In this episode of the Curious About Nature podcast, host Rachel Mills speaks with Katie Stacey and Luke Massey about their move to Asturias, Northern Spain, to live sustainably and create a nature reserve. They discuss the challenges and joys of adapting to rural life in Spain, raising their children in a natural environment, and their commitment to rewilding efforts. The couple shares insights on balancing family life with their conservation projects, the importance of outdoor exploration for children, and the role of technology in connecting with nature.
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Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.
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Email: info@buttercuplearning.com
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Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and UK nature activity boxes that get digital kids outdoors.
There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.
What we discussed in the episode:
Introducing Katie and Luke (00:00:43)
Katie and Luke share their journey to Asturias, Spain, aiming for sustainable living with their children.
Motivation for Moving to Spain (00:01:08)
Katie discusses their previous travels and desire for a more nature-rich base.
Discovering Asturias (00:02:07)
Katie explains their love for Asturias and their decision to settle there after a road trip.
Adapting to Local Life (00:03:30)
Katie and Luke describe their initial experiences and friendships with local farmers upon arrival.
Background in Nature Conservation (00:04:32)
Luke shares his early interest in nature and his experiences with rewilding projects in the UK.
Community Support in Rewilding (00:05:24)
Katie highlights the local community's fascination with their rewilding efforts as a young couple.
Farming for Nature (00:06:14)
Katie explains their vision of farming for biodiversity rather than traditional farming methods.
Daily Life and Routine (00:07:35)
Katie describes their family routine, including school drop-offs and animal care responsibilities.
Children's Involvement in Nature (00:09:16)
Katie shares how their children participate in daily tasks and engage with nature.
Nurturing Children's Connection to Nature (00:11:05)
Katie discusses the innate connection children have with nature and the importance of nurturing it.
Comparing Childhood Experiences (00:11:27)
Katie reflects on her own childhood connection to nature compared to Luke's urban upbringing.
Learning from Nature Experiences (00:13:05)
Katie discusses the positive changes in her attitude towards nature from hands-on experiences.
Small Changes, Big Impact (00:15:09)
Katie emphasises that small actions can significantly enhance local wildlife and nature.
Enjoying Life in Asturias (00:16:00)
Katie shares her love for various outdoor activities and the joy they bring to her life.
Learning from Mistakes (00:16:49)
Katie and Luke reflect on challenges faced and lessons learned during their rewilding journey.
Challenges with Goats (00:17:00)
Luke recounts the difficulties they faced with goats and the lessons learned from that experience.
Pond Installation Insights (00:19:49)
Luke discusses the challenges of installing ponds and the importance of timing in the process.
Parenting and Projects (00:20:22)
Discussion on balancing parenting responsibilities with the demands of their sustainable living project.
Online Retreat Launch (00:21:22)
Announcement of their first online retreat teaching rewilding and nature connection.
Family Time at the Beach (00:22:05)
Sharing a memorable family beach day including rock pooling and discovering marine life.
Social Media vs. Reality (00:22:51)
Addressing the discrepancy between social media portrayals of nature life and the hard work behind it.
Encouraging Nature Exploration (00:23:38)
The importance of allowing children to engage with nature without pressure or force.
Romanticising Nature (00:24:29)
Discussion on how nature experiences can be romanticised, affecting children's enjoyment.
Children's Resistance to Nature (00:25:27)
Reflections on children's initial reluctance to engage with nature but eventual enjoyment.
Getting Outside (00:26:03)
The transformative power of simply getting outdoors and the challenges of motivation.
Embracing Outdoor Risks (00:29:26)
The necessity of allowing children to experience minor risks for their growth and learning.
Mental Health vs. Physical Injuries (00:30:21)
Highlighting the importance of outdoor experiences for mental health over the risks of physical injuries.
Using Technology for Nature (00:32:09)
Discussing apps that help identify plants and animals, blending technology with nature exploration.
