Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts Episode 2.35 - Lakeside Moults and Orchard Opulence
4 snips
Aug 30, 2025 Join the hosts as they revel in the beauty of a lakeside ecosystem, witnessing a young mute swan and vibrant wildlife like kingfishers and swallows. Delve into the alarming effects of lead poisoning and the importance of preserving natural habitats. The rejuvenation of an orchard brings a bountiful harvest of plums and apples, intertwined with tales of wildlife interactions. Reflect on the bittersweet transition from summer to autumn, complemented by a poignant poem that captures the essence of changing seasons.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lake Built, Wildlife Delivered
- Chris describes creating a lake in 2006 that quickly attracted abundant wildlife and fish without stocking.
- He highlights kingfishers, natural colonisation by rudd and trout, and rich marginal plants establishing naturally.
Moult Makes Swans Temporarily Flightless
- Chris explains mute swans undergo a heavy moult making them temporarily flightless and stay put where food is plentiful.
- The swan spends long periods preening, pulling out old feathers and regrowing new ones while feeding day and night.
Remove Lead From Wetlands
- Avoid leaving lead shot or discarded fishing tackle in wetlands because swans ingest pellets and develop lead poisoning.
- Chris urges a statutory ban on lead shot to prevent curved-neck syndrome in waterbirds.