Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

Sarah Wilson

Do you want to know how to grow plants and get the best out of your outdoor space? Do you find traditional gardening media baffling and/or boring? Then you're in the right place, because the Roots and All podcast is here to dig deep into how to create a successful garden.

If you want honest information and insider knowledge about how to get results, join irreverent horticulturist Sarah Wilson as she chats to the best people from the world of plants and gardens. Sarah is on a mission to help you create your own beautiful green environment, with a focus on saving resources and working with nature.

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402 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes402

Newest first

Yesterday · 33 min
Episode 396: Fermenting the Seasons
Could the secret to better health be sitting in a simple jar on your kitchen counter? Today I'm joined by food writer and fermentation expert Rachel de Thample to explore how fermentation can rewild the gut microbiome, preserve the seasons, and prove that making your own fermented foods is much easier than most of us think. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Bee Wolf Links The Fermentation Year: Everyday techniques and recipes to rewild your microbiome by Rachel de Thample Rachel on Instagram - @dethample Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Rachel, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 371: Wild Edibles Wendy Russell and Freda Farquharson explore the potential of wild edible plants, from citizen science and biodiversity to health and climate-friendly farming. Their conversation about making better use of overlooked plants is a great companion to Rachel's discussion of fermentation, seasonal eating and increasing the diversity of the foods we eat. Episode 306: The Soil Habitat Sarah talks to geologist and soil food web specialist Eddie Bailey about the living world beneath our feet, why healthy soils are essential for healthy plants, and how soil health ultimately affects our own wellbeing. It pairs perfectly with Rachel's explanation of the links between soil microbes, fermentation and the gut microbiome.
July 27 · 27 min
Episode 395: Small Actions, Big Change
The biggest changes in how we care for nature might start just outside our front door. This episode, I'm joined by adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys to discuss his latest book, Unwilding, and explore why reconnecting with the natural world is less about escaping to the wilderness and more about noticing what's already around us—from litter picking to climate handprints, and the power of small, everyday actions. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Weld Bee Links Alastair Humphreys – Official Website Unwilded – Book Page Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Alastair, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature Brigit Anna McNeill joins Sarah to explore what it means to truly reconnect with the natural world. Together they discuss healing through plants, reclaiming our relationship with nature, and how slowing down and paying attention can help us rediscover our place within it. It's a thoughtful companion to Alastair's reflections on finding wonder close to home and building a deeper connection with the landscapes around us. Episode 373: V-Wilding Sarah talks to Randal Plunkett about his ambitious rewilding project at Dunsany Nature Reserve, where farming has given way to a hands-off approach that allows nature to recover on its own terms. From biodiversity and conservation to rethinking our role in the landscape, this episode complements Alastair's conversation about repairing the places we already inhabit rather than searching for wilderness elsewhere.
July 20 · 30 min
Episode 394: Keeping Plant Stories Alive
What if the plants around us are carrying stories we've forgotten? This week, I'm joined once again by Amanda Edmiston of Botanica Fabula to explore her latest book, a rich blend of folklore, social history and the enduring stories of plants. We talk about how this knowledge is passed down through generations, and why now is the perfect time to start asking the people around us about the plants and traditions they remember. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Sieve-winged Snailkiller Links Website Amanda on Instagram Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Amanda, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 104: Botanical Storytelling with Amanda Edmiston Amanda first joined Sarah to explore the art of botanical storytelling, her work inspired by Elizabeth Blackwell's *A Curious Herbal*, and the rich connections between plants, history and storytelling. It's the perfect companion to this conversation, offering the beginning of Amanda's journey and the ideas that have since grown into her latest books. Episode 347: Can Plants Help You Find Lost Things? In this episode, Sarah talks to Christina Oakley Harrington about the folklore, history and magic of plants. Together they explore the stories and traditions that have surrounded herbs and flowers for centuries, making it an ideal follow-on from Amanda's discussion of plant lore, memory and the enduring power of botanical storytelling.
July 13 · 28 min
Episode 393: My Body is a Meadow
What if the biggest barriers to experiencing nature aren't natural at all? Today, I'm joined by author, poet and disability activist Bethany Handley to explore accessibility, belonging, and how redesigning our landscapes could create richer places for both people and wildlife. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Cinnabar Moth Links Bethany's website My Body is a Meadow The Book Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Bethany, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens In this episode, Sarah talks to Sandra Schwarz about the restorative power of green spaces and the qualities that make gardens welcoming, supportive and healing. Together they explore how thoughtful design can help people connect with nature, making it an ideal companion to Bethany's conversation about accessibility, belonging and creating landscapes that work for everyone. Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Bethany's discussion of designing landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.
July 6 · 27 min
Episode 392: Knepp's Rewilded Garden
What happens when you stop trying to control a garden and start working with nature instead? This week, I'm joined by Charlie Harpur, head gardener at Knepp, to explore rewilding, biodiversity, and why careful observation and systems thinking can transform the way we garden. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Pantaloon Bee Links Website A link to all the garden tours and workshops And a link to the Knepp garden blog which, written by Moy Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Charlie, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 376: From Rewilding to Renaturing In this episode, Sarah talks to writer James Canton about *Renaturing* and his two-acre biodiversity project in Essex. Together they explore the differences between rewilding and renaturing, the value of close observation, and how thoughtful, small-scale interventions can help restore nature—making it an ideal companion to Charlie's discussion of rewilding in a garden setting. Episode 239: Growing Biodiversity In this episode, Sarah chats with gardener Benny Hawksbee about bringing biology and ecology into horticulture. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens to challenging traditional gardening practices and encouraging community involvement, it's a natural follow-on from Charlie's ideas about designing and managing gardens with biodiversity at their heart.
June 29 · 34 min
Episode 391: Letting the Wild In
What if the secret to a better garden is letting go of control? This week I'm joined by gardener and conservationist Sue Mabberley from Nant-y-Bedd in the Black Mountains, where four decades of working with nature have created a thriving wildlife haven. We discuss the value of so-called weeds, gardening for biodiversity, and why even the smallest garden can make a difference. Benny's Insect of the Week: Yellow Loosestrife Bee Links Website Instagram Facebook Visit the Garden / Book Visits & Tours Garden Meadows Workshop with Jo McKerr Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sue, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife In this episode, Sarah talks to Ralph Hobbs about creating gardens that actively support wildlife. From practical habitat creation to understanding the needs of different species, it's a great companion to Sue's philosophy of gardening with nature and making space for biodiversity. Episode 333: Designing for Habitat & Biodiversity In this episode, Sarah speaks with ecological landscape designer Emmaline Bowman about designing gardens and landscapes that support healthy ecosystems. The conversation explores how thoughtful planting and habitat creation can benefit wildlife, making it a natural follow-on from Sue's approach to working with, rather than against, the natural world.
June 22 · 35 min
Episode 390: Gardens with a Cause
Can a show garden change minds as well as win medals? This week, I'm joined by Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, whose Chelsea gardens championed peatland restoration and dementia research. We discuss whether the impact of a show garden can justify its environmental cost, and explore the power of gardens with a purpose. Benny's Insect of the Week: Jewel Wasp Links Martha Krempel Bog in a Box St Pancras Gut-brain health research information Tina Worboys Iota - manufacturers of amber structures in Tina's garden Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Martha Krempel and Tina Worboys, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 190: Show Gardens In this episode, I explore the world of show gardens, discussing their purpose, their impact, and the questions they raise about value, sustainability and public engagement. It's a perfect companion to this week's discussion about whether show gardens can justify their environmental cost through the awareness and change they inspire. Episode 230: Sensory Gardens and Autism In this episode, Sarah explores sensory gardens with a focus on design for people with autism. Featuring Camellia Taylor, Meraud Davis and Alexis Selby, it examines how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can support wellbeing, engagement and connection with nature.
June 15 · 28 min
Episode 389: Down to Earth
What if the key to better health, stronger communities and a more sustainable future lies beneath our feet? This week, I'm joined by author Robert Ashton to discuss his new book Down to Earth and explore our relationship with soil. From farming and education to mental health and conservation, Robert reveals why reconnecting with the land could be one of the most important challenges of our time. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Shieldbug Stalker Links Down to Earth by Robert Ashton Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Robert Ashton, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition In this episode, Sam Hamrebtan explores the links between soil health, food quality and human wellbeing. It's an excellent companion to Robert's discussion of our relationship with soil and the importance of caring for the living systems that sustain us. Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary In this episode, Joshua Sparkes discusses innovative approaches to farming and food production, challenging conventional ideas about agriculture and land use. It's a natural follow-on from Robert's reflections on regenerative farming, sustainability and how we can build a healthier relationship with the land.
June 8 · 26 min
Episode 388: Connecting Through Plant Stories
What if the secret to connecting more deeply with nature lies in the stories we tell about plants? This week, I'm joined by landscape architect and Plant Connection podcast host Lisa Cutshaw to explore how folklore, history, and careful observation can transform the way we see the natural world. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Harlequin Ladybird Links Website Instagram Plant Connection Spotify Apple Podcasts Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Lisa Cutshaw, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species In this episode, John Little shares his approach to creating gardens that support wildlife at every level, encouraging us to think beyond purely human needs and consider our place within a wider ecological community. It's a great companion to Lisa's reflections on reconnecting with nature and building meaningful relationships with the living world. Episode 219: The Wheel of the Year In this episode, Rebecca Beattie explores seasonal cycles, folklore, and our relationship with the natural world through the lens of the Wheel of the Year. It's a thoughtful follow-on from Lisa's discussion of plant stories, cultural meaning, and finding deeper connections with nature.
May 31 · 24 min
Episode 387: Lessons from Keyhole Gardens
Could a simple circular garden help solve food insecurity in some of the world's harshest climates? In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by Sam Evans, whose dissertation took him to Lesotho to explore keyhole gardens — ingenious compost-fed growing systems that help communities grow food sustainably in extreme conditions. We discuss how they work, the wider benefits they bring, and what they could teach us about growing food in a changing climate. Benny's Insect of the Week: Harlequin Ladybird Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sam Evans, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 23: Esiah Levy's SeedsShare Project A fascinating discussion about seed sovereignty, food growing and empowering communities through accessible, sustainable gardening initiatives — themes that closely connect with today's conversation about keyhole gardens and food security. Episode 185: Food Forests for Plant Lovers This episode explores resilient growing systems, biodiversity and regenerative planting approaches, making it a perfect companion to today's discussion on sustainable food production and climate-smart gardening.
May 25 · 30 min
Episode 386: Walworth Garden - Rooted in Community
What happens when a community garden becomes a lifeline for people, wildlife and an entire neighbourhood? In this episode, I'm chatting with Oliver Hayden from Walworth Garden about running a free community space in the heart of London, why gardening can drive real social change, and how reconnecting with nature can quietly transform lives. It's funny, thought-provoking and full of big questions about the way we live and garden. Benny's Insect of the Week: Four Banded Flower Bee Links You can find Walworth Garden online here: Official website: Walworth Garden Instagram: @walworthgarden on Instagram You can also visit the garden in person at 206 Manor Place, London SE17 3BN. Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Oliver Hayden, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 323: Wildflowers, Community & Urban Nature A conversation exploring the importance of urban green spaces, biodiversity and the role community projects can Episode 275: Community Gardening This episode looks at the social value of community gardening projects and the ways shared green spaces can support wellbeing, learning and local connection, making it a natural companion to today's discussion.
May 18 · 31 min
Episode 385: Growing Older, Growing Gardens
What happens when the garden you love starts demanding more than you can give? In today's episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by garden writer Rhonda Fleming Hayes to explore how gardening changes as we age — from adapting high-maintenance spaces to embracing balcony gardens, community plots and slower, more meaningful ways of connecting with nature. Benny's Insect of the Week: Rose Chafer Beetle Links Garden for Life: Strategies for Easier, Greener, More Joyful Gardening as We Age by Rhonda Fleming Hayes Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Rhonda, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 366: Universal Qualities of Healing Gardens Benjamin Vogt explores the restorative power of gardens and the ways thoughtfully designed spaces can support wellbeing, connection and healing throughout our lives — a fitting companion to today's discussion on gardening as we age. Episode 325: Growing in the Garden Emma O'Neill reflects on personal growth through gardening and the many ways our outdoor spaces evolve alongside us, echoing today's conversation about adapting gardens to changing needs and lifestyles.
May 11 · 31 min
Episode 384: Sustainable Eating for Planet Health
This episode might just change the way you grow, shop, cook, and eat. Today I'm joined by returning guest Dave Goulson to talk about his new book, Eat the Planet Well, a practical guide to eating in a way that's healthy, affordable, and better for the planet. Even if you think you know the basics — and are wondering about Dave's shift from his usual nature writing — there's plenty here that will surprise you. Benny's Insect of the Week: Dark-edged Bee-fly With thanks to our sponsor - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Dave Goulson on instagram Eat the Planet Well by Dave Goulson Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Dave, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary Joshua Sparkes shares a regenerative, soil-first approach to growing food that challenges conventional farming — a natural companion to today's discussion on rethinking how we produce and consume what we eat. Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital link between soil health and the nutritional value of our food, reinforcing the idea that what's good for the planet is also good for us.
May 4 · 33 min
Episode 383: Roots in Orkney
What happens when you follow a decades-long love affair with a place all the way to its shores? Victoria Bennett did exactly that, uprooting her life in Cumbria to start afresh on the windswept islands of Orkney — new garden, new climate, and an inspiring vision for a community apothecary space rooted in creativity, care, and the land itself. Benny's Insect of the Week: Orange-tip Butterly With thanks to our sponsor - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Author Website Victoria Bennett — Official Author Site Books The Apothecary by the Sea — Waterstones All My Wild Mothers — Amazon author page Instagram — @beewyld Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Victoria, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature Brigit Anna McNeill explores healing through plants, herbalism, folklore and ancestral connection — a beautiful companion to today's conversation about finding yourself through the natural world and the restorative power of putting down new roots. Episode 368: Rooted In Purpose Robin Singh's journey from corporate life to growing his own food and living more intentionally echoes Victoria's themes of caregiving, community and choosing a life shaped by purpose rather than habit.
April 27 · 30 min
Episode 382: When Gardening Doesn't Make You Happy
What if gardening doesn't make you happy? Gardening isn't always the simple "cure-all" it's often made out to be. We get into the realities behind the wellbeing narrative — from overwhelm and pressure to the deeper emotional connections we form with our outdoor spaces. It's a thoughtful, honest conversation about what gardens really give us… and what they sometimes don't. Benny's Insect of the Week: Gooden's Nomad Bee With thanks to our sponsor - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links The Psychology of Gardening (The Psychology of Everything) - Harriet Gross Garden Lovers Reading Retreat Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Harriet, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 314: Nurturing Growth, Inside and Out In this episode, Sarah looks at the emotional side of gardening and how our outdoor spaces can shape identity, wellbeing, and resilience — a thoughtful companion to today's discussion about the psychological weight and reward of tending a garden. Episode 286: Natural Happiness This episode explores the relationship between nature and wellbeing, questioning what we really mean when we say gardens make us "happy," and how that experience varies from person to person — closely linked to today's reflections on the limits of gardening as a cure-all.
April 20 · 31 min
Episode 381: Ecology, Art and Memory
Rebecca Wynn Kelly works at the intersection of sculpture, ecology, and myth as a "species architect" exploring how we might reimagine our relationship with the land. Rooted in West Wales, her work blends habitat creation with storytelling and folklore to ask who—and what—we build the landscape for. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Batman Overfly Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Rebecca Wynn Kelly – Artist Instagram – Rebecca Wynn Kelly Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Rebecca Wynn Kelly, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species In this episode, John Little explores how gardens can be designed with wildlife at the centre, creating layered habitats that support a wide range of species. It's a natural companion to today's conversation about building for more than just human needs and thinking like a "species architect." Episode 301: The Wheel of the Year In this episode, Rebecca Beattie discusses seasonal cycles, folklore and ritual, and how reconnecting with the rhythms of the year can deepen our relationship with the land. It offers a thoughtful extension of today's themes around story, place and ecological connection.
April 13 · 37 min
Episode 380: Following a Drop of Water
This week, we dive into the hidden world of water with author Stephen Rutt, exploring the landscapes we so often overlook. From chalk streams to peat bogs, we trace water's strange and vital journey through our environment—and why it deserves far more of our attention. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Yellow-Legged Mining Bee Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links The Waterlands - Stephen Rutt Stephen Rutt on Instagram https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Stephen, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 352: Peat, Politics and Horticulture In this episode, Sarah explores the importance of peatlands, from their role in carbon storage to their impact on water systems, making it a natural companion to today's conversation about wetlands and the movement of water through the landscape. Episode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds This episode looks at how introducing water into the garden can support biodiversity, offering practical insights into creating and maintaining ponds — an ideal follow-on from today's discussion on the value of water in both wild and cultivated spaces.
April 6 · 37 min
Episode 379: Pam Lewis: Ahead of the Curve
Horticultural legend Pam Lewis began her garden at Sticky Wicket in Dorset decades ago, and revisiting her early writing shows just how ahead of the curve—and fearless—she was in championing wildlife-friendly, sustainable gardening. We sat down to reflect on her years in the garden and how the horticultural world has changed along the way. Benny's Insect of the Week: Asiraca clavicornis Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Books Sticky Wicket: Gardening in Tune With Nature - Pam Lewis, 2007 Making a Wildflower Meadow - Pam Lewis, 2015 Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Pam, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife In this episode, Sarah explores how gardeners can better support biodiversity, sharing practical ways to create spaces that welcome and sustain wildlife — making it a natural companion to today's conversation about gardening in harmony with nature. Episode 285: No Mow May This episode looks at the impact of letting lawns grow wild through May, highlighting how small changes in garden management can have big benefits for pollinators and biodiversity — an ideal follow-on from today's discussion on working with, rather than against, the natural world.
March 30 · 35 min
Episode 378: Growing a Sustainable Nursery
What does it really take to run a small, sustainable nursery? This week on Roots and All, I'm joined by nurseryman and designer Ben Preston of Cliff Bank Nursery for an honest conversation about the realities of the job—from growing in sand and selling bare root plants to why local nurseries matter more than ever, and why it's truly a labour of love. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Orange Ladybird Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Cliff Bank Nursery Instagram: @cliff_bank_nursery Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Ben, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 284: The Organic Nursery In this episode, Sarah speaks with Sam Frings about building and running an organic nursery, exploring the challenges of growing plants sustainably, maintaining ethical practices, and creating a resilient small business — making it a perfect companion to today's discussion on the realities of nursery life. Episode 175: Seeking Rare Plants Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants joins Sarah to share his passion for unusual and hard-to-find plants, discussing plant sourcing, selection, and what it takes to run a specialist nursery — an ideal follow-on from today's conversation about plant choice, diversity, and the role of small growers.
March 23 · 27 min
Episode 377: Britain's Hidden Psychedelic History
What if Britain's fields were hiding a secret psychedelic past in plain sight? In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by historian and publisher Robert Dickins to explore the surprising story of our native mushrooms—from how they grow to the cultural and legal forces that have shaped our relationship with them. It's a fascinating glimpse into a little-known side of Britain's natural and social history. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Orange Ladybird Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk and get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout. Links Psilocybe Pickers by Robert Dickins - Psychedelic Press, 2025 About: Robert Dickins, PhD, is a historian and publisher, whose works examines the social and literary history of psychoactive substances and altered states of experience. He is the author of Cobweb of Trips: A Literary History of Psychedelics (2024) and Psilocybe Pickers: A Short History of Bemushroomed Britons (2025), and is currently researching the connection between tripping and gardens for a forthcoming project. He is on the steering committee for Breaking Convention, Europe's largest psychedelic conference, and has been publishing in the psychedelic space for almost 20 years. He lives in the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire. Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Robert, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 371: Wild Edibles In this episode, Sarah explores the world of foraging and our relationship with wild food — from what's safe and sustainable to pick, to the deeper cultural connections we have with the plants and fungi around us, making it a perfect companion to today's discussion of Britain's overlooked natural history. Episode 136: In Search of Mycotopia with Doug Bierend Doug Bierend joins Sarah to delve into the rich cultural and historical world of fungi, exploring how mushrooms have shaped human societies and imaginations — an ideal follow-on from today's episode on the hidden stories and significance of psychedelic species.