OUR FIRST VIDEO PODCAST! A massive thank you to all who have supported and stuck with me this year 😘

Simon Russell is the Chair of the Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA), an organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife and putting an end to illegal fox hunting, and other wildlife. In this episode of Plant Bae's Diary, we delve into the realities of hunting in the UK, the work of hunt saboteurs, and the challenges they face in their fight for justice. I'm honoured to share our first podcast video with Simon as he shares his experiences in the movement, the importance of grassroots activism, and how individuals can get involved to make a difference.

(00:00) Intro
(02:29) The 60-year history of Hunt Saboteurs Association
(04:20) Loopholes in the 2004 hunting ban and trail hunting explained
(10:14) Why aren’t the police involved in illegal hunting?
(14:00) When the Sab groups step in during hunting season
(15:52) All-volunteer efforts and the power of grassroots activism
(17:20) The intensity of saboteur work and how long volunteers last
(18:35) What a typical saboteur intervention looks like
(21:50) Communicating before modern technology
(22:45) Using nonviolent direct action to disrupt hunts
(24:15) Dealing with aggression and violence from hunters
(26:15) Farmers’ mixed feelings about hunting
(30:40) Listener question: Lewis
(35:45) IYKYK
(36:52) Simon’s journey into activism at age 17
(38:06) Simon's vegan journey & relationship with animals
(40:31) Building community and embracing inclusivity within HSA
(44:25) How HSA secures funding for its grassroots work
(48:30) The organisation’s global reach and affiliates
(51:00) Pushing for stronger laws and penalties for illegal hunting
(55:06) Surprising animals targeted by hunters, like mink
(57:57) Simon’s most memorable personal victory as a saboteur
(1:00:24) The violent reality of facing hunting groups
(1:02:55) Reflecting on violence justified by tradition
(1:05:43) What Simon would need if he's stranded on an island