My Place 'How Nature Changed My Life'

In this episode of My Place, the podcast series brought to you by shmu and the Local Storytelling Exchange, shmu volunteer Kirstylee meets Education Officer Katherine Williams and the volunteers behind the St Machar Community Biodiversity Project, where the historic cathedral kirkyard on the edge of Seaton Park is being transformed into a space that supports biodiversity. 
Through conversations with Katherine and volunteers from the UK, New Zealand and Mexico, we learn more about the history of St Machar Cathedral and its connections with Seaton Park, while exploring climate change, sustainable energy, and how caring for nature can bring people together.

In this episode of My Place, the podcast series brought to you by shmu and the Local Storytelling Exchange, shmu volunteer Enya visits Lord Hays Court, a sheltered housing complex nestled between Seaton Park and Aberdeen Beach. 
Over cups of tea, residents look back with warmth and nostalgia on the outdoor places that shaped their childhoods, how Aberdeen’s weather has changed over the years, and what life is like now for younger generations. They discuss nature, climate change, the city's connection to the oil industry, the challenges of accessing green spaces later in life as well as the views of nature that they continue to enjoy from the windows of their flats in their 16-storey home.

In this episode of My Place, the podcast series brought to you by shmu and the Local Storytelling Exchange, shmu volunteer Tasha speaks with Kirstylee, who reflects on her long connection with Seaton Park, a place that has been part of her life since moving to the area as a young mum many years ago.” 
Walking through the park together, Kirstylee shares memories of special moments connected to this place, including her wedding at nearby St Machar Cathedral and having her photographs taken in the surrounding landscape. She reflects on her favourite spots and how spending time in the park has supported her wellbeing over the years. As they make their way to the banks of the River Don, she revisits the spot where she wrote a poem many years ago. 
Kirstylee also shares her thoughts on climate change, how the green spaces around her have changed over time, and the importance of taking action to protect the natural places we value.

In this episode of My Place, the podcast series brought to you by shmu and the Local Storytelling Exchange, shmu volunteer Tasha speaks to Dana, who shares her journey from Ukraine to Scotland after leaving her home because of the war. 
Since arriving four years ago, Dana has found a sense of belonging through nature. Discussing some of her favourite places in Aberdeen, including the beach and Seaton Park, she reflects on spending time outdoors in Ukraine, life here with her young family, and how exploring these spaces has helped her build a new life in Scotland. She also shares her thoughts on climate change and the role we can all play in caring for the environment.

In this episode of My Place, the podcast series brought to you by shmu and the Local Storytelling Exchange, shmu volunteer Kirstylee speaks with Sahar. Originally from Syria, Sahar moved to Scotland more than 20 years ago to study geology and begin a career in the oil industry. 
Sitting together in the peaceful surroundings of Seaton Park in Aberdeen, Sahar reflects on her lifelong connection with nature, from her childhood in Syria to finding a sense of belonging in Scotland's green spaces. 
Their conversation explores climate change, the transition away from oil and gas, Sahar's career change following redundancy, and her hopes for a fairer, greener future.