

Episode 2.32 - Sloes and Stings A Wild Farewell
Aug 9, 2025
In a gusty exploration of nature, August reveals its charm at High Ash Farm. Discover the vibrant beauty of rowan trees and the bounty of sloes, perfect for a cherished family gin recipe. Fascinating tales unfold about wasps as vital pollinators and predators, intertwining humor with ecological insights. Listener stories paint a vivid picture of wildflowers struggling under drought conditions, all while preparing for an exciting live show in a clearing blue sky. Embrace the beauty and stories of countryside life!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rowan Berries Feed Thrushes
- Rowan trees bear thousands of berries that attract thrushes and fieldfares.
- Chris Skinner says bird digestion abrades seeds so rowan seeds germinate faster.
Blackthorn Makes Bumper Sloe Crop
- Warm spring produced an unprecedented crop of sloes on blackthorn.
- Chris Skinner notes sloes taste acidic until sugars form later in autumn.
Barn Swallows: A Conservation Win
- Swallows nest and feed young inside large farm barns, delighting visitors.
- Matthew Gudgin and Chris Skinner call this a local conservation success.