This morning, we’re invited into the beloved backyard orchard of writer and broadcaster Jon Gower. Tea in hand, we make our way down to the bottom of his garden in Cardiff, unfold some chairs, and get straight to talking about why certain places are so special to us - and how landscapes can become as essential as the air we breathe. From Ynys Enlli to the Lougher Estuary, we travel all over Wales in this conversation; with the help of Jon’s wonderful storytelling, and a few dear fruit trees.
Listen above, or search ‘This Place Podcast’ in your usual audio app - including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
I’m excited to finally be sharing this first full episode with you - recorded back when spring was folding into summer, and buzzing with the sounds of bees going about their morning work.
Jon is not only a much-admired nature writer in Wales, but also a seasoned broadcaster who is, as you will hear, right at home with a microphone in front of him. He’s also a great supporter of other writers, like myself, and just the evening before this conversation took place, it was Jon who was interviewing me: about my debut essay collection, Seaglass. His own most recent book, The Turning Tide, came out last year, and contains many of the places and stories he talks about here - and more. I thoroughly recommend picking it up if you get a chance.
Thanks for listening - I do hope you enjoy this one. In the company of a place-writing master, it seemed like the ideal way to set up what will be a string of conversations about beloved places and inspiring landscapes. Let me know your thoughts and reflections in the comments!
With love,
Kathryn x
P.S. If you need or would like a transcript for this episode, you should see a button just below the player above.
This podcast was produced with the support of Arts Council England. With music by Rob T and Danny Booth. Support, from readers like you, helps me to keep making and sharing it.
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