Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts

Send us a textIn the sun-dappled depths of Fox's Grove at High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin thwart Rat's subterranean ambitions with a timely tether, averting a repeat of his 30-minute underground escapade amid fox burrows scented with rank winter musk. Delving into nature's revival, they unravel the rhythms of plant life cycles: annuals sprinting through seed-to-seed in one fervent year, perennials like enduring bluebells and snowdrops returning eternally from bulb-bound solar stores pulled deeper by contractile roots, and biennials bridging the gap with two-year tenacity—foxgloves amassing emerald rosettes on acidic soils for summer's digitalin-laced spires, and teasels staking clay claims with prickly seed heads that sustain goldfinches through the hungry gap. Amid listener well-wishes for Chris's impending heart surgery—echoing gratitude from global fans in Michigan, Canada, and Switzerland—tales emerge of moths pollinating frost-defying blooms, crooks mobbing buzzards to pilfer prey, and innovative Swiss rail-track solar panels sparing farmlands. This episode illuminates the quiet ingenuity of seasonal renewal, ideal for finding hope in winter's subtle awakenings.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/18513025-episode-2-55-foxglove-flourishes-and-teasel-triumphs.mp3?download=trueSupport the showPlease email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast toChris@highashfarm.comThis podcast is brought to you by High Ash Farm. To support our efforts in creating this content, please consider making a small monthly or one-off donation. Your contributions help us with production costs, and after expenses, every penny goes towards conservation and maintaining free public access at High Ash Farm. Support us here:https://donorbox.org/podcast-12or from the Podcast page here:Podcast | High Ash Farm

Witness the revival of the Norfolk countryside as Chris and Matthew explore the impact of winter chill on wildlife and early spring blooms. Chris shares a personal health scare that leads to profound reflections on farming life. They identify tracks left in snow by foxes and deer, revealing the hidden stories of nature. Listener tales highlight the evolving practices of farming and the resilience of local wildlife. Enjoy a mix of personal narratives and fascinating ecological insights that celebrate the unrelenting spirit of the natural world.

In a serene New Year at High Ash Farm, witness the mesmerizing flight of black-headed gulls drawn to ploughed fields rich in worms. Discover how these once-egg-harvested birds have adapted to inland living, turning into vibrant visitors even in winter. A stroll through the farm reveals roe deer and the playful antics of various tit species, showcasing their unique colors and behaviors. The hosts dive into listener insights about wildlife-friendly gardening, electric tractors, and changing bird migration patterns, enriching the lively conversation.

Hear a robin singing boldly in a supermarket car park, showcasing its adaptability amid urban noise. Delve into the bird's courting rituals and winter habits, including how the males sing to establish territory and attract mates. Discover the shy woodcock's elusive nature and unique foraging techniques. Reflect on winter flocks of various birds for safety in numbers, while also noting early breeders like mallards. This lively exploration of nature's resilience offers a beautifully seasonal perspective.

Explore the captivating clash between renewable energy and the beauty of nature at High Ash Farm. Chris and Matthew delve into the challenges posed by the proposed East Pye Solar Farm, which threatens fertile land and local wildlife. They ponder the financial pressures faced by farmers amidst calls for sustainable solutions like rooftop solar. Heartwarming listener stories of early bluebells and beaver sightings add charm, while a twilight vigil captures the enchanting sounds of roosting corvids, underscoring the urgency of preserving beloved landscapes.

In a delightfully mild December, Chris and Matthew explore the intriguing European larch, a deciduous conifer with a rich history. They recount the Duke of Atholl's whimsical cannonball-seeding of these trees on Scottish hillsides. Recent rains have transformed the Tass Valley into a shimmering retreat, nourishing diverse wildlife. The duo highlights their overwinter wild bird seed mix, attracting a vibrant array of birds, while Chris describes the charm of a little owl soaking up the winter sun—an enchanting moment in nature.

Join Chris and Matthew as they explore a 350-year-old hollow oak, home to an astonishing abandoned hornet nest. Delve into the toxic allure of the English yew, whose beautiful arils hide a lethal secret. Witness the impact of avian flu with sick birds spotted around the farm and witness ash trees struggling against dieback. From the intriguing stinkhorn fungus to the hopeful emergence of bee orchids, this journey through winter encapsulates the beauty and harsh realities of nature.

Join Chris and Matthew on a contemplative walk through Norfolk as they uncover hidden histories, from WWII bomb shrapnel to the enchanting world of honey fungus. Discover the outrageous stinkhorn fungus, which grows rapidly and uses a stench to seduce flies for spore dispersal. Marvel at thousands of bee orchid rosettes quietly thriving underground, patiently waiting to bloom. The duo also tackles pressing issues like avian flu and provides insights on wildlife gardening. It's a blend of nature, history, and conservation that will leave you both informed and entertained.

Send us a textJoin Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp November morning venturing to Lakenham Mill on Norwich's outskirts, exploring the historic River Yare's controlled sluices, ancient mill wheels, and granaries that once ground local grains, amid discussions on recent torrential rains unleashing 220 tonnes of water per acre and innovative flood management through managed retreat and river re-wiggling. Return to High Ash Farm to witness the aftermath of storm surges transforming streams into raging torrents, while examining avian flu's grip on isolated rooks and wood pigeons within control zones, and the farm's shift to water harvesting via blocked drains and wildflower fields to recharge chalk aquifers. Delve into fungal wonders in Fox's Grove, from deadly honey fungus bootlaces killing trees to gelatinous jelly fungi like yellow brain and crystal brain wobbling on decaying branches, alongside puffballs exploding spores like green smoke. Savour listener queries on identifying roe deer antlers shed during rutting and a seaside slime mould—actually a migratory protozoa—resembling scrambled eggs, alongside reflections on nature's raw power and avian vulnerabilities. A captivating cascade through watery wonders, microbial marvels, and seasonal struggles, ideal for pondering the interplay of history, hydrology, and hidden habitats.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432378/episodes/18230059-episode-2-47-sluice-secrets-and-jelly-jiggles.mp3?download=trueSupport the showPlease email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast toChris@highashfarm.comThis podcast is brought to you by High Ash Farm. To support our efforts in creating this content, please consider making a small monthly or one-off donation. Your contributions help us with production costs, and after expenses, every penny goes towards conservation and maintaining free public access at High Ash Farm. Support us here:https://donorbox.org/podcast-12or from the Podcast page here:Podcast | High Ash Farm

Join Chris and Matthew for a delightful stroll along Boudica Way, exploring the evolution of countryside access and the historical significance of ancient footpaths. They discuss innovative stewardship schemes that enhance health and wildlife while examining charming herring gulls and migrating fieldfares. The duo shares insights on intriguing topics like sponsorship of seats, conservation efforts, and the benefits of wide permissive walks, all highlighting the importance of accessible landscapes for community well-being. Plus, discover the curious world of slime moulds and shed antlers!