109. Turning Deserts into Forests and Finding Hope in Restoration with James Godfrey-Faussett
“Everything for me starts with observation — if we just take the time to watch, nature will show us what to do.”
Today’s episode is such a special one. I’m joined by James Godfrey-Faussett, a restoration ecologist and founder of the Healing Earth Project, who has spent over two decades bringing degraded land back to life — from city forests to desert landscapes.
James shares what he’s learned from observing nature: that restoration doesn’t have to be complicated, that the Earth already knows how to heal if we give her the chance, and that slowing down might actually be the most powerful climate action we can take. He explains why observation is the first step to healing, how microbiology and fungi are the hidden engines of restoration, and why simplicity and community may be our greatest tools in the age of technology.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that optimism isn’t naive — it’s rooted in what nature shows us every day: resilience, patience, and the possibility of renewal.
So find a quiet spot, take a deep breath, and join us for this conversation on healing the Earth. And it starts, quite fittingly, by listening.
Follow + Connect with James on LinkedIn: James Godfrey-Faussett
Key Takeaways:
Observation is the foundation of restoration. Every healing process — ecological or personal — begins with slowing down and paying attention to what nature is showing us.
Nature already holds the solutions. Our role is not to control, but to collaborate — learning from natural intelligence and cycles.
Restoration is simple, not easy. Working with seeds instead of saplings, trusting soil microbiology, and embracing slow processes can lead to more resilient ecosystems.
Slowing down is a form of progress. By toning down urgency and aligning with nature’s pace, we find more sustainable and meaningful paths forward.
Community and circularity are key. Healing Earth Project’s four pillars — restoration, biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural tradition — highlight how ecological and human well-being are interconnected.
Nature is resilient. Even in the face of droughts or coral bleaching, ecosystems have a remarkable capacity to adapt and recover if given space and support.
The next generation. Empowering children to reconnect with the Earth may be our most hopeful path toward a restored and balanced future.
“We won’t save ourselves by trying to save ourselves. We’ll heal by asking how we can help Mother Earth — and she will save us.”
