Caroline Perget interviews two volunteers from the RSPB, who talk their activities at The Big Buzz and Flutter, and the work of the RSPB.

The good news is that we have 25 pairs of peregrine falcons in London right now, that’s 50 individuals! The more worrying news is that our songbirds (house sparrows, great tits and blue tits) are all in decline. To help our UK songbird population, we can:

Go to the RSPB website.

Caroline Perget interviews Angela Woods, secretary of the London Beekeepers Association.

Angela talks about keeping bees, and how we can help our bee population survive and thrive. Her top tips on how we can all help our bees:

It’s only £12 per year to join the LBKA and you don’t have to keep bees to get involved!

For more information or to join the London Beekeepers Association, visit their website.

The judges have cogitated, ruminated and after much deliberation agreed on two worthy winners:

Well done to both of you, and congratulations on two stunning photos!
Click images to view in their full glory…..

Wendy interviews the wood carver and artist Arthur De Mowbray, who talks about some of the projects he’s undertaking in Archbishop’s Park.

View Arthur’s website.

Pete entertaining the children with a little bit of real magic!

Read the full article here.

Wendy Cartwright interviews the writer and storyteller Janet North, who describes the fascinating origin of her storytelling journey.

Janet was our first storyteller and she says: “I have been writing for almost two years and the stories have always come to mind when I have been out walking or sitting in stillness. Spending time amongst nature is an inspiration and colour, texture and form have always fascinated me – especially in my textile work. Twelve years ago I learnt Pure Meditation and practising every day has made a huge difference to how I work. I used to be stuck for ideas, however I soon discovered that intuition developed through meditation was a springboard to new ways of working. When I was asked to tell stories about the plight of bees and butterflies I sat in the garden and watched. There is so much to see and it’s as if nature wants you to join in and enjoy the journey. It seems to me that each animal and plant has a gift and if we give ourselves the time to study each, as we feel inspired, then some knowledge will be imparted and their gifts valued. Sometimes I ask for inspiration to guide me and what joy it is to feel the gifts flowing, stories unfolding and songs emerging.”

“I have had many roles in my life, including training as a textile artist, Natural Spiritual Healer, Yoga Teacher, Counsellor and Coach. I have always enjoyed helping people and through these teachings I am able to help others find balance, creativity and well being. Animals are another important part of my life as an animal healer and it hasn’t surprised me that they are key ingredients in my stories. Working at an animal sanctuary as a volunteer has given me great insight to how adaptable they can become. Many have suffered loss through bereavement, separation from their loved ones or been abandoned or abused. Their lives can transform and we are very lucky to have nature’s companions to accept us without condition.”

View Janet’s website

The brilliant Eli Anderson with children at The Big Buzz and Flutter.

Eli says:

“Storytelling is much more than sitting with a group of children or older people. It fundamentally says to people that we can do better, that we have the resources. We are social beings who need to be loved. We need to support and empower each other. If you can do that, the world will be a better place.”

“It was good to see such educational and fun event being staged in an “off-the-beaton-track” but well attended Archbishop’s Park in Lambeth. Within the gazebo, it was full of art & crafts materials for children to enjoy and experience the impact of the insects, critical to the ecology of the park, and by extension the Earth. My storytelling, I believe was the opportunity to add further level of education, well-being & fun to the event, staffed by volunteers, and committed parents/guardians. On a wonderful sunny day, groups of 15-20 children sat to enjoy storytelling, rather than watch tv, or play computer games, for that alone The BBF should be congratulated.”

“I truly hope that this event is repeated for next year…count me in!”

Eli’s website  |  Eli on Twitter  |  Interview with Busibuddies  |   On The Art of Storytelling