146 [S11 E1] The rhythm of nature is my natural rhythm: autism, conservation and being a 'tenacious comet'

About this episode

Emma Marsh discusses her connection to nature as an autistic individual and her journey in conservation and self-sufficiency.

Emma Marsh works at the RSPB (the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), where she is Executive Director of Digital Technology, Campaigns and Communications. She lives in North Warwickshire in England. Emma was formally recognised as autistic in 2023, in her late 40s. She says that her autism has given her an innate connection to nature which drives her passion for conservation. She grew up on a farm in a rural, working class household, but rebelled against this lifestyle in favour of city life initially, only to later find it again. She is a passionate wildlife friendly gardener and grower on a journey towards being as self-sufficient as possible. She says that her garden and growing keep her on an even keel. Emma did International relations at University, began her career in administration and technology programme management, then moved to the UK Government to work with WRAP, where she headed up the 'Love Food Hate Waste' campaign. In 2016, Emma joined the RSPB. In our conversation Emma shares her deep connection to nature and how it helps her as an autistic human. She talks about her rural childhood, her lifelong challenges with misophonia, about 'coming out' as autistic…

People in this episode

Host: Amy Richards

Guest: Emma Marsh

Topics covered

• autism
• conservation
• nature
• self-sufficiency
• workplace challenges
• gardening

Keywords

• autism
• conservation
• RSPB
• gardening
• self-sufficiency
• misophonia
• perfectionism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RSPB

Places: North Warwickshire, England

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