Intelligence Squared The Allure of Abandoned Places, with Cal Flyn
Mar 18, 2022
Cal Flyn, an award-winning author known for her book *Islands of Abandonment*, shares her fascinating insights on the allure of abandoned places. She discusses how areas like Chernobyl showcase nature's resilience and ability to thrive in the absence of humans. Flyn also examines the ecological significance of decaying sites and the nostalgic memories they evoke. The conversation touches on rewilding efforts and the need to embrace a more nuanced relationship with wildlife, highlighting the balance between human impact and nature's recovery.
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Slate Islands Trip
- Cal Flyn became interested in abandoned places after visiting the Slate Islands.
- These flooded 19th-century slate quarries near Oban sparked her interest in post-industrial aesthetics and ecology.
Bings' Hidden Ecology
- Abandoned industrial sites, like the Bings in West Lothian, may appear desolate but become layered habitats.
- Random recolonization by various species creates unusual and valuable ecosystems.
Cyprus Buffer Zone
- The abandoned buffer zone in Cyprus demonstrates nature's swift reclamation.
- Despite recent human habitation, villages are quickly being overtaken by nature, highlighting varying timescales of abandonment.
