Rooted by Nature

Blossom, butterflies, birdsong and my fascination for migration. Join me as I explore the wondrous lives of our fluttery friends and enjoy the ephemeral beauty of Spring.Send us a text

Happy Easter everyone! Join me for a short and sweet special about why we love Easter bunnies, chicks and chocolate eggs and where it all comes from. I'll take you through my optimistic plans for Easter, what it means to be as 'mad as a March hare' and how we may all be buzzing on the energy of a super new moon.For more of my content find me on SubstackFeel free to get in touch on Instagram or email:rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comSend us a text

Spring has sprung! Join me in celebrating and understanding the spring equinox. Plants are unfurling, birds are returning, butterflies and bees are bobbing on the breeze and I cannot wait to embrace all the season will bring.Send us a text

February is such a tease, one day it's blue skies and sunshine, the next it's raining and bitterly cold. But the signs are there, spring isn't far away. I brave the cold on a quest for snowdrops and learn a little of their folklore. My kitchen is full of baking imperfections and herbal mishaps. Join me as I curl up and dream of wildflower meadows and get lost between the covers of a good book. Keep up the cosy, we're not out of winter yet. For more of my content find me on SubstackFeel free to get in touch on Instagram or email:rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comBook recommendations:England: A Natural History by John Lewis-StempleThe Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2025 by Lia LeendertzSend us a text

New year, new you? No. Rest, nourish, replenish. That's how I'm heading into the new year. Leave the resolutions for another season and let's rest our weary souls and nourish our bodies and minds instead. So make a cuppa, nestle down and let's have a chat about how topsy-turvy our world is, how to take the pressure off and find ways to feel better, align with the winter season and enjoy ourselves instead.For more of my content find me on SubstackFeel free to get in touch:InstagramRootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comBooks mentioned:The Blackbird Oracle by Deborah HarknessThe All Souls Trilogy by Deborah HarknessGrowing Brave by Donna Ashworth The courage to be disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Atomic Habits by James ClearSend us a text

Happy betwixmas everyone, I hope you're all snuggled up in the warm and enjoying some well deserved rest. Join me as I reflect on Christmas, let go of 'perfect' and embrace the changes that come with having little ones. Soon I'll be looking ahead to the new year but for now it's all about fairy lights, chocolate, candlelight and (in my case) flu remedies!Book recommendations Calm Christmas & a Happy New Year by Beth KemptonChristmas at River Cottage by Lucy BrazierSend us a text

It's November and autumn is coming to an end. There are more golden leaves swirling along the ground than adorning the trees and the festive season is all around us. Join me as I snuggle up and read, let go of my worries on fallen leaves, celebrate the end of the cosy season and prepare myself and my home for the festivities to come.For more of my content find me on SubstackFeel free to get in touch:InstagramRootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comSend us a text

Join me as I get cosy with a cup of tea and talk about magic with a witch. Sheena Cundy is the treehouse witch, author, podcaster, tarot reader, reiki master and singer songwriter. We discuss her journey into the craft, tarot, how to work with the elements and attune with nature and natural energies. We share opinions on Wicca and working with deities, the benefits of a daily practice and how to weave magic into the mundane. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording. Happy Halloween everyone. My linksClick here to subscribe for more of my seasonal contentFollow me on InstagramGet in touch: rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comSheena's LinksWealthy Witches MembershipSheena's SubstackInstagramWitch Wavelength PodcastBooks and Oracle DeckSheena's band Morrigans PathWebsiteSend us a text

Welcome back to season 2! I took a season break as my baby girl was due this summer and in this episode I'll be sharing the positive and deeply personal story of her beautiful birth. I'll be getting in the mood for autumn and crafting home decor ideas. I've been out foraging too, so follow me from the woods into my kitchen for some Harry Potter 'Herbology' vibes and recommendations for herbal remedies to stock my autumnal home apothecary.My linksClick here to subscribe for more of my seasonal contentFollow me on InstagramGet in touch: rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comRecommendationsBecky Cole's content links:The Garden Apothecary bookPatreon MembershipNature & Nourish podcastInstagramHerbal books:The First-Time Forager by Andy HamiltonThe Herbal Apothecary by Christine IversonThe Garden Apothecary by Christine IversonThe Hedgerow Apothecary by Christine IversonThe Garden Forager by Adele NozedarThe Hedgerow Forager by Adele NozedarForage by Liz KnightThe Herb Almanac by Chelsea Physic GardensSend us a text

Why limit ourselves to a day, when we can celebrate the whole month of May? Join me as I enjoy Beltane and how this energy infused fire festival can empower our relationship with hearth & home. I also deep dive into personal authenticity and how to identify, refine and embrace your true self.SubstackFor recipes, tutorials and more seasonal inspiration, check out my Substack page and click here to subscribe.Get in touchInstagram: @rootedbynaturepodcastEmail: rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.com

In this light and uplifting episode, I'll be celebrating spring and the themes of rebirth and renewal that come with it. I'll be talking about simplicity when it comes to approaching creativity and inspiration, caring for ourselves and our homes, ideas for making and baking beautiful things and a daily ritual to begin  this new season with a sense of optimism, hope and abundance. SubstackFor the banana cake recipe, tutorials and more seasonal inspiration, check out my Substack page and click here to subscribe.Get in touchInstagram: @rootedbynaturepodcastEmail: rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode  I venture into the forest to discover the marvels, magic and folklore of trees. Did you know they can speak to each other? They keep time and have their own memory. Trees protect one another and use their sense of touch, taste and smell to survive. Did you know they can heal us? Each tree symbolises meaning and magic that stretches back in time. So join me as I revel in the research, defer to the druids and fall further in love with our beautiful trees.SubstackTo read more about our beautiful trees and enjoy lots more free content from me, check out my substack page and click here to subscribe.As recommended in the episode, check out: Jen Writes Again on SubstackThe Wisdom of the Celtic Tree Ogham articleThe Ogham Tree Calendar:Birch - Dec 24th to Jan 20th  Rowan  - Jan 21st to Feb 17th Alder - Feb 18th to Mar 17th Willow - Mar 18th to Apr 14th Ash - Apr 15th to May 12th Hawthorn - May 13th to Jun 9th Oak - Jun 10th to Jul 7th Holly - Jul 8th to Aug 4th  Hazel - Aug 5th to Sep 1st Apple - Sep 2nd to Sep 29th Bramble- Sep 30th to Oct 27th   Ivy - Oct 28th to Nov 24th  Reed - Nov 25th to Dec 23rd 

Happy New Year everyone! In this episode I'll be sharing my winter wellness tips and tricks, why I avoid new year resolutions and how to practise the lost art of daydreaming and connect with nature. I'll also be sharing a recipe for delicious chocolate chip cookies that's keeping my spirits and sugar levels up!--------------------------------------------------LinksMy interview on the Witch Wavelength PodcastSheena's Instagram page  Sheena's websiteSheena's books:  The Witch Wavelength and Riches For WitchesHow to make a wreath--------------------------------------------------Get in touch@rootedbynaturepodcastrootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.com--------------------------------------------------Cookie recipe ingredients120g of soft butter 75g of light brown sugar 75g of golden caster sugar1 egg1 teaspoon of vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon of salt180g of plain flour1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda 150g of chocolate chips MethodPreheat oven to 180 degrees, 160 fan or gas mark 4.Combine ingredients, spoon onto a lined tray and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas for all those who celebrate and happy winter solstice to those who don't.  In this episode I share a secret I've been keeping, confide some deeply personal thoughts and provide a survival guide to Christmas that's very much based around my current state of mind.  If you're looking for festive folklore, recipes and nature facts then please listen back to my Midwinter episode from last year, I promise you lots more of all that good stuff in the new year.  But for now, join me as I take you on a personal tour of my Christmas mindset and celebrate the coming of winter.Get in touch:Instagram @rootedbynaturepodcastEmail: rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comPost natal PTSD and birth trauma are briefly mentioned in this episode but without any upsetting detail. I doubt the content will disturb anyone but just in case here is a TRIGGER WARNING (sorry that sounds a bit dramatic).In case these links could be useful for anyone, here are sites I have found helpful:Birth Trauma Association Website: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBTA/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birth_trauma_association_uk/Tommy's: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/mental-wellbeing/post-traumatic-stress-disorderThe NHS have a birth trauma service that's unique to the county in which you live. The name of the service differs depending on where you are. The easiest way to find it is to google it, speak to a health visitor, GP, child support hub or local maternity ward.

Happy Halloween! As I delved into detail last year about the folklore and history of Halloween, I thought this time I'd do something a little different. So jump on my broomstick, don a pointy black hat and let me take you on a ride through the magical realms of witchcraft. I'll cover all the witchy basics, including how to access your own natural magic, how nature provides us with the essential toolkit, what working magic truly means and where to look for further inspiration. Of course I go off on tangents about folklore and geek out over my favourite witchy books and films (and there are a lot of Harry Potter references) but that's all part of the fun. Whether you're a witchling, a wise old crone or a cynical muggle, I challenge you not to feel a little bit magical by the end of this episode. Have a peek at what I'm up to on instagram @rootedbynaturepodcastFeel free to get in touch by email on rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comRecommendations: BooksHarry Potter, The History of Magic: The Book of the ExhibitionThames, Sacred River by Peter AckroydThe House of Dr. Dee by Peter AckroydThe All Souls Trilogy by Deborah HarknessHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. RowlingThe Northern Lights (1st book of His Dark Materials Trilogy) by Phillip PullmanNatural Magic by Doreen ValienteAn ABC of Witchcraft, Past & Present by Doreen ValienteBook of Shadows by Phyllis Curott A Spell in The Wild : A Year (and six centuries) of Magic by Alice TarbuckWitchcraft into the Wilds by Racheal Patterson The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-HiscockCunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott CunninghamBook ShopsBlackwells (Oxford)Treadwells (London)TV showsA Discovery of Witches Charmed (original 1998 - 2006)FilmsHarry Potter seriesPractical Magic The Craft (original 1996)Hocus Pocus (original 1993)PodcastWitch by India Rakusen (BBC Radio 4)YoutubeThe Green Witch The Witch of WonderlustThe Witches' CookeryTreehouse TV with Sheena Cundy

It's the autumn equinox, a time for foraging, self care and good books! Join me as I learn to truly enjoy the moment, meditate with trees and ease gently out of summer and into autumn. A gradual transition for mind, body and spirit.Have a peek at what I'm up to on instagram @rootedbynaturepodcastFeel free to get in touch by email on rootedbynaturepodcast@gmail.comLibrary books stacked on my bedside table:Why Women Grow: Stories of soil, sisterhood and survival by Alice VincentIf Woman Rose Rooted: The journey to authenticity and belonging by Sharon Blackie The Enchanted Life: Reclaiming the magic and wisdom of the natural world by Sharon Blackie Love Nature Magic: Shamanic journeys into the heart of my garden by Maria Rodale Empowering Practices for the Highly Sensitive: An experiential guide to working with subtle energies by Bertold KeinarDigital Minimalism: Choosing a focused life in a noisy world by Cal NewportMy favourite books for autumn:The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah HarknessThe Harry Potter Series by J.K. RowlingThe Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

Sit back, relax and enjoy the summer because autumn is just around the corner! Join me as I take a look inside a beehive and follow the exciting life of a queen bee, the warriors that protect her and the cut throat politics of the colony that can overthrow her. I delve into the miraculous health benefits of honey, how it's made and what it can do for us both inside and out. I share my favourite breakfast granola recipe to be enjoyed outside on warm sunny mornings and I try to hold on to these last moments of summer before the seasons turn once more.Join me over on instagram for additional content @rootedbynaturepodcastGranola recipeIngredients200g of rolled oats 200g of jumbo oats 100ml of melted coconut oil 100ml of warm honey Half a teaspoon of salt Cinnamon to taste100g of chopped nuts (pecans, almonds & hazelnuts)100g of seeds (pumpkin & sunflower)MethodPreheat the oven to 180 degreesWarm the honey and mix with the liquid coconut oil, pour over the rest of the ingredients, coat evenly and spread over a lined baking tray and pop in the oven. Bake gently, turning occasionally until lightly golden. Allow to cool before sealing in an airtight container. I like to serve mine with thick natural yoghurt drizzled with honey.Some helpful time codes in case you'd like to listen to a certain part againWelcome to the beehive  02:40Worker Bees (warrior women)  04:35Male Drones out to get lucky  06:01Her majesty the Queen Bee  07:00The wonders of honey  10:19How is honey made  10:43Local honey  11:55Beeswax candles  13:04Honey's amazing health benefits  14:55Honey for a skincare routine  16:34Honey for our hair  17:23Honey's history  18:06Melissa the honey bee in Greek Myth  18:59Honey vs sugar  21:04How to make herbal honey  22:51How to make an oxymel  23:37How to store honey  24:23Protect our bees and help the beekeepers  25:15My favourite granola recipe  30:06Thank you for my lovely reviews!  33:33

Join me as I revel in midsummer and send wishes into the woodsmoke on the summer solstice. I'll be reflecting on positive thoughts, how our hobbies shape our identity and how easily our intuition can lose its voice in our busy lives. I wander my garden, gathering flowers and inspiration for syrups and cordials. And I'll be experimenting with a recipe for a daisy balm to ease my toddler's bumps and bruises.Instagram: @rootedbynaturepodcast RecommendationsNature & Nourish podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nature-nourish-with-becky-cole/id1331978126Daisy Bruise Balm Recipehttps://www.beckyocole.com/daisy-bruise-balm-recipe/

Early Spring has arrived and the April showers have brought May flowers. So join me as I explore weather proverbs and what they mean. Let's dance around the Maypole and revel in Beltane celebrations and Celtic folklore. I do a deep dive on Hawthorn, a magical healing tree, guarded by the Fey. Look up at the stars with me, to see May blossoms in the Milky Way and navigate Mercury Retrograde as it takes us for a ride!Instagram handle: @rootedbynaturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/rootedbynaturepodcast/RecommendationsIcy SedgwickPodcast link: https://pod.co/fabulous-folklore-with-icyHawthorn article: https://www.icysedgwick.com/hawthorn-folklore/BooksForage: Wild Plants to Gather, Cook and Eat by Liz KnightThe Hedgerow Handbook: Recipes, Remedies and Rituals by Adele Nozedar

It's the month of the spring equinox, a time of natural magic as everything around us emerges from the earth and the world feels full of green shoots and new opportunities. It's a tipping point where the wheel of the year turns, the seasons change and winter tips gently into spring.  Join me in a daily crystal practice, seed sowing, foraging and mental spring cleaning. Let's enjoy daffadowndillies, the cosmic magic of nettles, take a look at Easter & Ostara and venture down to the underworld with Persephone, the goddess of spring.

It's still so cold and grey but step outside and you will see so many beautiful signs of Spring, and I promise it's just around the corner. It may still be time for warm blankets and candlelight but the sun is holding out a little longer each evening and descending in hues of pink and gold. The trees are budding, snowdrops are blooming and there's so much to celebrate; Imbolc, Saint Bridget and a Celtic Triple Goddess! Join me as I explore the wonders of the Hazel tree, make a natural bird feeder, enjoy a hearty stew bubbling on the stove, tap into our intuition, dabble in tarot and finish with something satisfyingly sweet.  Instagram: @rootedbynaturepodcast Chocolate Orange & Hazelnut Biscuits (adapted from a Jamie Oliver recipe) Ingredients150g unsalted butter, at room temperature200g plain flour 50g golden caster sugarHandful of chopped hazelnutsZest from half an orange 50g chocolate  MethodPreheat oven to 180 degrees fan. Mix the butter, sugar, flour, nuts and zest together. Either pat into a baking tin to make shortbread fingers or pop in the fridge ready to roll and cut. Bake for 20 minutes or until pale and golden. If making finger shapes cut whilst warm and transfer to a cooling rack. Melt the chocolate and either dip, pipe or drizzle over the biscuits and then shamelessly eat them all in one go! RecommendationsThe Light Seer's Tarot by Chris-Annehttps://lightseerstarot.com/

Happy new year everyone! In this episode I'll be talking about late winter, what's happening out in the natural world and why the mysterious owl is my favourite nocturnal creature. I'll be looking at Seasonal Affective Disorder and how I look after my mind and body to beat the winter blues, reflect on new year expectations and share my healthy breakfast muffin recipe.Instagram: @rootedbynaturepodcastMuffin recipePre-heat oven to 180 fan (200 degrees or gas mark 6)Dry ingredients150g plain flour50g spelt flour50g porridge oatsQuarter teaspoon of salt1.5 teaspoons baking powder1.5 teaspoons bicarbonate of sodaHalf teaspoon each of ground cinnamon & nutmegCrushed seeds of 2 cardamom pods70g raisons (or dried fruit of your choice)Wet ingredients4 small black bananas100ml coconut oil100g full fat natural yoghurt1 tablespoon of honey (add more to taste)2 large eggsI like to top mine with a whole pecan nut and sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. Bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.RecommendationsThe Secret Life of the Owl by John Lewis-StempelThe Happy Newspaper, produced by Emily CoxheadThe Simple Things magazinePick Up Limes Youtube channel and websiteMIND mental health charity website: https://www.mind.org.uk/Disclaimer: Please note I am not a medical professional and in this podcast I provide inspiration for self-care, not medical advice. 

Mid Winter is here and there's so much to celebrate. Join me as I walk through the frosty woods, mark the winter solstice, revel in the christmas sparkle, release the seasonal stress, make candles and lip balm, enjoy the long cosy nights and listen to a poem to get you in the mood for Christmas and the delight this month brings.Instagram: @rootedbynaturepodcastLip Balm Recipe14g of beeswax 100ml extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon of coconut oil 2 teaspoons of honey1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon of coconut extractRecommendationsCalm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth KemptonThe Christmas Chronicles by Nigel SlaterChristmas at River Cottage by Lucy Brazier

Autumn is in full swing! I'll be talking about the trees and their falling leaves, acorns, the blood moon, starlings, what's in season, blackthorn, sloe gin and bonfire night.Instagram: @rootedbynaturepodcastReading ListBooksThe Hidden Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenThe Wisdom of Trees by Max AdamsThe Glorious Life of the Oak by John Lewis-StempelThe Hedgerow Handbook by Adele NozedarThe Herb Almanac: A seasonal guide to medicinal plants, Chelsea Physic GardenFlower Fairies of the Autumn by Cecily Mary BarkerOnlineBritannicaHistoric Royal PalacesThe British Druid OrderThe RSPBThe National Wildlife FederationThe Wildlife Trusts The Woodland TrustAsk NatureAudio CreditsMusic and sound effects from Pixabay

You may be wondering what Halloween has to do with feeling connected to nature and being aligned with the seasons, well there's a lot more to Halloween than meets the eye!I'll be talking about Samhain (the Celtic fire festival) which is where this strange and spooky festival came from, along with witches, fairies, apples, pumpkins and magic. Even if you're not a Halloween fan like me then it's still the perfect time to say goodbye to summer and embrace the winter, reflect on the year and divine what's to come, honour ourselves and lost loved ones, bring nature inside to spruce up our homes, bake sweet treats, make the most of the apple harvest and best of all, tap into the amazing energy that's abound this time of year and work a little magic of our own. Instagram: @rootedbynaturepodcastReading ListThe Wisdom of Trees by Max AdamsNatural Magic by Doreen ValienteAn ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present by Doreen ValienteAudio CreditsMusic by SoulProdMusic from PixabaySound Effect by Cristian_Changing from PixabaySound Effect by Placidplace from Pixabay

In this episode I'll be talking about the autumn equinox, harvest time, foraging, moon gardening and sharing delicious recipes for elderberry cold & flu syrup and blackberry & pear crumble. Instagram: @rootedbynaturepodcast Elderberry Syrup RecipeIngredients elderberries water sugar lemon, ginger or cinnamon & cloves (optional) Method Tip the berries into a saucepan, cover with water and simmer for 20-30 minutes on a medium heat. Sieve the juice from the berries, squeezing as much out as possible. Return to the pan with the sugar (450g to 600ml of juice) along with any additional flavourings and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Decant, cool and store in the fridge for a few weeks or freeze to see you through the winter.Blackberry & Pear Crumble RecipeIngredients75g sugar (demerara preferably) 75 butter 150g plain flour pears blackberries vanilla extract (optional) caster sugar (optional)MethodPreheat the oven to 180 degrees fan. Peel, core and chop the pears and place in a buttered oven dish along with the blackberries and caster sugar if required. Put on the lid and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile grate the (fridge cold) butter into a bowl, add the demerara sugar and flour and rub together to form crumbs. When the fruit is baked, remove the lid and sprinkle over the crumble topping and return to the oven for a further 15 minutes or until the crumble top is cooked through and golden. Reading listThe Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben The Glorious Life of the Oak by John Lewis-Stempel The Wild Remedy: How nature mends us – a diary by Emma Mitchell The Hedgerow Handbook by Adele Nozedar The Almanac: A seasonal guide to 2022 by Lia Leendertz The Way Back Almanac 2022: A contemporary seasonal guide to nature by Melinda Salisbury The Herb Almanac: A seasonal guide to medicinal plants, Chelsea Physic Garden