Audiobooks by Kathy Willis

Plants: From Roots to Riches: A History of Our Changing Relationship with Plants

"An illuminating journey through the past, present and future of the botanical world How did plants shape the modern world? And what can they tell us about our future? Our peculiarly British obsession with gardens goes back a long way and Plants: From Roots to Riches takes us back to where it all began. Across 25 fascinating episodes, Professor Kathy Willis, former Director of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, explores our changing relationship with plants over the past 250 years. Drawing on the extraordinary collections, archives and expertise of Kew Gardens, she traces the scientific discoveries, cultural obsessions and global challenges that have transformed the way we understand the botanical world. From the discovery of Botany Bay to the horrors of the potato famine, from orchid hunters to quinine smugglers, from Darwin's experiments to the unexpected knowledge unlocked by the 1987 hurricane, understanding how plants work has changed our history and could safeguard our future. Rich in insight, history and scientific discovery, this compelling BBC series offers a fresh perspective on the plants that surround us and the vital role they continue to play in our lives. In the style of A History of the World in 100 Objects, each chapter tells a separate story, but, gathered together, a great picture unfolds, of our most remarkable science: botany. Presented by Professor Kathy Willis Produced by Adrian Washbourne ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Kathy Willis (Author), Kathy Willis (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free

[German] - Die Superkraft der Pflanzen: Wie die Natur unsere Gesundheit verbessert

"Von der guten Kraft der Natur Schon lange haben wir es geahnt, aber bisher war es nicht wissenschaftlich erwiesen: Kathy Willis liefert in diesem Hörbuch den Nachweis, dass die sinnliche Wahrnehmung von Pflanzen ursächlich ist für eine bessere Gesundheit und Stimmung sowie ein langes Leben. Die Forscherin zeigt viele, teils überraschende Wege, wie die Natur unser Leben positiv beeinflussen kann: Die Berührung von Holz beruhigt, Zedernholz stärkt die Krebsbekämpfungszellen in unserem Immunsystem, der Duft von Rosen trägt dazu bei, entspannt und sicherer Auto zu fahren. Selbst eine Topfpflanze neben dem Schreibtisch kann einen Unterschied machen. Ein revolutionärer, wissenschaftlich fundierter Blick auf die Möglichkeiten, wie die Natur uns gesund machen kann."

Kathy Willis (Author), Madeleine Coco Sanders (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free

Good Nature: The New Science of How Nature Improves Our Health

"Bloomsbury presents Good Nature written and read by Kathy Willis. ‘Should be mandatory reading ... A superb book’ CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN ‘Fascinating, comprehensive and highly convincing’ OBSERVER ‘I defy anyone to read this book and not embrace a life with plants!’ ISABELLA TREE We know the benefits of eating your greens, or getting your ‘five a day’. But what about the other ways that nature can help us lead healthier – and happier – lives? In this revolutionary book, Professor Kathy Willis reveals the surprising science behind the natural world and how we can harness its benefits to improve our health: whether it’s gardening with your bare hands to boost your gut microbiome; letting the scent of roses make you a calmer and safer driver; or tuning into birdsong to help reduce stress, and even pain. With applications for everything from which way we walk to work to choosing where our kids go to school, Good Nature brings the latest scientific research into our homes and workplaces, showing us how we can have better, happier, healthier and longer lives. P 2024 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC C 2024 Kathy Willis"

Kathy Willis (Author), Kathy Willis (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free