In his Field at Maplestead in north Essex, author and nature restorer James Canton chats about the transformation by renaturing of small spaces in the landscape. “I evolved,” he says, “the field evolved.” From barren land to cricket pitch to abundant patch of wildflower meadow, scrub, trees and pond. We talk about how life recognises life, and how when you create the conditions, nature comes fast. He describes digging out of the pond, and how quickly insects arrived, followed by fish (eggs from the feet of ducks, maybe), and great crested newts (walking great journeys across the land from other water). Also: think of the digger churning up the land as a herd of aurochs. James is Director of Wild Writing at the University of Essex, and also talks about how students of all ages have been creating story to talk about transformations. He says, “renaturing is open to everyone.”

James’ heroines and heroes are the unsung: Chris Gibson (“mothman”), Steve Carver of the University of Leeds, and local activist Lucy Manthorpe of Kiln Farm near Long Melford. 

James recommends “Lie of the Land” by Guy Shrubsole and “Ice Age Art” by Gill Cook. Also watch the online film on rewilding ideas in Siberia called “Pleistocene Park.”

James’s recent books are “Renaturing” and “The Oak Papers.”

He recommends, renature wherever you are. Even a window box. All through our talk, the rooks nearby are calling. 

My new book will be supporting this podcast, and will be published in March 2027 by Unbreaking/5m. It’s called "Bamboo and Butterfly: Transformation and Story for Climate and Nature Recovery."