Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts Episode 2.37 - Sulphur Glows and Swallow Farewells
8 snips
Sep 13, 2025 Join the hosts at High Ash Farm as they marvel at the stunning sulphur polypore fungus and bid farewell to swallows, celebrating over a hundred fledglings raised this season. Wander through fields of sunflowers and mints, discovering the hidden beauty of aromatic plants and wildlife's essential roles. Delve into the complex dynamics between butterflies and hornets, and ponder the impacts of hunting on ecosystems. This exploration of nature's wonders captures both the joy and challenges of countryside life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Fungus Reveals Tree Health
- Sulphur polypore (Chicken of the Woods) signals internal decay in veteran oaks and spreads via spores from visible fruiting bodies.
- Chris explains the fungus's mycelium inhabits the tree and can take years before fruiting bodies reappear elsewhere.
A Hundred Swallows Raised In Stables
- High Ash Farm reared over a hundred swallow youngsters this season from multiple broods in the stables.
- Chris describes nests above heads, one-second parental feeds, and the conservation joy of this success.
Improve Roofing To Protect Nestlings
- Reduce heat stress in swallow nesting sites by improving stable roofing and ventilation to prevent chick bailouts.
- Chris replaced a hot felt roof with a ventilated pantile structure to protect youngsters during heatwaves.