Zoe Gilbert, a talented novelist and author of 'Mischief Acts,' joins the conversation this month. They dive into the vibrant happenings of May, covering traditional songs, the decline of pollinators, and communal rituals that celebrate nature's bounty. Zoe shares fascinating folklore about the hawthorn tree and discusses the importance of respecting nature while foraging. There's also a delightful exploration of aromatic plants in culture, along with charming tales of otters and their legendary stories. Get ready for a joyful celebration of the season!
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May's Green Surge and Birdsongs
May brings a surge of green growth and vibrant birdsong announcing new life.
The month features abundant blossoming and colours amid the fresh landscape.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Protecting Orchard Biodiversity
Maintain pesticide-free orchard spaces to support bee and insect populations.
Encourage wildlife by providing bug hotels, bird and bat boxes, and wild garden patches.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Hawthorn and Fairy Tales
Zoe Gilbert shares folk tales about hawthorn's "bread and cheese" leaves and berries.
She recounts a fairy story about respect and caution when foraging from hawthorn trees.
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Published in 1962, 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson is a seminal work in environmental science. The book documents the harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment, including their impact on bird populations, other wildlife, and human health. Carson argued that these substances should be called 'biocides' due to their broad impact on ecosystems. The book was serialized in 'The New Yorker' before its full publication and generated significant public and scientific debate. It led to a reversal in U.S. pesticide policy, the banning of DDT for agricultural use in 1972, and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Carson's work challenged the prevailing attitudes towards scientific progress and human control over nature, advocating for responsible and careful use of pesticides and highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.
The Almanac, a seasonal guide to 2025
The Almanac, a seasonal guide to 2025
Lia Leendertz
Mischief Acts
Zoe Gilbert
To bring in May we'll forage for bread and cheese, gather round the Maypole, and slip down to the riverbank to meet our mammal of the month. To begin, Sam Lee sings a new version of the Padstow May Song.
'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with the nature writer and author of the Seasonal Almanac, Lia Leendertz. Lia is joined by novelist Zoe Gilbert and folk musician Sam Lee. Sam's traditional song was arranged by himself (vocals) with James Keay (piano) and Niko O’Brien (percussion and mixing), with guest vocals by Polly Gone Wrong. This podcast is produced by Geoff Bird and Catriona Bolt. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co
As the Season Turns 
