How Nature Heals People, Rainforests & Conservation — with Merlin Hanbury-Tenison

How Nature Heals People, Rainforests & Conservation — with Merlin Hanbury-TenisonIn this episode, we sit down with conservationist Merlin Hanbury-Tenison to explore how nature helps the nervous system reset, and why reconnecting isn’t a luxury… it’s a return to what we are. 🌍✨Merlin shares his own experience of complex PTSD, and how modern urban/corporate life can intensify stress and disconnection — before explaining how nature-based environments can gently guide people back toward safety, regulation, and real restoration. 🌲🤍We also journey into Britain’s rare Atlantic temperate rainforest — where soil ecosystems and fungal networks (the “wood wide web”) quietly hold entire worlds together. 🍄🌧️And we zoom out: because restoring nature isn’t just personal, it’s systemic. Merlin breaks down what real change takes — science that feeds policy, research infrastructure, and new models for land, food systems, and even cities that integrate nature instead of pushing it out. 🌱🏙️We cover:🌿 Why the “humans vs nature” mindset causes harm (and how to shift it)🧘 PTSD, burnout, stress — and how nature supports healing🍄 Old-growth rainforests, resilience, and the “wood wide web”📍 Restoration at scale: science → policy, land, farming, and cities🔥 Practical ways to reconnect — starting nowCabilla Cornwall Retreats Our Oaken Bones Thousand Year Trust Research StationMerlin Hanbury-Tenison is a conservationist, author, and founder of the Thousand Year Trust, dedicated to restoring Britain’s rare Atlantic temperate rainforest. 🌳🌧️ After experiencing complex PTSD, he became a passionate advocate for nature as a powerful tool for mental health and nervous system healing. 🧠🌿 Through Cabilla Cornwall, he leads nature-based retreats supporting veterans, NHS staff, and others in reconnecting and recovering. 🤍🔥 His work bridges science, storytelling, and policy — inspiring people to see that we are part of nature, not separate from it. 🌍✨Three things you get joy from:“My daughters 👧👧 … The rainforest at cabilla 🌳🌧️ … And writing ✍️.” A mantra you want to embrace now:“Never doubt that a small number of committed and thoughtful citizens cannot create change in the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has… We all make an impact on the planet every day when we wake up. We choose whether that is a positive impact or a negative impact.” 🌍✨ One unusual thing that gives you pleasure:“My beavers 🦫 … there is nothing that gives me more pleasure than going down and sitting on the riverbank in the evening and watching the beavers busily building dams.” 🌊🌅 A favorite book, film, or artist that isn’t obvious:“Arnold Schwarzenegger 💪 … a brilliant guide for life.” 📖🎧🔥❤️‍🔥FULL EPISODE LISTEN HERE❤️‍🔥🔥🎧  https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas🎁 Listeners get 10% off using the code thekollective10 at audreyschocolates.co.uk 🛍️WANT MORE OR TO SUPPORT?👉 Become a patron and get exclusive access & behind-the-scenes perks:www.patreon.com/TheKollective828 💎Mentions: Margaret Mead, Jane Goodall, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dr. Susan Simard, Henry Dimbleby, Gabe Brown, Boris Johnson, The Thousand Year Trust, Cabilla Cornwall, University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Eden Project, University of Zurich, Loughborough University, Falmouth University, Woodland Trust, Ministry of Defence (MOD), Forestry Commission, National Trust, National Lottery Heritage Fund, People’s Postcode Lottery, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Royal Geographical Society, University of British Columbia