The Plodcast

Former BBC producer Tim Martin of Farm Wilder shares how farmers in Dartmoor are successfully reintroducing wildlife like cuckoos and rare butterflies through sustainable farming practices. Discussion includes the importance of biodiversity, challenges in transitioning to nature-friendly farming, nutrition benefits of pasture-fed animals, and the need for environmentally friendly food options.

Join Scottish poet Kenneth Steven in a peaceful retreat to the Isle of Seil. Listen to his reflections on writing, encounters with wild geese, and a reading of his award-winning poem. Explore the island's geography, wildlife, and the beauty of nature through encounters with different species.

Join the host on a nature walk in the Brecon Beacons, encountering rabbits, linnets, and wood warblers. Explore the vibrant sights and sounds of the Welsh countryside in mid-May. Immerse in the serene beauty of meadows, woods, and forestry tracks. Learn about bird performances and audience engagement opportunities.

Join TV naturalist Dr. George McGavin as he takes a virtual walk through a British hedgerow, uncovering unique behaviors of invertebrates like the m-pit fly. Learn about the impact of Covid-19 lockdown on nature's thriving, the world of wood lice, snails, centipedes, and beetles under a log, and the importance of preserving biodiversity in lawns and gardens. Appreciate wildflowers with school kids and explore the fascinating world of insects on a leisurely walk.

Edward Thomas, one of the greatest nature writers, discusses the magical experience of listening to nightingales at dawn in Dorset. The podcast captures the enchanting beauty of their song, the decline in their population, and the profound wonder of bird melodies in nature. It also explores the historical significance of nightingales in Edward Thomas' writings, offering a magical connection to the natural world.

Writer Caroline Greene explores the curious beliefs of early nature writers, including red squirrels sailing boats. Detailed discussions on squirrels' traits and potential for domestication, charming characterizations of house sparrows, and reflections on Victorian nature writing and lost nature.

Angler and writer Andrew Griffiths discusses the inspiring restoration of the River Tame in Manchester, once heavily polluted, now a thriving trout river. Topics include community involvement, peat bog restoration, natural flood management, urban river restoration, and the joy of fly fishing in winter.

Join modern herbalist Maria Fernandez Garcia as she explores the healing powers of common plants in Bristol. From dandelions to nettles, learn how to turn wayside weeds into useful cures. Discover the nutritional and medicinal value of various wild plants like elder plants and horsetail, emphasizing the importance of proper identification for foraging.

Join the narrator on a wild spring morning walk in ancient bluebell woods, encountering cuckoos, redstarts, and wood warblers. Explore the beauty of Sugar Loaf mountain, with tales of folklore, bird sightings, and a sensory adventure off the beaten path. An unmissable journey through vibrant landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Acclaimed author Tim Dee shares his experiences of spring in Exmoor, reflecting on birdlife and the beauty of oakwoods. He reads a magical chapter from his book, 'Greenery: Journeys in Springtime', offering a profound escape into nature.