It's a big birthday for Chris Skinner this week and to celebrate he shares the starlings at High Ash Farm with us.

Chris then continues the bird theme and shows Matthew Gudgin other birds gathering in the fields including jackdaws, carrion crows and rooks.

The pair then give the answer to last weeks conundrum as well as answering questions about bats and moths.

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This episode marks a special one year anniversary for Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast.

Chris has a gift for you in way of a tricky conundrum for you to have a go at:

Today, Sunday the first of September, I am safe. Why should I be worried tomorrow, the second of September and why shouldn't I worried tomorrow, the second of September?

Answers can be emailed to chris@countrysidepodcast.co.uk

Chris introduces Matthew Gudgin his favourite woodland butterfly. The pair discuss the amount of rainwater recorded in the county and Chris explains what this means for sycamore trees.

The pair drive to successional wood to look at the devastating impact of grey squirrels at High Ash Farm.

Back at the farm truck Chris and Matthew answer questions about ragwort and watercourses.

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Chris Skinner starts the episode by capturing the dawn chorus from song thrushes, wood pigeon and a bantam cockerel.

Matthew Gudgin is shocked to be greeted by a stoat before they've even started! They learn about how this small predator hunts and navigates its way around High Ash Farm. Chris managed filmed the stoats and you can see this footage here.

Before answering listener questions the pair delight at the blackberry bushes busy with the hum of bees and one of the symbols of Tudor Britain, the dog rose. Chris explains how important rose rips were after the war as a source of vitamin C.

They answer a plethora of questions including wood pigeon coos, a flint find and the lack of poppies this year.

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Chris glimpses the morning routine of the swallows first thing. They're considering whether they can fit in a final brood.

Matthew Gudin and Rat the dog keep up with Chris as he shares with us the super powers of clover.

Chris also talks about the predators  at High Ash Farm, a topic that often divides the farming community. He describes his footage of the young fox cubs playing and shares with us a very moving story showing how it's never too late to change opinion.

Click here to see the fox cub footage on the High Ash Farm Facebook Page

Emails from listeners this week showcase the rare and smelly lizard orchid, how swifts communicate, curious close ups and fan mail for Rat.

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This morning's morning chorus comes from the geese visiting the pond at High Ash Farm.

Chris Skinner takes Matthew Gudgin to the High Ash Farm Bog. He tells the story of something once swallowed up by this bottomless bog! This wonderful habitat provides the perfect conditions for one Chris's favourite flowers, the ragged robin.

The pair then compare these wetland plants to the more drought tolerant flowers on the farm. Rat is in full voice this week as Chris tries to showcase the diversity of the plants along this changing gradient of soil pH. Each flower with it's own fascinating history and derivation.

A rain shower sends Chris, Matt and Rat into the farm truck in time to answer listener questions about hornets, foxgloves and a mystery sound.

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Chris Skinner listens in as the corvid take to their nests for their final chatter of the day, an evening chorus . The following day, Matthew Gudgin joins Chris and they go in search of the Common Spotted Orchid and the striking Pyramidal Orchid.

Chris explains how the geology and soil types at High Ash Farm dictate what grows where when it comes to wildflowers.

Chris and Matthew stand amazed at the edge of a pond as red swarms of cyclops swirl in the water. Back at the farm truck, the pair enjoy reading emails from listeners tuned in as far as Michigan, USA! They're also intrigued and slightly jealous of the photos sent in too.

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The dawn chorus provided by a blackbird whilst Chris Skinner describes how much he enjoys doing the rounds first thing at High Ash Farm. The goslings swim over to wish Chris a good morning!

He's joined by  his broadcasting companion Matthew Gugdin and they marvel at the mystery of the bee  orchid and discuss other orchids on the farm and their soil preference. Matthew, Chris and  his terrible terrier visit  another field full of wild flowers. Chris describes how quickly these dedicated wild flower fields change colour so quickly.

They answer listeners questions about caterpillars and Chris shows Matthew the Mullein moth caterpillar in action. They also explain how to collect and spread yellow rattle seed.

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Chris Skinner has been busy counting the swallows on the farm. He catches their early morning chatter as the thirty-seven birds prepare for the day ahead.

Chris takes Matthew Gudgin and terrible terrier Rat, to a field full of creeping buttercups. They return to the woodland where the bluebells were. They're long gone now, but standing  in their wake are the towering foxgloves - Digitalis purpurea. 

Chris, Matthew and Rat then come across some enormous animal hoof prints of red deer and Chris explains what the stags are doing at this time of year as the doe rear the fawns.

Back at the farm truck, the pair  delight at reading the letters, emails and pictures sent in from listeners. They read aloud a peculiar verse that describes swifts as devil’s bitches and Chris explains why they were given such a name!

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Chris Skinner gives Matthew Gudgin an impromptu tour around his house and garden showing the many ways he welcomes wildlife.

The pair then venture out onto High Ash Farm to look at the badger set. Chris has recorded some incredible footage of the teenage badgers getting up to mischief in the dead of night. 

Click here to see the video of the badgers at night.

Matthew feels nervous answering listener questions so close to a swarm of bees so they take refuge in the farm truck to answer those.

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The wren conducts the dawn chorus for this episode of Chris Skinner’s Countryside Podcast.

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin stomp through the woodland to chomp on the edible wild garlic.

The dwindling bluebells are going over and their shadow brings the early purple orchid to the fore. Chris explains their many names and mentions throughout history and literature.

Chris and Matthew sit down to answer your questions whilst waiting and watching for treecreepers to appear. No larger than a cotton reel, they’re really tricky to spot, will Matthew get to finally see them?

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Chris Skinner is up at the crack of dawn on the 1st of May to capture the sounds of the morning at High Ash Farm. Part of daily duties involve checking in on the swallows.

Matthew Gudgin joins later on in the sunshine and the pair begin their journey around the farm by looking at crab apple trees. 

Chris and Matthew head to a bird hide and Chris explains the unusual behaviour of the male rooks he’s been noticing. They’ve worked out a new way to get essential water to the females rooks in the nest.

They both come away with plenty of nettles stings whilst looking at the delicate plants on the woodland floor, but it was worth it!

Listener questions cover ladybirds, water levels and honey bees.

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Chris Skinner shares a moments reflection whilst waiting to see the first swift arrive at Aldeburgh beach. He pinpoints the exact moment when his relationship with wildlife changed forever. 

Matthew Gudgin arrives at High Ash Farm and the pair take a look at the hidden wonders of the horse chestnut tree. They also study the hawthorne in flower before escaping the chill and retreating to the farm truck to answer questions sent in from listeners.

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Chris Skinner shows Matthew one of the oldest ponds at High Ash Farm. Chris dunks his hands in and demonstrates the pottery qualities of the clay in the pond. He describes how wild oats can grow in the cracks when it dries out.

Chris is extremely excited and proud to show Matthew the holes in nearby trees that have been drilled by woodpeckers. The three different sizes of the holes created prove that all three species of woodpecker native to this country are residing in one area of woodland at High Ash Farm.

Listener questions cover an array of subjects including spiders, hares, hungry caterpillars and swifts.

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Chris Skinner starts the day with his elderly geese before checking in on the swallows busy spring cleaning their nests.

Matthew Gudgin joins Chris and Rat, his terrible terrier to see the bluebells at High Ash Farm. He explains how these bluebells return year on year and bring a lot of joy to a lots of visitors.

Chris takes Matthew to another wooded area that is also carpeted with bluebells and they answer questions from listeners about tree abnormalities, burr poaching and animal tracks.

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Chris Skinner and terrible terrier, Rat take refuge in the farm truck from Storm Kathleen and share the benefits of wind for farmers and for pollination. Chris explains the life of the ash trees and why they thrive in certain areas. 

Matthew Gudgin joins Chris at the yard and they delight at the arrival of swallows at the farm.

The pair marvel at the tractor working in the field before talking crop circles on the outskirts of Notre Dame Wood. They take a look at the maturing British native trees including the blossoming wild cherry being enjoyed by the bees and butterflies. 

Finally, Chris and Matthew bask in the sun and answer listener questions about owls, troubled bees and a hummingbird hawk moth.

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Chris Skinner shares his early morning by showcasing the dawn chorus featuring solos from a sparrow, collared dove and song thrush.

After a very wet winter and now an even wetter spring, Chris reflects on what high rainfall means for the farm in the next few months.

Chris and Matthew Gudgin observe a family of inquisitive Little Owls at the farm. Will they see more than a wing flutter?

Click here to see the owls in their hollow on High Ash Farm’s Facebook page

They visit the noisy rookery and admire the magnificent nests and behaviours of the birds.

The pair then sit and answer listener questions about bird feed preferences, Dunnocks and frogspawn.

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Chris Skinner captures the eerie sound of a roe buck barking in the woodland and High Ash Farm. He talks us though the risky behaviour of a particularly brave fox at the entrance of a badger set that he caught on his night vision camera.

Click here to see the video on High Ash Farm Facebook Page

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a punt and enjoy a tour around Wheatfen Nature Reserve to hear about the legacy of a man who inspired Chris to look after wildlife on the farm.

Click here to learn more about Wheatfen Nature Reserve

Chris talks about the speed of the wildlife at the farm and also manages to solve a machinery mystery in this week's questions.

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Chris Skinner treats us to a special chorus as he captures the dawn of the vernal equinox.

Matthew Gudgin then joins Chris at High Ash Farm to admire the spring blooms and varieties of nettles before embarking on a mathematical counting and concentration challenge. Using the truck and very long piece of string, the pair try and spot as many hares as possible on one of the farms larger fields.

They are inundated with questions this week covering subjects from bird and frog behaviour, to the importance of keeping dogs on leads during bird nesting season.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin are joined by Rat the dog who is especially keen to explore the holes of an active warren at High Ash Farm. Rat is busy excavating while Chris explains our relationship with rabbits down the years and the fluctuation in popularity as a source of food and fur. They look at the ground ivy and elm that are both in flower in early spring. 

Click here to see videos from High Ash Farm Facebook page 

Back at the farm truck, the pair answer listener questions. Chris reveals a happy ending for the Lincolnshire house martins and also shines a light on some very unusual behaviour performed by a male dunnock at this time of year.

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This week Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin see and hear a wide range of wildlife at High Ash Farm including kestrels, Chinese water deer, and skylarks. They explore a field filled with hundreds of small mammals, particularly the long-tailed field mouse or wood mouse, which is the most common rodent in the UK. Chris explains the mouse's habits, favourite food, and predators.

He describes the importance of blackthorn hedging and the complicated ecosystem it supports. The pair are then serenaded by a cacophony of bird song at the farmyard and Chris gets excited by the animated presence of red-wing birds and shares their travelling trends.

Chris and Matthew conclude the episode answering listener questions on lapwings, yew trees and blue tit behaviour.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin delight at the arrival of spring at High Ash Farm. They observe the nesting rooks, the blooming daffodils and violets, and the budding pussy willow.

They explore the presence of harvest mice and deer in the area by observing the tracks and footprints left in the soil. Chris shares some historical and botanical knowledge about the willow tree and its uses, including its role in the creation of cricket bats. They also answer listener questions about the River Tas, the effectiveness of bat crossings on major roads, and their favourite places to spot adders in the UK.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin lament the unusually wet winter and its impact on the British countryside. Chris shares with us his favourite type of tree,  the Yew Tree, which flowers in the winter months. He tells us  about its historical significance and association with religious sites.

They observe roe deer in the woodland and discuss its behaviour and characteristics. They also explore the flowering of the box and dog's mercury plant, both of which are indicators of ancient woodland.

The pair answer listeners questions on the early appearance of bees and the behaviour of geese during the mating season.

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In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the history and importance of hedgerows in the UK. Chris describes how the landscape has changed over time, with hedgerows being removed and then replanted to recreate wildlife corridors. He ponders his own role in this process and shows deep remorse for removing hedgerows in his younger years.

Chris highlights the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), an organisation that aims to balance the needs of farmers and conservationists. They answer questions from listeners about building ponds and bird identification.

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Chris Skinner tells a story and shares the practicality of farmers.

Matthew Gudgin joins Chris on the lawn and they answer a curious question all about moles. Chris describes the antisocial qualities of the underground inhabitants, how they move and how they changed the course of history.

It's all go at High Ash Farm at the moment with all the mowing and it allows Chris to reflect on the impact of technology in farming. Growing up, he remembers the thirty-two men employed full time to do the tasks now completed by one man on a mower.

Chris takes Matthew to the highest point at High Ash Farm to share the site where he unearthed something that's now exhibited in the Natural History Museum.

Before answering listener questions, the pair enjoy the row of rowans and the berries on display.

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In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the successional woodland and its natural growth at High Ash Farm. They delight at the array of winter flowers on the woodland floor including snowdrops, violets and pansies. 

Chris shows how the pollen from hazel catkins moves around and Matthew points out the various types of fungi nearby. They cosy up out of the rain with a cup of tea in hand and answer listeners questions about mystery bird calls, butterflies and yellowhammers. 

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin go on a nocturnal safari drive around High Ash Farm. They talk about the different wildlife that comes out at night, such as deer, birds, and rabbits. They encounter a barn owl and see what is lurking on the edge of the dark wood.

Chris and Matthew head to the office to answer listener questions. They discuss  pied wagtails and birdhouse nature cameras. They also mention seeing geese and other waterfowl swimming in a pond on the farm.

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In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take breakfast for the birds on High Ash Farm. They  observe the abundance of bird life during the winter months, particularly due to the lack of foliage on deciduous trees. They also discuss the feeding habits of various bird species, including rooks, jackdaws, nuthatches and a surprise raven.

They witness first hand the impact of ash dieback, a fungal disease that affects ash trees, and talk about Chris' experience of carbon offsetting in Notre Dame Wood.

Chris is delighted by the presence of the migratory thrush species called redwings who are busy feeding in the fields watched closely by a pair of buzzards.

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In this episode Chris Skinner takes Matthew Gudgin to visit a quarry near to High Ash Farm. They talk about the importance of chalk in farming and its various uses throughout history. Chris shows Matthew an 'out-of-this-world' find!

They bring out the binoculars and observe lapwings in the fields before answering listener questions. They consider how farmers plan for uncertain weather and explain why sparrows love a dust bath.

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In the episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the sparrows occupying nest boxes at High Ash Farm. They explore the relationship between sparrows and humans and offer advice on how to best care for this red list species. 

They visit a bird hide in the nearby woodland and observe various bird species, including blue tits, great tits, nut hatches, wrens, and coal tits. They also answer questions from listeners and share their experiences with wildlife on the farm.

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In this episode Rat, the 'terrible terrier', gets Chris Skinner up in the early hours of New Year's Day for an encounter with a fox. 

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the history of elms at High Ash Farm and their decline due to Dutch elm disease. They also visit a new elm tree that Chris received as a birthday present.

Chris answers a range of questions from listeners about robin behaviours and skylarks, as well as the growth of mistletoe and uncover the mystery of the stunned wren.

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In this podcast episode, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin discuss the wildlife and scenery they encounter at High Ash Farm. They observe the panoramic view of South Norfolk and Norwich, as well as the teasel seed and overwinter wild bird seed mix in the fields.

They spot Chinese water deer, skylarks, yellowhammers, and woodcocks. Chris and Matthew delight at the abundance of snails on the oak trees and answer questions about winter moths and planting mistletoe.

They end the final episode of the year sitting in the farm truck, drinking coffee and reading listener emails.

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Chris Skinner takes us on a walk through an avenue of oak trees near High Ash Farm, and takes a look at the winter moths that inhabit the trees.

Chris and Matthew take a trip to see some mistletoe, and they answer listener questions from around the world.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the wintry woodland at High Ash Farm. They uncover the green shoots of snowdrops emerging from the leaf litter and find out how their bulbs store energy from the sun to then bloom in winter.

Chris introduces Matthew to the habits of grazing sheep on the farm and they admire the wildflower field whilst contemplating listeners' questions.

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In this episode Chris Skinner explains the modern practice of minimum tillage or min-till, which involves drilling crops into the previous crop's stubble instead of ploughing the fields. This method saves farmers time and diesel and helps maintain the food source for gulls, which are land birds that spend most of their time inland. 

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin also dwell on his controversial practice of feeding foxes on his farm to prevent them from preying on pheasants and partridges. He talks positively about the increasing number of farmers adopting this approach to wildlife conservation. 

They watch buzzards, spot a stoat and Chris Skinner covets a  waxwing sighting as he and Matthew Gudgin answer listeners emails. 

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the podcast at a local supermarket that is protecting the wildlife nesting there.

Back on the farm the pair trudge through a field overwinter wildbird seed mix when they come across an exploding thistle. Chris explains how pioneering species establish and how they can colonise.

They look at various properties of nearby plants including Red Shank, the menthol scent of Field Mint, and answer how the Greeks utilised Woundwort.

Back in the truck they endeavour to answer questions sent in from listeners which include seaweed recipes, kestrel feeding calls and an unsolved mystery.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spot buzzards and green woodpeckers overhead, and discuss the arrival of winter, as they explore plant species in the woodland..

They climb a hill that has perplexed scientists, geologists and ecologists alike, and Chris recounts a narrow escape for his terrible terrier, Rat.

Chris also answers listener questions, including inquiries about sparrow nest boxes and bird identification. If you've got a question for Chris or Matthew, email chris@countrysidepodcast.co.uk.

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Chris Skinner takes a trip down memory lane and recounts a tale from his childhood that strongly impacts how he farms today.

Matthew Gudgin eyes up the sloes for his Christmas gin in The Lettuce Wood, and the pair look at the rich mosaic of trees - sparing a thought for the victims of ash die back. 

In this episode Chris and Matthew delight in not just your questions and comments but also some poetry.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a trip to wintery Winterton-on-sea in Norfolk. They look at sand formation, enjoy some seal spotting and marvel at how any plants survive there!

They muse over your questions in the warmth of the van.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the historical importance of yew, and its benefits for wildlife.

Chris looks ahead at the fields of teasels yet to come, and Rat sorts out the pigeons.

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In this weeks episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin soak up the sounds and smells of woodland habitats. They discuss how historic farming practices have gone on to shape woodland and wildlife that resides there.

Chris also captures the calm before the storm at High Ash Farm.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spend time straddling the Norfolk Suffolk border in this week's episode. 

They ponder some listener questions sent in and don their wellies to explore Outney Common and the wildflowers that reside there.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin brave Storm Babet and take a trip out to browse the modern machinery used in agriculture today.

Chris explains why he'll never tidy his pan tile roof - the reason involves a special relationship between algae and fungus.

The pair also talk about the importance of liverwort.

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This week Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin wave goodbye to the last of the swallows at High Ash Farm. 

They celebrate Robert Ransome's award winning plough design and Chris goes looking for leverets.

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Chris and Matthew look at the power and danger of ergot in farming.

Chris enjoys a trip to the seaside this week for a bit of duck spotting.

The duck theme continues as Chris invites us along to his evening ritual of feeding the ducks at dusk.

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We're back at High Ash Farm, with Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin. They dwell on a landscape carved and created by oxen, and reflect on the future of farming.

With special appearances from a goshawk, nuthatch and young buzzard and the promise of apple and blackberry pie.

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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the different roles of the new and devoted parents on the farm.

They're driving through High Ash Farm when Chris notices one of East Anglia's most persecuted birds enjoying a spot of sunbathing.

They revisit the site once filled with foxgloves in flower. The plants have now gone to seed and Chris explains the onward journey for them.

Matthew had the honour of cutting the ribbon and opening this year's Teasel Walk at High Ash Farm.

Back in the truck they respond to comments and questions from listeners. This week they cover daytime moths, mysterious mushrooms and how to preserve fallen apples for the birds in the winter.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Enjoy a mid-week moment with Chris and his terrible terrier Rat, as they explore the woodland at High Ash Farm in search of one of our most unusual native butterflies. 

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore High Ash Farm as Autumn sets in.

They investigate a historical artefact with the help of plasticine, talk parasitic plants and admire the hornbeam trees.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a tour of High Ash Farm.

They talk about the history of the site, get pestered by horses and explore water fleas and hedgerows.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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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.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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