10. Vicki Chagger: Connection and nature

The Intentional Mum

"There's so much to see on our doorsteps"

In this episode I catch up with Hey Mama Earth founder and freelance content creator Vicki Chagger about connecting to the Earth and nature.

We recorded this episode back in March when we were in the middle of lockdown 3 in the UK so we talk a lot about our experiences of lockdown and the challenges that that has brought, especially our struggles to get outside when working from home and the things we miss from commuting to the office. But even though the end of Covid-19 restrictions are (hopefully) in sight there's still plenty of inspiration for bringing more of nature into your daily life.

We discuss the joy that comes from finding connection, with nature and the earth and how that affects our mental health. With so many of us spending so much time indoors and at home over the last 18 months it’s become so important to make that effort to get outside and soak up that time in nature.

Vicki’s sustainability journey has been shaped by her travels and her experiences in Nepal and Malawi and we discuss how for both of us our travel experiences have changed our perspective when it comes to the climate crisis and our own daily actions.

Vicki shares some really great practical actions that you can take to get outside and connect with nature regardless of whether you live in a city or have limited outside space. There’s some brilliant ideas especially if like me you struggle to think of ideas of ways to explore nature with your little ones.

We also discuss going vegan and whether it’s possible to eat eggs in a cruelty-free way if those eggs come from backyard rescue hens. If you are interested in finding out more about going vegan then check out episode 1 with Hannah McIntyre which is all about plant-based living.

Mentioned in this episode of The Intentional Mum:

• Cherelle Slaney
• Annapurna circuit
• Interview with Sean McCormack from Ealing Wildlife Group
• Scala radio – In The Park
• Calm app
• Nature bathing
• Cowspiracy
• Can vegans eat eggs?

You can find Vicki at www.vickichagger.com and @vickichagger on Instagram and read more of her curated content at www.heymamaearth.com (including an article from me on staying intentional for the planet) and @heymamaearth on Instagram