Country Life

The journalist and author Patrick Galbraith spent a week on the uninhabited island of Scarba, a speck on the map in the Inner Hebrides. In the course of his adventure, Patrick fished and foraged, walked and wondered, and went from moments of joy and beauty to pure misery. He came to the Country Life Podcast to tell us all about it, share some of the highs and lows, and explain what motivated him to give it a go in the first place. You can read Patrick's article about his time on Scarba on the Country Life website. You can find Patrick's book, In Search of One Last Song: Britain's Disappearing Birds and the People Trying to Save Them, from all good bookshops. Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Patrick GalbraithProducer and editor: Toby Keel Music: JuliusHSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosamund Young, the best-selling author of The Secret Life of Cows, has been a farmer for almost half a century. She joined us at the Country Life podcast to talk about her animals, the farms she's known, how the Cotswolds has changed in the years she's called it home, and her beautiful new book, The Wisdom of Sheep. You can read an exclusive extract from The Wisdom of Sheep on the Country Life website, you can read the full series of articles she wrote for Country Life here. The Wisdom of Sheep & Other Animals: Observations from a Family Farm by Rosamund Young is published by Faber (£14.99 hardback).Episode creditsHost: James FisherInterviewer: Toby KeelProduced and edited by: Toby KeelMusic by: JuliusHSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast features Country Life's long-standing property correspondent Penny Churchill, who looks back on three decades of writing about Britain's finest houses. From the ups and of the market in the past three decades to the quirkiest agents and owners, Penny speaks to host James Fisher to share her insights on the country houses that have been at the heart of her career.Episode creditsHost: James FisherProducer and Editor: Toby KeelGuest: John GoodallMusic: ‘Summertime’ by JuliusHSpecial thanks: Adam Wilbourn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Goodall, Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine and a leading expert on British castles, joins to share his top five favorites. He discusses the stunning architecture and rich history behind Headingham, Knaresborough, Lancaster, and Belvoir castles. Listeners will learn about Knaresborough's intriguing ties to Edward II and the transformation of Lancaster Castle from a prison to a public landmark. John also highlights Castle Drogo and reveals a bonus castle that has been closely linked to the Royal Family for centuries!

Mark Hedges, the Editor-in-Chief of Country Life magazine for 17 years, shares insights from his fascinating career. He recounts his memorable first day at the magazine and humorous reflections on countryside traditions. Hedges reveals the special connection with the British royal family, including a notable guest-editing by King Charles. He also discusses the therapeutic nature of fishing as a perfect remedy for modern stress and emphasizes the mental health benefits of mixed farming, showcasing the countryside's profound impact on well-being.