Jay Griffiths talks to Charles Foster

Writer Jay Griffiths draws on science, history and indigenous knowledge to offer an insight into the healing nature of our relationship with animals.

Griffiths explores how animals can play a role in every level of healing. She describes the pot-bellied pig that saved its owner’s life, the lions who guarded a girl from kidnappers, dolphins and whales that rescued people in danger, and dogs that can smell cancer and ring the emergency services. Griffiths explains how the noise of insects, birdsong and purring cats are directly medicinal and can heal the pain of loneliness. She says animals are also medicine for a healthy culture and animate the arts.

‘Jay Griffiths’ courage and energy are formidable, but so is her sheer intelligence and literary flair. Her work isn’t just good – it’s necessary’ Philip Pullman

Griffiths is author of many books including Wild: An Elemental Journey, Kith: The Riddle of the Childscape, Tristimania and Pip Pip: A Sideways Look at Time. Here she talks to natural historian Charles Foster, author of Pets and People, about which he speaks at another festival event.