What happens when even nature connection experts forget to go outside? Marine biologist and biomimicry educator Deborah Benham shares her honest story of disconnection, cracked wellies, and the fifteen minutes that changed everything. We explore the Living Systems Alliance, designing like ecosystems, ghost moths, and how culture emerges when communities pay attention to the land. A conversation about remembering, returning, and creating regenerative futures together.
Deborah Benham is a marine biologist, nature connection practitioner, and biomimicry educator based in Dorset, England. She works with Transition Network International supporting community-led action across 60+ countries and is co-creating the Living Systems Alliance—a collaboration bringing biomimicry, permaculture, and regenerative design to communities worldwide. Deborah lives in the UK's largest cohousing community and is passionate about helping people reconnect with nature, learn from living systems, and become positive keystone species in their ecosystems.
Deborah's Work & Resources:
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Website: www.deborahbenham.com
Email: Available via website
Website: www.leonajohnson.life
Instagram: @connection.matters.leona
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"I'm not depressed, I just haven't had any nature connection for the last few weeks." - Deborah Benham
"Nature doesn't have a bin. There is no waste. Everything becomes food for something else." - Deborah Benham
"We're not a plague. We're not a blight. We've just gone off course." - Deborah Benham
"That's how culture can arise from nature connection—not forced, not manufactured, but arising naturally when people have the opportunity to gather around the land they're stewarding together." - Deborah Benham
"What can I learn from nature today? Just open up your senses and really listen. Notice with curiosity. See what you come back with." - Deborah Benham
"We don't need to change everything. We just need to remember. And when we forget—because we will forget—we need to start again." - Leona Johnson
"Connection first. Design as nature. Do it together. That's how we create the culture that comes next." - Leona Johnson
Take Deborah's closing question on your next walk: What can I learn from nature today?
Then share what you discover—tag us on social media or leave a comment on the blog.
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