EP60: Connecting Children and Families to the Wild - with Chris Holland

In this heartfelt episode of the Eat Weeds Podcast, host Robin Harford honors the legacy of his mentor Frank Cook, whose death on August 19, 2009, marked a pivotal moment in Robin’s journey as a foraging educator. He welcomes Chris Holland, a longtime friend and passionate nature connection teacher, whose work centers on reconnecting children and families with the wild through play, storytelling, and sensory immersion. Chris shares how his own plant journey began with a deep admiration for Frank Cook’s intuitive, flowing teaching style and evolved into a mission to counteract the growing disconnection from nature among young people. He discusses his book *I Love My World*, the playful concept of 'Blobsters'—clay and natural object creatures used to spark creativity and emotional expression—and the transformative power of nature-based camps like Trill on the Hill, where children leave their phones behind and rediscover wonder. Chris also introduces the 'Eight Shields' model, a nature-based framework for planning events and personal growth, and emphasizes cultural respect in spiritual practices, citing the importance of avoiding appropriation. His recent work includes a 'Plant of the Week' guide for schools and families, designed to foster deep, meaningful relationships with just one plant at a time. The episode closes with a meditative handpan performance inspired by the surrounding willows, underscoring Chris’s philosophy of natural musicianship and deep listening as tools for ecological awareness and healing.