As the Season Turns

For July, Alice visits author and mudlark Lara Maiklem on the Thames foreshore in Wapping, London. Lara takes us on a mudlarking walk, to search for London’s forgotten objects. This episode was produced by musician and sound artist Alice Boyd, featuring music by herself and Sam Lee. Thanks go to Lara Maiklem. 'Found Sounds' are back for 2025 with another twelve episodes, each released on the middle Friday of the month. This year, Alice is travelling across the UK to meet people inspired by heritage crafts, folklore and the landscape, creating a sonic scrapbook of their practice. 'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with Lia Leendertz. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Found Sounds are released on the middle Friday of the month. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co

Folk musician Sam Lee, known for his evocative storytelling through song, joins the discussion as they dive into the sensory wonders of July. He shares his haunting ballad 'I Have Been A Rambling,' setting a reflective tone. The conversation meanders through nostalgic summer tales, mystical woodland encounters featuring sacred trees and beavers, and the cultural significance of July's moon phases. Expect insights on weather lore and the deep connections we forge with nature amidst the changing seasons.

Cara Murphy, an award-winning silversmith from Northern Ireland, shares how the stunning landscapes shape her artistry. While at a beach near Belfast, she discusses the therapeutic bond between nature and crafting. Listeners learn about traditional techniques in silversmithing, including the meticulous creation of a silver bowl. Cara also reflects on the emotional impact of showcasing her work in the Ulster Museum and how sound and heritage enrich her craft. Her unique creations, like a suspended teapot, highlight the significance of craftsmanship and artistic expression in contemporary society.

In this engaging conversation, novelist Zoe Gilbert, known for her enchanting works like "Mischief Acts," shares insights into nature's beauty and the vibrant essence of June. Listeners are taken on a journey through lush landscapes, exploring midsummer traditions and the significance of the rose moon. Zoe reveals the historical ties between roses and fragrance, while intertwining folklore that tests themes of kindness and cleverness. The magic of the season resonates through stories of nightjars and mystical encounters by the bonfire.

For May's Found Sound, Alice heads to Bristol to record the dawn chorus and meet wildlife presenter, activist and birder Nadeem Perera. We hear about how birdwatching has changed Nadeem’s life, and his role in building community as a founder of Flock Together. This episode was produced by musician and sound artist Alice Boyd, featuring music by herself and Sam Lee. Thanks go to Nadeem Perera. 'Found Sounds' are back for 2025 with another twelve episodes, each released on the middle Friday of the month. This year, Alice will be travelling across the UK to meet people inspired by heritage crafts, folklore and the landscape, creating a sonic scrapbook of their practice. 'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with Lia Leendertz. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Found Sounds are released on the middle Friday of the month. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co

Zoe Gilbert, a talented novelist and author of 'Mischief Acts,' joins the conversation this month. They dive into the vibrant happenings of May, covering traditional songs, the decline of pollinators, and communal rituals that celebrate nature's bounty. Zoe shares fascinating folklore about the hawthorn tree and discusses the importance of respecting nature while foraging. There's also a delightful exploration of aromatic plants in culture, along with charming tales of otters and their legendary stories. Get ready for a joyful celebration of the season!

For April's Found Sound, Alice meets artist Lucy May Schofield in her studio in rural Northumberland. We hear about Lucy’s water-based woodcut printing practice, as well as her fascination with the passage of time, our place in the cosmos and our relationship to the earth. This episode was produced by musician and sound artist Alice Boyd, featuring music by herself and Sam Lee. Thanks go to Lucy May Schofield. 'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with Lia Leendertz. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Found Sounds with Alice Boyd are released on the middle Friday of the month. This year, Alice will be travelling across the UK to meet people inspired by heritage crafts, folklore and the landscape, creating a sonic scrapbook of their practice. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co

Folk singer Sam Lee joins the discussion, bringing his passion for nature and music to life. The conversation highlights the vibrant transformation of April, weaving folklore about bees and trees with practical spring recipes. Listeners are taken on a journey to Japan for the cherry blossom tradition of Hanami, celebrating fleeting beauty. The significance of moon phases is explored, along with the enchanting allure of bats at night. Sam's original song, 'The Cuckoo', enriches these themes, adding a melodic touch to the wonders of spring.

In March, Alice meets organic food grower and author Claire Ratinon in her garden in East Sussex. Sheltering from the rain, they plant the first seeds of the year in Claire’s greenhouse and meet some feathered friends - discussing signs of spring, tomatoes and the enormous value of growing. This episode was produced by musician and sound artist Alice Boyd, featuring music by herself and Sam Lee. Thanks go to Claire Ratinon. 'Found Sounds' are back for 2025 with another twelve episodes, each released on the middle Friday of the month. This year, Alice will be travelling across the UK to meet people inspired by heritage crafts, folklore and the landscape, creating a sonic scrapbook of their practice. 'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with Lia Leendertz. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Found Sounds are released on the middle Friday of the month. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co

March is the start of spring - to celebrate, Sam Lee sings an uplifting new arrangement of the folk anthem 'Birds in the Spring'. Our mammal of the month is the mad March hare, while in the woods we look for bear garlic and go birch tapping. Meanwhile, Lia tells the Cornish folktale of The Fairies and the Bees. 'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with the nature writer and author of the Seasonal Almanac, Lia Leendertz. Lia is joined by novelist Zoe Gilbert and folk musician Sam Lee. Sam's traditional song was arranged by himself (vocals) with James Keay (piano) and Niko O’Brien (percussion). The track was recorded and mixed by Niko. This podcast is produced by Geoff Bird and Catriona Bolt. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co