Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 2.45 - Teasel Treasures and Skylark Symphonies | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:41:24 | |
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a mild mid-November morning at High Ash Farm, where autumn's unsettled chill stirs flocks of goldfinches into a dazzling display amid teasel heads and thistle margins, their yellow wing bars flashing as they feast on seeds in a biennial bounty perfect for butterflies and overwintering cover. Venture to the ancient Roman capital of eastern Britain on the farm's edge, pondering monumental shifts in agriculture—from wartime ploughing with horses to modern self-sufficiency challenges, commodity pressures, and diversification into solar panels or public access—amid tales of Iceni tribes, Boudica's rebellion, and imported walnuts in amphorae. Spotlight a green woodpecker probing for ants on close-grazed pastures, its iridescent plumage and shocking red crown a vivid highlight, alongside erupting lapwing flocks in cold-weather migrations and deceitful wing-dragging displays. Marvel at skylark clans gathering in courtship flights over pollen and nectar fields, their hovering silhouettes a red-listed delight, while insects seek hibernation nooks and listener greetings mark the podcast's second anniversary. A reflective ramble through seasonal spectacles, historical harvests, and evolving rural realities, ideal for embracing the fleeting warmth before winter's grasp. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/18150574-episode-2-45-teasel-treasures-and-skylark-symphonies.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.44 - Nocturnal Newts and Hare Havens | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:54:49 | |
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a damp November evening at High Ash Farm for a nocturnal safari, starting in the bustling farmyard where torchlight reveals smooth newts feasting on wriggling worms amid leaf litter, their amphibian lives split between aquatic springs and terrestrial nights, alongside dusky slugs grazing on fungi and leaving slimy trails up mossy walls. Venture into pitch-black fields to spotlight hares congregating in open grasslands, leverets born furred and alert, contrasting with burrowing rabbits bolting for cover, while moths flutter by, evoking night-time predators like bats with ultrasonic echoes and nightjars trawling the air. Encounter reflective-eyed little owls on short turf, elusive roe deer flashing white rumps, and bounding Chinese water deer vanishing into undergrowth, all amid discussions of historical warreners, myxomatosis impacts, and seasonal shifts in wildlife behaviour. Reflect on listener queries about hybrid horse chestnuts with empty conker cases, cover crops boosting soil health and skylarks, and speedy hedgehogs scouting hog houses for hibernation. An enchanting after-dark exploration of hidden habitats, mammalian marvels, and the intricate rhythms of countryside nightlife, ideal for uncovering the secrets that daylight conceals. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/18116031-episode-2-44-nocturnal-newts-and-hare-havens.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.35 - Lakeside Moults and Orchard Opulence | 30 Aug 2025 | 00:52:50 | |
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a sun-drenched late August morning at High Ash Farm in the Norfolk countryside. This episode explores the serene beauty of the farm’s lake, where a majestic young mute swan is moulting amid darting swallows, vibrant kingfishers, and upending mallards. Discover the perils of lead poisoning for swans and the thriving aquatic plants like gipsy wort and flag iris. Venture to bountiful hedgerows laden with hawthorn berries, blackthorn sloes, and rose hips, signalling a spectacular mast year for wildlife. Delight in the orchard’s overflowing harvest of Victoria plums, Cox’s apples, and the quirky native medlar tree. Chris answers listener questions on peculiar rose galls, lingering tadpoles, and the alarming decline in swifts and insects. The episode closes with a poignant reading of Kevin McManus’s poem “The Turning of August,” capturing the subtle shift from summer’s warmth to autumn’s edge. Perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking a poetic glimpse into rural life’s rhythms. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17747895-episode-2-35-lakeside-moults-and-orchard-opulence.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 1.11 - A Trip to Winterton-On-Sea | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:34:59 | |
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| Episode 1.10 - Farm Like You'll Live Forever | 10 Nov 2024 | 00:35:21 | |
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| Episode 1.9 - A Woodland Wander | 09 Nov 2024 | 00:44:17 | |
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| Episode 1.8 - A Trip to Outney Common | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:28:22 | |
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| Episode 1.7 - Modern Machinery | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:26:16 | |
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| Episode 1.6 - Swallows Ploughs and Leverets | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:50:29 | |
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| Episode 1.5 - A Trip to the Seaside | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:48:30 | |
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| Episode 1.4 - The Future of Farming | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:38:42 | |
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| Episode 1.3 - Anglo Saxons Parasitic Plants and Hornbeam Trees | 03 Nov 2024 | 00:36:39 | |
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| Episode 1.2 - Cyclops and Hedgerows | 02 Nov 2024 | 00:33:56 | |
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| Episode 2.34 - Grey Ghosts and Autumn Winds | 24 Aug 2025 | 00:45:02 | |
In this breezy episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin confront August’s slate-grey skies at High Ash Farm, where autumn’s approach stirs poignant reflections. The grey partridge, a red-listed farmland icon, haunts Chris’s memories—once shot in coveys of 50, now vanishing due to habitat loss, early harvests, and predator control, despite biodiversity plans. Chris’s experiment with bird scarers mimics shooting’s toll, revealing an 80% drop in bird numbers on disturbed fields, a call to halt the hunt. Swallows cluster on wires, juveniles dreaming of South Africa, their parents teaching the final flights. Listener queries on box moth woes, chaffinch displays, and dry ponds enrich this lament, as peregrines prowl and the farm’s live show looms on October 19th at Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre under scudding clouds. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17722572-episode-2-34-grey-ghosts-and-autumn-winds.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 1.1 - Do Different | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:38:02 | |
In this first episode, farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner celebrates his 74th birthday. He looks back at the history of his home, High Ash Farm, and we're introduced to his pesky pal, Rat the dog. Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.33 - Finch Flocks and Clouded Wings | 16 Aug 2025 | 00:39:50 | |
In this breezy episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin witness High Ash Farm’s summer crescendo, where flocks take flight. Mixed groups of goldfinches and linnets—up to 250 strong—swarm over chicory fields, their silvery undersides gleaming as they devour seeds, evading kestrels and peregrines in a dazzling display of survival. Clouded yellow butterflies, migrants from southern Europe, flutter over lucerne, their orange wings a rare treat in this drought year. A hollow oak harbours a hornet hive, its paper artistry humming with queens and workers, a marvel of nature’s engineering. Listener tales of hares, little owls, and swallows enrich this journey, as swallows skim low and the hay mower carves paths under a scudding sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17679645-episode-2-33-finch-flocks-and-clouded-wings.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.32 - Sloes and Stings A Wild Farewell | 09 Aug 2025 | 00:47:12 | |
In this gusty episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin embrace August’s wild turn at High Ash Farm, where autumn whispers through the breeze. Rowan trees (mountain ash) dazzle with orange-red berries, a thrush feast and historical charm against witches, while blackthorn hedges yield a bumper sloe crop, ripe for Chris’s granny’s sloe gin recipe. A thriving wasp nest nestled in railway sleepers showcases nature’s paper artistry, balancing pollination and predation. Listener tales of deer ticks, drought-hit wildflowers, and wild angelica weave into this harvest tale, as the farm prepares for a live show on October 19th at Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre under a clearing blue sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17624773-episode-2-32-sloes-and-stings-a-wild-farewell.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.31 - Swallow Flights and Flaxen Fields | 02 Aug 2025 | 00:38:48 | |
In this tender episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin greet August’s first whispers at High Ash Farm, where summer fades into autumn’s embrace. Migratory swallows—juveniles from the north—sweep overhead in chattering flocks, while Barnfield’s wild bird seed mix bursts with flax, its Wedgwood-blue blooms echoing 1950s harvests, alongside thistles, mustard, and sunflowers yielding oil-rich seeds for winter’s hungry gap. A rare meadow clary, its deep purple spikes rising from chalky soil, surprises on a south-facing slope, its seeds once a remedy for clear eyes. New barn owl nesting boxes promise hope, as gatekeeper butterflies pirouette and listener tales of teasels and poppies enrich this dance of nature’s farewell under a low, golden sun. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17593715-episode-2-31-swallow-flights-and-flaxen-fields.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.30 - Burnet Wings and Knapweed Crowns | 26 Jul 2025 | 00:44:30 | |
In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin revel in a glorious late July morning at High Ash Farm, where nature dons its finest. Over a purple knapweed sea—its hard heads buzzing with bees—six-spot burnet moths dazzle with jet-black wings and crimson spots, emerging from reflective cocoons after a cyanide-rich diet of birdsfoot trefoil. Parasitic wonders like yellow rattle and lesser broomrape thrive, their seeds hinting at future life, while the regal wildflower field bursts with poppies, yarrow, and cornflower blue, a Van Gogh palette revived from set-aside days. Listener tales of window-struck warblers, brown tail moths, and swift absences weave into this tapestry, as swallows feast under a cotton-wool sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17556276-episode-2-30-burnet-wings-and-knapweed-crowns.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.29 - Bluebell Seeds and Bindweed Bells | 19 Jul 2025 | 00:50:47 | |
In this captivating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore High Ash Farm amid its third heatwave, where nature’s cycle thrives. In Fox’s Grove, bluebell stalks release shiny black seeds, their retractile roots pulling bulbs deeper into gravelly soil, a silent promise for 2026’s bloom. Along the hedgerows, large bindweed’s bell-shaped flowers—white with pink stripes—curl anticlockwise in a thigmotropic dance, feeding moths, while hogweed’s umbrella heads grace the chalk pit field, their seeds poised for wind’s dispersal. Chris pans for gold in a digger bucket, harvesting yellow rattle seeds worth £200 per kilo, a testament to the farm’s diversification from past cereal days. Listener tales of wood pigeon brawls, kingfisher feats, and swallowtail sightings weave into this tale, as nature’s resilience shines under a sun-scorched sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17515208-episode-2-29-bluebell-seeds-and-bindweed-bells.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.28 - Amphibians to Azure A Farm Miracle | 12 Jul 2025 | 00:43:51 | |
In this enchanting episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin embrace a damp July morning at High Ash Farm, where a farm miracle unfolds. By the lake, tens of thousands of froglets and toadlets leap from their tadpole origins, abandoning the water in a breathtaking exodus, their tiny forms navigating metre-high grass to escape herons and owls. Half a mile away, a kingfisher’s azure brilliance—cobalt wings and halcyon hues—dazzles from a crafted perch, its dives snaring young rudd and gudgeon, a fledged nest now a silent triumph. The teasel maze stretches across five acres, a pollinator haven humming with bees and red admirals, its clay-cracked paths whispering Saxon history. Listener tales of parasitic wasps and sand martin boxes weave into this journey, as nature’s miracle thrives under a softening sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17493040-episode-2-28-amphibians-to-azure-a-farm-miracle.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.27 - Admiral’s Dance and Teasel Maze | 05 Jul 2025 | 00:43:47 | |
In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin revel in High Ash Farm’s sultry July heat, where nature pirouettes in a stunning display. The red admiral’s dance unfolds as this migrant aristocrat flutters over an oak tree’s amber sap, its orange-and-black wings a vivid spectacle, while common centaury’s pink blooms nod to ancient healing myths. A butterfly bonanza—peacocks, meadow browns, small whites, speckled woods, and a ragged-winged comma—graces wildflowers like corn marigold and feverfew, their courtship a summer ballet. A fierce aerial clash sees kestrels drive off a buzzard over a rabbit feast, showcasing nature’s raw balance. Listener tales of swift absences, box tree moths, and a rare marbled white enrich this journey, culminating in Chris’s whimsical new teasel maze, awaiting Matthew’s ribbon-cutting flourish under a softening sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17449357-episode-2-27-admiral-s-dance-and-teasel-maze.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.26 - Ragged Robins and Rustic Nests | 28 Jun 2025 | 00:49:18 | |
In this delightful episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin linger in High Ash Farm’s yard, where sparrows thrive amidst 42 nest boxes, their fledglings peeking out as parents deliver 2000 daily feedings—a red-listed revival from near extinction 25 years ago. Nearby, bouncing bet (soapwort) unveils creamy blooms with soapy leaves, a historical gem once used to cleanse ancient fabrics, while bladder campion’s balloon-like flowers and red ragged robin’s delicate pink petals grace the marshy lowlands. A new badger set, unearthed in Cantley Hill Plantation, reveals a family of four, their sandy digs captured on camera, adding to the farm’s wildlife tapestry. Listener queries—trapped church birds, solitary bees, skylark dives, and ladybird larvae—enliven this journey, as July’s gentle bloom heralds nature’s quiet triumph under a softening summer sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17403341-episode-2-26-ragged-robins-and-rustic-nests.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.43 - Stormy Sheds and Soil Secrets | 25 Oct 2025 | 00:47:58 | |
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a blustery, rain-lashed Thursday morning at High Ash Farm amid Storm Benjamin's gales, retreating into the vast farm workshop where gleaming tractors, mowers, sprayers, and cultivators—worth fortunes in investment—await winter storage and servicing. Delve into the challenges facing young farmers, from soaring land prices and machinery costs to the need for diversification into school visits, livery yards, and public access, all while pondering the shift from traditional ploughing to min-till methods that boost soil health. Brave the elements to explore freshly trimmed hedgerows serving as wildlife corridors for yellowhammers and sparrows, then spade up sodden earth to reveal thriving earthworm populations—juicy Lumbricus terrestris and wriggling juveniles—highlighting their role in aeration, nutrient cycling, and drought resistance. Venture into Fox's Grove amid dripping canopies to admire ancient sweet chestnut trees, measuring girths of 15 feet on 250-year-old giants, tracing their Roman origins, coppicing history, and bountiful nut crops feeding badgers, deer, and mice in an autumnal feast. Savour listener emails on transplanting horse chestnuts and the podcast's uplifting impact, alongside reflections on a lively theatre event. A thought-provoking trek through farming's modern realities, soil secrets, and woodland treasures, perfect for weathering the storms of seasonal change. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/18068578-episode-2-43-stormy-sheds-and-soil-secrets.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.25 - Salt Marshes and Storms, A Summer Surge | 21 Jun 2025 | 00:48:36 | |
In this captivating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin embrace a radiant June morning at High Ash Farm, where nature’s might and beauty collide. Following a fierce storm that dumped 38 millimetres of rain in an hour and a half, the farm’s meadows reveal a tapestry of grasses—tall meadow fescue, Yorkshire fog’s purple haze, and sweet vernal’s perfumed blooms—standing resilient against the deluge. A buffer strip, crafted 20 years ago, proves its worth, halting floodwaters that once threatened the River Tas, a testament to working with nature’s power. At Brancaster’s salt marshes, Chris marvels at sea lavender and glasswort, their salt-tolerant forms thriving amidst tidal shifts, while cattle egrets and oystercatchers adapt to the high tide. Listener tales of early brambles, hedgehog hoglets, and a piebald jackdaw enrich this journey, as the longest day heralds summer’s peak under a sky of promise and memory. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17351488-episode-2-25-salt-marshes-and-storms-a-summer-surge.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.24 - Skylarks and Pyramids, June’s High Harmony | 14 Jun 2025 | 00:43:34 | |
In this enchanting episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin ascend to the lofty heights of High Ash Farm, where June’s wild symphony reverberates across Norfolk’s landscape. On the historic gun field—once a wartime bastion with searchlights and artillery guarding Norwich from German bombers during the 1940s—a skylark soars, its trilling melody piercing the sky just yards away, a poignant echo of resilience. Nearby, pyramidal orchids rise from chalky clay, their deep purple spikes crafting nature’s pyramids, a rare bloom thriving amidst a wildflower haven shaped by centuries of human toil. In an elder wood atop an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, creamy blossoms whisper tales of ancient cremations and fires fuelled by hollow elder stems, a site of international significance where Roman chalk mining once supported early mortar works. From hedgehog hoglets foraging in daylight to debates on solar panels versus farmland, listener queries enrich this journey. With bees buzzing over sand vetch, rooks cawing from nest-laden Scots pines, and the farm’s living heritage unfolding, this episode celebrates a timeless connection under a lengthening summer sky. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17325258-episode-2-24-skylarks-and-pyramids-june-s-high-harmony.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.23 - Roses and Red Kites - June’s Wild Waltz | 07 Jun 2025 | 00:42:36 | |
In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin brave a blustery June morning at High Ash Farm, where summer’s rhythm pulses through Norfolk’s countryside. By a windswept hedgerow, they marvel at field and dog roses, their delicate white and pink petals whispering tales of Roman introductions and heralding scarlet hips for autumn. A majestic red kite, mobbed by crows, glides over crimson-tinted soil, joined by buzzards relishing disc-churned invertebrates. In a young woodland, a lone common spotted orchid glows with pinkish-purple spikes, its ancient seed thriving in chalky clay through mysterious fungal bonds. Amidst pelting rain, four swallow fledglings dart through a stable, mastering flight in a whirlwind of wings. From cuckoo spit’s frothy secrets to a bee swarm’s rooftop haven, listener queries weave through vivid discoveries, celebrating June’s untamed symphony. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17293128-episode-2-23-roses-and-red-kites-june-s-wild-waltz.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.22 - Woodpeckers and Witches’ Brooms Summer’s Secret Symphony | 31 May 2025 | 00:46:01 | |
"Woodpeckers and Witches’ Brooms: Summer’s Secret Symphony" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17248014-episode-2-22-woodpeckers-and-witches-brooms-summer-s-secret-symphony.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.21 - Shepherd’s Purse, Soldier’s Float | 24 May 2025 | 00:48:22 | |
Bask in the sunlit splendour of High Ash Farm’s wildflower meadows, where Chris Skinner guides us through a vibrant tapestry of nature’s small wonders. Marvel at the common blue butterflies, their Wedgwood-hued wings dancing over bird’s foot trefoil, a legume bursting into bright yellow bloom. Amid the meadow, yellow rattle thrives, subtly parasitizing grasses to foster a haven for declining insect species. Discover the rare shepherd’s purse and shepherd’s needle, crucifers with delicate, cross-shaped white flowers, their names echoing ancient sheepherding traditions and medieval practices of stitching lambskins to nurture orphaned young. By the farm’s tranquil lake, witness tadpoles in metamorphosis, their tiny hind legs sprouting as they edge toward froghood, while the scarce water soldier’s white blooms drift serenely, carried by the breeze. From drought-stressed fields to the resilience of Norfolk’s biodiversity, this episode celebrates the intricate connections of flora and fauna in a rapidly changing season. Join us for a heartfelt journey through the countryside, plus answers to your wildlife questions! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17202769-episode-2-21-shepherd-s-purse-soldier-s-float.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.20 - Cubs and Cones, Woodland’s Shared Spaces | 17 May 2025 | 00:44:26 | |
Join Chris Skinner in the verdant depths of Fox's Grove, where spring unveils a remarkable tale of coexistence: badgers and foxes sharing the same sprawling set, with cubs of both species thriving in harmony. Discover the delicate beauty of the early purple orchid, steeped in Shakespearean lore, and marvel at the ash trees’ surprising sex-switching as they produce a prolific crop of keys. Scots pines stun with their rapid growth spurts, while roe deer bark in the distance, adding to the woodland’s vibrant symphony. From drought-stressed landscapes to biodiversity’s resilience, this episode celebrates the intricate jigsaw of nature at High Ash Farm. Tune in for a journey through Norfolk’s countryside, plus answers to your wildlife questions! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17167691-episode-2-20-cubs-and-cones-woodland-s-shared-spaces.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.19 - Fox Cubs’ Feast, Galls’ Hidden Guests | 10 May 2025 | 00:45:44 | |
Join Chris Skinner at High Ash Farm for a captivating exploration of nature’s quirks in Norfolk’s countryside. This week, Chris unveils the ghostly spectacle of a spindle tree shrouded in the webs of brown tail moth caterpillars, a phenomenon both eerie and fascinating, while warning of their irritating hairs. The journey continues with a dive into the world of oak galls—marble galls and oak apples—revealing the hidden lives of gall wasps and the historical charm of Oak Apple Day. Amidst the bluebells of Foxes Grove, a heartwarming tale unfolds as a vixen adopts four orphaned cubs, raising a bustling family of eight, captured on camera for all to see on High Ash Farm’s Facebook page. From drought-stricken hay fields to the rich biodiversity of oak trees, Chris shares the wonders and challenges of rural life in May. Tune in for a blend of history, wildlife, and nature’s marvels! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17123452-episode-2-19-fox-cubs-feast-galls-hidden-guests.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.18 - May’s White Veil, Swifts’ Sickle Flight | 03 May 2025 | 00:51:46 | |
Embark on a captivating journey with Chris Skinner as he ventures from High Ash Farm to the Suffolk coast at Aldeburgh to witness the awe-inspiring arrival of swifts. Marvel at these sickle-shaped marvels as they soar above the marshes, hoovering up aerial plankton and clocking millions of miles in their lifetime. Back at the farm, Chris explores the delicate white blooms of hawthorn, alive with bees and flies, and shares its eerie historical ties to the scent of death. The episode blooms further with the pungent aroma of garlic mustard and wild garlic, vital food for orange-tip butterflies, while a rare sighting of over 200 yellowhammers adds a vibrant note to the spring symphony. Join us for a morning of coastal wonders and countryside treasures, where nature’s fleeting beauty unfolds in May’s warm embrace. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17086633-episode-2-18-may-s-white-veil-swifts-sickle-flight.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.17 - Bluebells in Peril, Swallows in Flight | 26 Apr 2025 | 00:46:34 | |
Join Chris Skinner at High Ash Farm for a vibrant spring morning filled with the tireless energy of returning swallows and the delicate beauty of the countryside. In this episode, Chris captures the dawn chorus as over 20 swallows busily build nests with mud and straw in the farm’s stables, marking the true arrival of summer. Venturing further, we explore the farm’s woodlands, where drought has left its mark on the bluebells, stunting their iconic display, though their resilience shines through. Amidst the blooms of blackthorn, wild cherry, and bird cherry at Notre Dame Wood, Chris reflects on the living heritage of the landscape, from ancient bluebell displays to Romano-Celtic temples. We also celebrate an extraordinary human journey as Stuart Fraser continues his 24,000-mile walk around the world—without leaving the farm. Tune in for birdsong, blossoms, and the timeless rhythms of nature at its finest. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17036800-episode-2-17-bluebells-in-peril-swallows-in-flight.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.16 - Kisses of Mistletoe, Blossoms of Crab Apple | 19 Apr 2025 | 00:39:32 | |
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a rain-soaked adventure at High Ash Farm, where the long-awaited spring showers bring life to the Norfolk countryside. Under dripping umbrellas, they explore the sticky secrets of mistletoe, a semi-parasitic plant thriving on ancient trees, and marvel at the delicate pink-tipped blossoms of the native crab apple, a spiny ancestor of modern orchards. At the lake’s edge, witness the magical hatching of thousands of tadpoles, forming living clouds in the shallows—a fleeting spectacle of nature’s renewal. From emails about house martins to the promise of wildflower fields, this episode celebrates the resilience and quiet wonders of the season, all serenaded by the patter of rain. Don’t miss this immersive journey into spring’s vibrant pulse! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16989586-episode-2-16-kisses-of-mistletoe-blossoms-of-crab-apple.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.42 - Mousy Mysteries and Nesting Wonders | 18 Oct 2025 | 00:47:58 | |
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp mid-October morning at High Ash Farm, where autumn's gentle bite scatters colourful leaves across the woodland floor and Rat the terrier digs with unbridled enthusiasm. Venture into the bustling sparrow hide, alive with house mice thriving in a commensal harmony amid spilled grain and sparrow chatter, their musty scent and rapid breeding a testament to nature's opportunism. Explore the lush field margins teeming with harvest mouse nests—tiny, woven spheres of shredded grass suspended like living orbs, crafted with prehensile tails and teeming with history from binder days to modern conservation triumphs. Encounter signs of voles munching on cocksfoot bases, alongside wood mice and their underground burrows, all forming a vital prey base for predators like barn owls and buzzards. Wander into Notre Dame Wood to uncover abandoned nests: rook platforms in budding rookeries, domed magpie hideaways guarding against thieves, crude wood pigeon twig lattices, massive squirrel drays, and lofty buzzard eyries atop the canopy. Marvel at an unexpected open-air beehive of dangling honeycombs, mistaken for a short-eared owl, and savour listener tips on foraging edible fungi like chicken of the woods amid fairy rings and field mushrooms. A delightful delve into autumn's hidden habitats, mammalian marvels, and avian architectures, ideal for appreciating the intricate web of countryside life. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/18027166-episode-2-42-mousy-mysteries-and-nesting-wonders.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.15 - Wings of Summer The Swallow’s Return | 12 Apr 2025 | 00:48:25 | |
In Episode 2.15 of The Countryside Podcast with Chris Skinner, we’re back at High Ash Farm, where the first swallows of the season have arrived, heralding the promise of summer with their daring aerial acrobatics. Chris’s infectious enthusiasm shines as he shares the miraculous 5,000-mile migration of these tiny birds, weighing less than a sugar cube, and their pinpoint return to the farm’s stables. We also discover the delicate beauty of the common storks bill, a wildflower thriving in Norfolk’s drought-stricken sandy soils, with a surprising seed-dispersing trick that screws itself into the ground. From the hovering prowess of kestrels to the frenzied boxing matches of hares, this episode is bursting with springtime wonders. Joined by Matthew, Chris answers listener questions, marvels at buzzards’ million-receptor eyesight, and reflects on the farm as a haven for wildlife. Tune in for a joyful celebration of nature’s resilience and surprises, recorded under Norfolk’s bright blue skies. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16962008-episode-2-15-wings-of-summer-the-swallow-s-return.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.14 - Windflowers, Wings, and Wily Ash | 05 Apr 2025 | 00:45:59 | |
April unfurls its wonders at High Ash Farm as Chris Skinner guides us through a sun-dappled tapestry of nature’s finest. From the slither of a grass snake basking in the warmth to the ancient whisper of windflowers carpeting the woodland floor, this episode is a celebration of spring’s slow and swift marvels. We chase the delicate dance of brimstone butterflies, marvel at the sex-shifting ash trees in coral bloom, and uncover the secrets of dandelions and violets—all while Rat the dog keeps us on our toes. Join us for a ramble where history, wildlife, and a touch of Norfolk charm collide under blue skies. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16916576-episode-2-14-windflowers-wings-and-wily-ash.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.13 - Stoats, Sloes, Snipe and Spawn | 30 Mar 2025 | 00:51:11 | |
In "Episode 2.13 - Stoats, Sloes, Snipe and Spawn," Chris Skinner ushers us into a misty late March morning at High Ash Farm near Norwich. A trail cam unveils the stealthy common snipe, its long beak probing the lake’s edge, while frog and toad spawn teems in the shallows—high ash caviar aplenty. Blackthorn hedges burst with blooms, promising sloe gin delights, and a bold stoat patrols the pasture with flair. A grumpy little owl and elusive green woodpeckers add to the mix, as Chris fields listener questions on hedgerows and wildlife, sharing his love for Norfolk’s vibrant spring awakening. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16876654-episode-2-13-stoats-sloes-snipe-and-spawn.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.12 - Deer Dances and Ant Armies | 23 Mar 2025 | 00:53:00 | |
Join farmer Chris Skinner for another enchanting journey through the wilds of High Ash Farm in this week’s Countryside Podcast. As spring unfolds, Chris shares a magical early morning encounter with Roe deer—fairies of the wood—dancing through the undergrowth, their velvet antlers catching the first light. Back at the farm, the porch comes alive with tiny black garden ants, emerging from hibernation to feast on honey and prepare for their annual marriage flight, a spectacle that links them to the farm’s green woodpeckers, or yaffles, whose haunting calls echo through Fox’s Grove. Chris explores the delicate balance of woodland life, from the predation challenges facing the lesser spotted woodpecker to the potential for Beaver rewilding in the farm’s water meadows. The episode concludes with a soggy but rewarding visit to Burnt House Meadow, where primroses paint the banks in lemon yellow, heralding the first roses of spring. Along the way, listeners from Norfolk to California share their wildlife sightings, from fieldfares to white-tailed eagles, reminding us of nature’s global symphony. Tune in for a celebration of the small and the mighty, all thriving in the Norfolk countryside. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16828016-episode-2-12-deer-dances-and-ant-armies.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.11 - Leverets and Lent Lilies: A March Awakening | 16 Mar 2025 | 00:53:24 | |
In this exhilarating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin venture across High Ash Farm on a crisp mid-March morning, where spring begins to unfurl its wonders. From a windswept hill, they marvel at the elusive mad March hares—tawny-gold giants lounging on their seats, mere yards away—joined by Chinese water deer in a fleeting chase across the fields. The journey shifts to a secretive woodland hide, where nuthatches, blue tits, and jays flaunt their breeding plumage, feasting on feeders amidst the rustle of sycamores and sweet chestnuts. As the sun breaks through, the farm’s flora takes centre stage: delicate lent lilies nod on steep slopes, bluebell shoots promise future carpets, and lesser celandines gleam like tiny suns along a babbling stream. Packed with tales of split-lip calls, historical hares on Iceni coins, and the relentless pace of nature’s renewal, this episode is a jubilant celebration of March’s wild heartbeat. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16791145-episode-2-11-leverets-and-lent-lilies-a-march-awakening.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.10 - Nest Builders and Seed Seekers | 09 Mar 2025 | 00:42:13 | |
In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, recorded on a glorious spring morning in early March at High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner and his co-host immerse listeners in the thriving world of nature. From the mobile bird hide (Chris’s farm truck), they observe the bustling High Ash Rookery, where rooks are busy rebuilding nests and laying eggs in ash and oak trees, adapting to the loss of their beloved elms due to Dutch Elm disease. The episode captures the rooks’ fascinating social dynamics, including their pecking order and playful thievery, set against a backdrop of Norfolk’s picturesque countryside. The journey continues to a luxurious bird hide, where an array of buntings—corn, reed, and the dazzling yellow hammer—feast on a bountiful spread, offering close-up views of these colourful species. Finally, by Chris Skinners Lake, signs of otters spark excitement, with plans to capture footage of these elusive visitors. Packed with vivid descriptions, ecological insights, and a celebration of biodiversity, this episode is a joyful ode to spring’s awakening. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16752270-episode-2-10-nest-builders-and-seed-seekers.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.9 - Gravestones and Orchids: Echoes of Earth | 02 Mar 2025 | 00:37:35 | |
Episode 2.9 - Gravestones and Orchids: Echoes of Earth https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16709701-episode-2-9-gravestones-and-orchids-echoes-of-earth.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.8 - Travelers Above, Toilers Below | 23 Feb 2025 | 00:43:30 | |
"Travelers Above, Toilers Below" bids adieu to winter’s visitors and unearths the quiet laborers of the countryside. Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin at High Ash Farm under February’s low sun as they watch fieldfares and redwings fuel up for their North Sea journey, their cinnamon-speckled breasts aglow. Beneath the pastures, moles toil in darkness, shaping the soil with their velvet-clad strength and leaving mole hills as evidence of their unseen empire. From the warmth of apricity to tales of a mole felling a king, this episode weaves natural history with wonder. A teaser of harvest mice nesting in shredded grass hints at spring’s approach, while Rat the terrier adds his playful chaos. Celebrate the fleeting beauty of migration and the steadfast work below in this heartfelt farewell to February. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16663195-episode-2-8-travelers-above-toilers-below.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.7 - Hidden in Plain Sight: The Silent Work of Nature’s Tiny Heroes | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:40:57 | |
"Hidden in Plain Sight: The Silent Work of Nature’s Tiny Heroes" dives into the often overlooked yet crucial roles played by nature's smallest inhabitants. Join hosts Chris Skinner and Matthew as they explore High Ash Farm, uncovering the secrets of the ecosystem. From the heat of compost heaps teeming with brandling worms to the fascinating hares that roam the fields, this episode celebrates the foundational species that support the entire ecological pyramid. Discover the unseen beauty of mosses, lichens, and the surprising world of snail hibernation in oak trees. This podcast not only educates about the biodiversity beneath our feet but also entertains with tales of worm charming and the natural cycles of life in the British countryside. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16616658-episode-2-7-hidden-in-plain-sight-the-silent-work-of-nature-s-tiny-heroes.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.6 - Barking Up the Right Tree - From Orchids to Old Oaks | 09 Feb 2025 | 00:43:37 | |
Join Rat Skinner, Farmer Chris and Matthew Gudgin at High Ash Farm for the latest episode of 'Gulps of Fresh Air,' where the countryside comes alive. This week, we're treated to the lively antics of Chris's boisterous terrier, not quite the sheepdog the flock behind us would prefer, as they prepare to move off the farm after a successful winter. Dive into the world of lambing with a remarkable 182% lambing rate, explore the rich tapestry of local history, from WWII radar stations to the transformation of farming practices, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area with its panoramic views, new orchid species, and the melodious song of the skylark. We'll also discuss recent changes in land use, from traditional farming to embracing stewardship and the advent of solar farms. The episode wraps up with a stroll through the emerging spring flora, highlighting the wild pansy and groundsel, and a nod to the farm's wildlife, including the ever-present hares. A special thank you goes out to listeners for their support in funding this series, contributing to conservation efforts like the new oak bench at Fox's Grove. Tune in for a blend of nature, history, and the evolving story of rural life. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16582076-episode-2-6-barking-up-the-right-tree-from-orchids-to-old-oaks.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.41 - Colourful Canopies and Shaggy Surprises | 11 Oct 2025 | 00:50:56 | |
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a mild mid-October morning at High Ash Farm, where Rat scampers ahead amid grey skies and the vibrant blaze of autumn foliage—Norway maples glowing with reds and oranges from flavonoids and carotenoids, while elms, oaks, and beeches shed leaves in a seasonal symphony shaped by abscission layers and wind. Delve into the farm's fungal treasures in Foxes Grove, from dripping shaggy ink caps (lawyer's wigs) auto-digesting in real time to birch polypores on decaying trunks and scarlet fly agarics emerging like hallucinogenic gems in birch woodlands. Chris laments ash dieback's toll on roots and trees, sharing tales of dynamite stump removal and a resilient New Horizon elm. Answer a listener's query on attracting blackbirds, redwings, and thrushes with pyracantha 'Orange Glow' on a north-facing wall, offering year-round berries, bee blooms, and nesting thorny havens. A captivating exploration of autumn's vivid transformations, fungal feats, and wildlife wisdom, perfect for embracing the season's fleeting beauty. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/17987964-episode-2-41-colourful-canopies-and-shaggy-surprises.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.5 - Moss Magic Exploring the Miniature Forest | 02 Feb 2025 | 00:43:23 | |
Join Chris Skinner on another enlightening episode of "The Countryside Podcast" at High Ash Farm. This week, Chris takes us on an adventurous journey, starting by exploring the unique life cycle of the moss Tortula muralis, perched high on an old roof accessed by a cherry picker. Discover how this resilient plant thrives in extreme conditions and its ecological importance. Later, Chris delves into the world of lichens, showcasing the vibrant Xanthoria parietina on old Norfolk clay pantiles. The episode concludes with a dawn chorus led by the Mistle Thrush in Cantley Hill plantation, and a visit to a magpie communal roost, offering insights into their behaviour and intelligence. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16531872-episode-2-5-moss-magic-exploring-the-miniature-forest.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.4 - The Tangled Roots of High Ash | 26 Jan 2025 | 00:39:14 | |
In this episode, Chris Skinner takes us through the enchanting yet challenging winter landscape of High Ash Farm in Norfolk. The podcast begins with an evening exploration where Chris discusses the mysterious fall of mature ash trees, potentially due to ash dieback affecting their roots. Despite the grim start, the episode transitions to a more uplifting note as Chris introduces listeners to the playful antics of badger cubs, observed through his wildlife cameras. The narrative then shifts to the early morning, where the dawn chorus, led by a melodious Robin, signifies the start of a new day amidst the farm's natural chorus. Chris also shares insights on the life of robins, their significance in British culture, and the subtle signs of spring. The episode concludes with a hopeful note, as Chris and Matthew listen for owls, reflecting on the interconnectedness of farm life and wildlife. Additionally, Chris responds to listener queries, discussing small mammals and their impact on local environments. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16495679-episode-2-4-the-tangled-roots-of-high-ash.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.3 - The Duck Pond Serenade | 19 Jan 2025 | 00:32:45 | |
In this episode of The Countryside Podcast, Chris and Matthew witness the breath-taking spectacle of waterfowl arrivals at the pond, reminiscent of Heathrow Airport with birds coming from all directions. Chris observes Mallards with their distinctive bottle-green heads, Egyptian geese, and Teal, all descending from high above, circling around before making their approach. The pond, a historical feature dug in the early 1600s, serves as a central hub for these birds, their numbers reaching up to 250 by evening. Chris discusses the challenges these birds face with habitat loss due to land drainage and modern farming practices, while Matthew touches on the sporting aspect of waterfowl. Join Chris and Matthew as they marvel at the birds' skilful landings, even on ice, and learn how they use the wind to their advantage for a soft landing. This episode captures the beauty and complexity of nature's evening routine. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16442300-episode-2-3-the-duck-pond-serenade.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||
| Episode 2.2 - The Hazel's Whisper and the Jackdaw's Call | 12 Jan 2025 | 00:39:30 | |
Chris and Matthew delve into the history of Hazel at the farm and some of the common uses before Chris heads out for an evening visit to the corvid roost. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/16414292-episode-2-2-the-hazel-s-whisper-and-the-jackdaw-s-call.mp3?download=true Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to | |||