New Podcast ‘Voices of Epping Forest’ Out Now

by Nov 14, 2024Events and News

Voices of Epping Forest, a new podcast by multi-award-winning producer Talia Randall, champions diversity in the outdoors.

Podcast Release Date: Thurs November 14th 2024 – available on all major podcast platforms

Many people in the UK struggle to access nature. Podcaster Talia Randall has teamed up with the Essex Cultural Diversity Project and the Epping Forest Heritage Trust to encourage more people to enjoy what Epping Forest has to offer. Epping Forest is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation. 

Voices of Epping Forest doesn’t shy away from the visible and invisible barriers many people face when getting into the outdoors. The podcast also celebrates the diversity of those who visit Epping Forest. Community voices are at the heart of this podcast—these are the people broadening nature access for everyone.

Talia Randall said: “Only recently did I feel like I belong in nature spaces. As someone whose love for nature grows daily, Epping Forest has become a special place. I can’t wait to share the voices of nature lovers who are helping others feel a true sense of belonging in this beautiful place”.

Amy Liu from Epping Forest Heritage Trust said,  “A core part of our work is to inspire more people to visit and love Epping Forest, especially those who face unequal access to green spaces. We firmly believe that Epping Forest is for everyone to love, and everyone should be able to participate in the protection of this irreplaceable ancient Forest. We are incredibly excited about this project which celebrates communities’ and individuals’ stories about the Forest. We hope you listen to the podcast, and that the stories inspire you to visit, and perhaps even inspire you to bring other people to visit the Forest we all love.”.  

Jo Nancarrow from Essex Cultural Diversity Project said “It’s been delightful working with Talia and to team up with Epping Forest Heritage Trust on this project. Through her commission Talia has captured the spirit of place, given people a voice, connected communities and provided a platform for them to tell their own stories, in their own words.”

Each episode of this four-part podcast series explores a different theme related to diversity in the outdoors:

Episode 1: ‘Looking Over Your Shoulder’. Barriers to nature related to gender and sexuality. Featuring:

  •   A conservation day for women and non-binary folk with Epping Forest Heritage Trust.
  •   Amira Patel, founder of Wanderlust Women, an outdoor adventure group for Muslim women.
  •   A guided walk for LGBTQ+ folk with Epping Forest Pride.

 Episode 2: ‘Birdsong and Chips’. What does ‘access’ mean? Featuring:

  •   A day out with The Epping Forest Sunflower Group along an easy-access trail at High Beach, Epping Forest
  •   A discussion of how we can broaden the definition of what ‘access’ means with Francesca Turauskis, founder of The Outdoors Podcast Club
  •   An exploration of neurodiverse experiences in nature, including Talia’s own experiences

 Episode 3: ‘This Place is Magic’. Modern-day magic in the forest. Featuring:

  •   Local historian Amy Stock explores artefacts related to Essex’s witchy history, including a mummified cat found in the walls of Waltham Abbey.
  •   An interview with a witch who has faced prejudice when practising her craft in the outdoors.
  •   A ceremony led by a witch wanting to give thanks to the forest.

Episode 4: ‘Woodlice and Ducks’. Helping children feel belonging in nature. Featuring:

  •   Gearies Primary School in Ilford, who are embedding nature play into the curriculum.

For more information, please get in touch with Talia Randall at hello@taliarandall.com

CREDITS

Voices of Epping Forest was written, produced, and presented by Talia Randall. Voices of Epping Forest was made possible through a commission from Essex Cultural Diversity Project supported by Arts Council England, in partnership with Epping Forest Heritage Trust, and supported by the City of London Corporation, Epping Forest and Essex County Council.

About the team

Talia Randall is an audio producer, poet and performer. Her recent podcast Blossom Trees and Burnt-Out Cars also explored nature access. This six-part series won Gold at The Audio Production Awards 2023 and silver at the British Podcast Awards 2023. It was recommended by The Guardian and selected as Pod Bible’s ‘Best Podcasts of 2022’.

Essex Cultural Diversity Project energises diversity in arts and heritage. Their mission is to create opportunities, stimulate participation and provide a focal point for the development, celebration and co-ordination of diversity through arts and heritage activity. They are the funders and co-commissioners.

Epping Forest Heritage Trust is a charity and a membership organisation with a big mission to inspire people about Epping Forest, and to conserve and protect its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture and heritage now and for generations to come. They operate across Epping Forest, covering 6,000 acres stretching from Manor Park in East London to Epping in Essex. They are the co-commissioners.

City of London Corporation, Epping Forest is a Registered Charity. The City of London successfully fought a legal battle to save Epping Forest resulting in the groundbreaking 1878 Epping Forest Act. The City of London continues to own and manage Epping Forest today as conservators of this unique ancient woodland. 

Aunt Nell produces timeless podcasts popping with improbable connections and human stories. They are supporting the publication of this podcast.


To listen to Voices of Epping Forest and find out more: