The Plodcast - podcast cover

The Plodcast

BBC Countryfile Magazine brings you The Plodcast - a weekly escape to the British countryside with fascinating guests and the wonders of the great outdoors. Enjoy a new escape into the countryside every Tuesday and wind down with our Sound Escapes on a Friday. Find out more about us at www.countryfile.com/podcast Subscribe to the print version of BBC Countryfile Magazine at https://www.buysubscriptions.com/print/bbc-countryfile-magazine-subscription

Episodes

Sound Escape 44: the delightful song of a robin at dawn on Christmas Eve

Relax to the exquisite song of a robin singing in a country garden at dawn on Christmas Eve – with a chorus of next door's chickens for company. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a gentle postcard from the British countryside each week that allows you a soothing few minutes escape into the wild, wherever you are. Presented by Hannah Tribe, photo from Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

Dec 24, 202117 min

Sound Escape 43: unwind to the song of silver birch trees

You've clambered down from a Peak District ridge to take shelter in a silver birch woodland. The wind, the tail end of Storm Arwen, whooshes through the stark winter canopy - a deeply calming rise and fall of sound. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a gentle postcard from the British countryside each week that allows you a soothing few minutes escape into the wild, wherever you are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Dec 17, 202112 min

129. PLODCAST SPECIAL: talking Lost Words and Spell Songs with the great Robert Macfarlane

Robert Macfarlane is one of the foremost British nature writers. His recent collaboration with Jackie Morris, The Lost Words, was a celebration of nature words and has since inspired two albums of music: The Lost Spells. In this podcast, Annabel Ross meets Robert at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire to explore a living celebration of the books and songs and talk about the power of nature to inspire us all. Photo by Jon Cartwright Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn ...

Dec 14, 202154 minSeason 10Ep. 19

Sound Escape 42: be gently charmed by mewing buzzards in a forgotten valley

Wander through a hidden valley in the Welsh Borders listening to a pair of buzzards mewing to each other as they stake their claim on the territory in preparation for next year's breeding season. In the background, a mountain stream gushes. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a gentle postcard from the British countryside each week that allows you a soothing few minutes escape into the wild, wherever you are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about ...

Dec 10, 202110 min

128. Hear the ancient stories of Britain with historian Amy Jeffs on the Avalon Marshes

Come for a wander through the Somerset marshes in late autumn with author and historian Amy Jeffs. Amy has written Storyland, a retelling of the ancient and medieval myths and legends of the British Isles. Here she retells some of them against the wild and evocative backdrop of the wetlands of Avalon. She's also illustrated the book with her own linocuts – you find out more about these here. Photograph by Oliver Edwards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more abou...

Dec 07, 20211 hr 3 minSeason 10Ep. 18

Sound Escape 41: the magical music of a mountain stream

Be calmed by the relaxing giggle of a stream tumbling off Sugar Loaf mountain in the Brecon Beacons near Abergavenny. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a gentle postcard from the British countryside each week that allows you a soothing few minutes escape into the wild, wherever you are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 03, 202111 min

127. Foraging for fungi and other mysteries in Dorset with John Wright

Learn about the magic and mystery of fungi with expert mushroom hunter John Wright. He joins our own Kevin Parr for a ramble in a hidden corner of Dorset. John's book A Spotters Guide to Countryside Mysteries is out now. Later in the plodcast, the team talk about the etiquette of saying 'hello' (or not!) to strangers on a country walk – and we capture on tape a strange bird singing in the depths of November. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad ch...

Nov 30, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 11Ep. 17

Sound Escape 40: the delicious sound of feet crunching on fallen leaves in an ancient woodland

Enjoy an autumn dog walk through a beech and oak woodland and listen to feet crunching on leaves while the wind seethes through the canopy. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside giving you a taste of the season wherever you are – and a chance for a few minutes mindful reflection. Recorded by Fergus Collins and presented by Hannah Tribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch...

Nov 26, 202112 min

126. The big issues facing the English countryside – a discussion with Tony Juniper at Wicken Fen – PART 2

Hear about the big issues facing the English countryside from and Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper. The conservationist and environmental campaigner reveals the actions being taken to protect our landscapes and wildlife – and some of the challenges we all face in the coming years. Rob Yorke asks the questions – at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 23, 202155 minSeason 10Ep. 16

Sound Escape 39: Relax to the rhythm of the sea swirling on a rocky shore

Slow down the pace of your day with this short audio postcard from the countryside – waves swooshing and swirling around rocky outcrops of a rugged Gower coastline. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes give you a chance to relax to the sounds of the countryside – wherever you are. Recorded and presented by Hannah Tribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 20217 min

125. Talking with Tony Juniper, the Chair of Natural England, at Wicken Fen – PART ONE

A plodcast special – in two parts. Rob Yorke meets conservationist, environmental compaigner and now Chair of Natural England Tony Juniper at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire to talk about how England's wildlife and landscape can be better protected and enhanced in the face of development and pressure from agriculture. Enjoy part one of this special interview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 202144 minSeason 10Ep. 15

Sound Escape 38: the eerie and dramatic fallow deer rut on a dark Dorset night

It's 3am on an autumn night in West Dorset and an oily blackness beneath a moonless sky. There's a hush in the cold still air but the atmosphere is thick with testosterone. A fallow buck is staking his claim, warning off rivals and guarding his does. A guttural bellow that bursts the quiet and echoes through the combes and hills. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are postcards from the countryside to give you an inspiring taste of nature wherever you are. Recorded by Kevin Parr. Hosted on...

Nov 12, 20217 min

124. Strange tales of family and folklore from the wilds of Dartmoor with author Tom Cox

Take a wander through the wild tors and misty valleys of Dartmoor in the company of Tom Cox. Tom has gathered dozens of stories of folklore and the supernatural and he shares some of them with our own Annabel Ross in a hugely entertaining walks across the moors. Find out more about Tom's writing here And please do send your thoughts about the podcast to editor@countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...

Nov 09, 20211 hr 3 minSeason 10Ep. 14

Sound Escape 37: be soothed with a riverside walk in South Wales

In this brief adventure in the countryside, you're walking along a stretch of shingle beside the River Usk in South Wales – the water has risen after recent rain and will son cover this little beach. Just upstream, rapids gurgle and swirl hungrily. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes give you a chance to relax to the sounds of the countryside – wherever you are. Recorded by Fergus Collins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Nov 05, 202110 min

123. Looking for historical artefacts on the River Thames with London mudlarker Lara Maiklem

The London Mudlark – Lara Maiklem – spends her free time combing the River Thames foreshore for fascinating objects that each have a story to tell. From buttons and beads to shoes and coins, her finds help build a picture of the people who have lived along the river for the past few centuries. Listen on to hear about this curious hobby. And you can see more of Lara's finds on Instagram, Twitter and facebook – search for the London Mudlark. If you are tempted to go mudlarking yourself, check tide...

Nov 02, 202153 minSeason 10Ep. 13

Sound Escape 36: Peace and birdsong in a Gloucestershire churchyard

Take a moment to enjoy the gentle chorus of wild birds and foraging insects on a still autumn day. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a short postcard from the British countryside for you to relax to wherever you are. This week's episode is recorded by Fergus Collins and presented by Hannah Tribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 202110 min

122. Giant vegetables and other rural delights at the Malvern Autumn Show

Join the Plodcast team as they explore the magical Malvern Autumn Show and meet world record giant vegetables, noisy steam engines, champion bulls, chuckling chickens, the National Rabbit Council and a host of great country characters. A wonderful celebration of the best of British countryside. Find out more at Malvern Autumn Show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 26, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 10Ep. 12

Sound Escape 35: cheerful sparrows singing through a rainstorm

Enjoy the drama of an autumn storm hitting a Dorset cottage while the garden sparrows – and a robin – bravely sing through the tempest. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a short postcard from the British countryside for you to relax to wherever you are. Recorded by Kevin Parr and presented by Hannah Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 20219 min

121. Uncovering the secrets of a graveyard in Gloucestershire

Sitting on a small hill above the River Severn, St Arilda's Church has a magical churchyard full of old gravestones – and each one tells a curious tale. We meet with Sarah Williams of Who Do You Think You Are magazine to decipher some of the stories in the stones in this Gloucestershire village and learn how to trace our own rural ancestors. Please do leave feedback and likes – and send messages to editor@countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more abo...

Oct 19, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 10Ep. 11

Sound Escape 34: gentle and relaxing sounds of waves on a pebble beach

Be charmed and soothed by the ebb and flow of waves on a pebble shore. It's an overcast autumn day at Pwll Du on Gower – a hidden smugglers' cove where you can find deep peace. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes offer you a chance to take a few minutes with nature, wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Recorded and presented by Hannah Tribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 15, 20217 min

120. Tales of nature and protest in the North Wessex Downs with writer Nicola Chester

Roam Gallows Down on the Witshire, Hampshire, Berkshire border and hear tales of ancient and modern history – as well as the battles to defend the precious natural wonders of the area from new roads, American air bases and nuclear missiles. Author and activist Nicola Chester introduces Annabel Ross to the wonders of the North Wessex Downs. Nicola's brilliant new book On Gallows Down is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Oct 12, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 10Ep. 10

Sound Escape 33: Relax to robins singing in autumn beside the swish and swirl of the River Usk

Ease yourself into the day with the song of robins from a riverside woodland in South Wales. Enjoy the background swirl of the River Usk in the latest calming Sound Escape from BBC Countryfile Magazine. Recorded by Fergus Collins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 08, 20219 min

119. Join a music festival on the River Wye and meet the folk trying to save the "Queen of Rivers"

Enjoy wonderful folk music beside the River Wye and listen to the story of campaigners "Walking with the Wye" to raise awareness of the river's sad plight due to pollution. Recorded by Maria Hodson. With thanks to the Plump Hill Band, Tracey Dixon, Rob Swannack, Dick Brice and Rob Barnaville for allowing us to use their music in this podcast. Please do leave likes and reviews and you can contact the podcast team at editor@countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

Oct 05, 202146 minSeason 10Ep. 9

Sound Escape 32: listening to cries of terns from a bird hide at Hodbarrow, Cumbria

Shelter from autumn rain in a wooden bird hide and listen to the exotic cries of terns at RSPB Hodbarrow nature reserve in Cumbria. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a postcard from the countryside every week, offering your a chance to relax to the sounds of nature. Recorded by Martin Maudsley, presented by Hannah Tribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 01, 20219 min

118. On the hunt for mystery big cats on the loose in the Cotswolds

There are tales of mysterious black panthers from almost every corner of the land – so we head out with writer and naturalist James Fair to look into one particular story: the Cotswold Cat. Could large felines really be on the loose in the modern British countryside? Don't forget to leave likes and reviews and you can contact the Countryfile Magazine team on editor@countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices....

Sep 28, 20211 hr 5 min

Sound Escape 31: the calming patter of rain on autumn leaves

Listen to the calming sound of a gentle rain on the leaves of beech and hazel trees while you shelter in a green lane in the Cotswolds. Recorded by Fergus Collins, introduced by Hannah Tribe. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes offer a soothing postcard from the countryside to help you relax, wherever you are in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 24, 202111 min

117. Poetry, peace and corncrakes on the sacred Scottish island of Iona

Relax to the gentle tones of poet Kenneth Steven as he explores the history and magic of Iona: likely birthplace of the ancient Book of Kells, resting place of Scottish kings and queens and sanctuary for the endangered corncrake. Find our more about Kenneth’s work at his website https://kennethsteven.co.uk/ And join the team at the end for the Podcast Postbag and discussions about wild swimming, hedgehogs and sparrowhawks. Image by Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

Sep 21, 202144 minSeason 10Ep. 7

Sound Escape 30: Tranquil footsteps along a woodland path and stream in autumn

Relax as you walk beside a stream at the bottom of a valley of beech and oak woodland in the Brecon Beacons – known as St Mary's Vale. This is episode 30 of BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound escapes – your chance to escape into nature and relax to the wild sounds of the countryside, wherever you are. Recorded by Fergus Collins and presented by Hannah Tribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 17, 202110 min

116. Unearthing the strange histories of the yew trees of Kingley Vale with poet Hugh Dunkerley

Poet Hugh Dunkerley explores mysterious Kingley Vale in the South Downs of West Sussex in search of a bunker created to house resistance fighters in the event of the Nazis ever invading Britain. Along the way he enters the dark and eerie yew woods and reveals tales of Viking massacres and other chilling local legends. With poems from Hugh and Vicki Feaver plus wildlife expertise from Natural England's Steve Walker, this is a joyful summer's adventure in the countryside. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Sep 14, 202158 minSeason 8Ep. 6