring nature, especially with children.
Collecting Natural Finds [00:15:03] Ian and Rachel talk about collecting natural finds like leaves, feathers, and stones, and creating a scrapbook or box to keep them in. Ian also shares his inspiration for sharing wildlife photographs online.
Taking photos of nature [00:16:36] Ian talks about his hobby of taking photos of nature and how it helps him pass the time.
Recommendations for nature books [00:17:45] Rachel asks Ian for book recommendations for families interested in nature.
Tips for a wildlife-friendly lawn or garden [00:19:43] Ian gives tips on how to create a wildlife-friendly lawn or garden, including starting small and providing food and shelter for wildlife.
Resources:
Field Studies Council website - https://www.field-studies-council.org/: 00:17:53
Books
- Michael Chinery's insect books : 00:17:53
- Extraordinary Insects by Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson : 00:18:48
- The Forager's Calendar by John Wright: 00:18:48
