In this episode we talk to the brilliant Chantal Lyons about her book "Groundbreakers" which is all about Wild Boar. For us in the UK this is a challenging species which we hunted from our shores many years ago but for which there is an ecological argument for restoration. It is challenging this one though, they make a huge mess and are difficult to control at any level. But we should have a discussion about all and any species that were once here and see whether they may fit into our landscape again at some point. Chantal's book does the two side of this equation very well. I hope our interview brings out some of the best point on both sides.

We took some time out last spring to head out to Lismore - a wee island a short ferry ride from Oban - to meet Claire and Mike on their beautiful productive and, as it turned out, biodiverse croft. Crofting is a very old tradition in Scotland with small areas of land managed for food production in often remote communities. Claire and Mike have created an oasis of life within their which produces lots of vegetables and fruits - but they also grow tea! The spring birds were a joy when we visited feasting off innumerable insects.

Matson Ground is a traditional Lake District Estate with house, gardens and cottages (some available as holiday accommodation) a few small offices and about 500 ha of organic farmland situated just south and East of Windermere in the Lake District. In this Tree Amble episode we meet Madelaine who is the current owner of the estate which came into her family 100 years ago. We also meet Pete Webster - farm manager - and Luke Steer - woodland adviser. We talk about managing the estate and the new wood pasture project emerging under Luke's guidance.