Do you know what’s tricky? Making three deeply interesting interviews sound like they’re worth your time, when they’re about ‘eating healthily, loans for home improvements and the old planning vs wildlife chestnut’. 
SEE? Don’t tell me your brain didn’t just switch off a bit, because I know it did. 

But hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt have done a brilliant job – it’s an admittedly eclectic mix of three wildly knowledgeable and informative guests. But just press play in the kitchen while you do the washing up, or you take the dog for a walk. Because this is such a great episode – even if it IS about the downside of too much vitamin C (ick), council-backed affordable home loans (interesting AND super-useful) and where and how we’re building in Dorset (so. much. to. say).

Can Food Really Prevent Colds?

Nutritional therapist Karen Geary is always fascinating as she shares her expert advice. This month she’s looking at how to support your immune system through what you eat. From gut health and fiber intake to the role of Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D, Karen explains how small changes can make a big difference in keeping winter colds at bay.

💡 “70% of your immune system resides in your gut—so if you’re not taking care of it, you’re missing a huge piece of the puzzle.” – Karen Geary

She also busts common myths about supplements, revealing why many over-the-counter vitamins don’t work as advertised – and what to look for instead.

The Grumbler: Are Green Policies Just Land Grabs?

This month’s anonymous Grumbler column takes aim at government environmental policies, calling out the contradictions between expanding Heathrow Airport while pushing carbon offset schemes that take farmland out of food production.

🔥 “We should be growing food, not exporting our emissions with bad offset schemes.” – The Grumbler

The column questions whether the government is prioritizing PR-friendly initiatives over real climate solutions and what that could mean for rural communities.

Low-cost council-funded loans to help with those much-needed home improvements

CEO Emma Lower of Lendology explains how the social enterprise lender is helping homeowners secure low-interest loans for home improvements – from solar panels and heat pumps to insulation, double glazing and roof repairs.

🏡 “Unlike traditional lenders, we offer the same interest rate to everyone – so more homeowners can afford to go green.” – Emma Lower

With local councils backing these loans, they are able to offer exceptionally rates and bespoke terms, so that more Dorset residents can access funding to make their homes warmer, more energy-efficient, and better for the environment.

Wildlife vs. Housing: Can Dorset Have Both?

In a deeply interesting interview, Imogen Davenport of the Dorset Wildlife Trust discusses how housing developments can coexist with nature – but only if environmental planning is a priority from the start.

🏡 “in the old system, our local authorities argued successfully that because of the green belt around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Pool, the heathland around them, our significant areas of National Landscape, our highly protected Jurassic Coast, various other ancient hill forts and protected sites … together add up to be something that makes it significantly difficult to deliver these housing numbers. And that had been accepted, which is why our numbers were that much lower. So it’s not to say we can’t, but it’s where these houses can go without causing damage.” – Imogen Davenport

She highlights why bad planning leads to unnecessary environmental damage and how better green infrastructure, protected green spaces, and smarter site selection can create wildlife-friendly communities.

These interviews were based on articles found in February’s BV, which can be read here … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, horses … and frankly stunning photography.

Did we mention it’s FREE?

The BV is Dorset’s go-to magazine – named ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’ (ACE Awards) and ‘Regional News Site of the Year’ (Press Gazette) in 2024. Brimming with Dorset’s people and places, it’s too good to miss!