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

63. Head to a poet's wild retreat on an enchanting Hebridean island

Enjoy a peaceful retreat to the gentle island of Seil in the Inner Hebrides in the genial company of Scottish poet Kenneth Steven. Hear Kenneth's reflections on writing, life in lockdown and some of the wild encounters he has every day with wild geese and marsh harriers. Plus, listen on for one of his own award-winning poems. For more about Kenneth, visit https://kennethsteven.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...

Jun 30, 202026 minSeason 6Ep. 2

62. A gentle morning's ramble with rabbits and wood warblers in the Brecon Beacons

Take a May-time wander with editor Fergus Collins to a distant unexplored woodland – meet the local rabbit populations along the way, listen to a chorus of linnets and listen to the fabulous exotic melody of the wood warbler deep among the oaks. A sublime, gentle adventure in the countryside. For more days out and articles on British wildlife, head to the BBC Countryfile Magazine website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...

Jun 23, 202050 minSeason 6Ep. 1

61. Take a hedgerow safari with TV naturalist Dr George McGavin

Join TV naturalist Dr George McGavin as he explore the incredible life along a hedgerow near his home in Berkshire. Known for his regular slots on the One Show and many other BBC nature programmes, George is fascinated by insects and shares his discoveries – and some brilliant stories – with our own Annabel Ross in this delightful spring adventure. Find out more about hedgerow wildlife at our website countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about yo...

Jun 16, 202045 minSeason 5Ep. 12

60. Nightingales at dawn in Dorset – magical, beautiful and moving

Kevin Parr heads to a secret common and woodland in Dorset to at the crack of dawn to hear Britain's most famous songster – the increasingly scarce nightingale. Listen on for a memorable and stunningly beautiful audio experience. Plus, we hear from one of the 20th century's greatest nature writers and poets, Edward Thomas, on the power of the nightingale's song. For more on nightingales and other British songbirds, visit our website countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Jun 09, 202036 minSeason 5Ep. 11

59. Delightful tales of red squirrels, sparrows and classic British countryside

Do red squirrels make little boats to sail on? Nature writers of the 19th century thought so. In this episode, writer Caroline Greene explores some of the ideas and beliefs early nature writers had regarding our wildlife. Reading from a variety of amusing and bizarre sources, Caroline reveals the curious thinking of early observers of the natural world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 02, 202021 minSeason 5Ep. 10

58. Walk the River Tame in Manchester to see a river restored to glorious life

Once a heavily polluted river, running though heavily industrialised landscapes, the River Tame is being restored from its source on the Pennine moors along its entire length in the Greater Manchester area and is now one of the best trout rivers in Britain. Follow angler and writer Andrew Griffiths as travels along the river meeting heroes from Moors for the Future, the Mersey Rivers Trust and the Wild Trout Trust for an incredibly heartening story of a river's resurrection. And for more on rive...

May 26, 202047 minSeason 5Ep. 9

57. Finding edible and healing plants with a modern herbalist in Bristol

Explore a forgotten forest on the edge of Bristol in the company of herbalist Maria Fernandez Garcia. Learn about the exciting flavours and healing powers of common plants such as dandelion and nettle and discover how to turn wayside weeds into useful cures. Find out more at Healing Weeds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 19, 202027 minSeason 5Ep. 8

56. A wild wander with cuckoos and bluebells – on Sugar Loaf mountain

Enjoy the wild magic of a spring morning walk deep into ancient bluebell woods with cuckoos, redstarts, pied flycatchers and wood warblers. Plus a supporting cast of spring lambs and many other species. Beautiful and unmissable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 202052 minSeason 5Ep. 7

55. Journey into spring on Exmoor with nature writer Tim Dee

Meet acclaimed author, naturalist and broadcaster Tim Dee. At this time of year, the heart of springtime in Britain, Tim would normally be exploring his favourite oakwoods on Exmoor and the astonishing birdlife to be found there but, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, he is having to experience autumn in the southern hemisphere instead. Here he relives some of his memories by reading a rather magical chapter of his new book, Greenery: Journeys in Springtime. Listen on for a profoundly beautiful escap...

May 05, 202021 minSeason 5Ep. 6

54. A gentle nature ramble in rural Dorset – with a magnificent dawn chorus

We head to Dorset this episode with nature writer and angler Kevin Parr to hear a magnificent dawn chorus in his village, tucked away in the hills. Kevin then takes us on his favourite local walk onto a local hill to hear find singing skylarks and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Listen out for the surprise finish when Kevin discovers fantastic beasts in his very own garden… It's a perfect escape into the countryside when you can't get there yourself. And don't forget to visit our website f...

Apr 28, 202038 minSeason 5Ep. 5

53. Climb into the Brecon Beacons and wander springtime oak woods

Climb a hill into the heart of the Brecon Beacons to encounter sparrowhawks, treecreepers and tangled oak woods full of mystery. Join Fergus Collins for a restorative blast of fresh air, nature and beautiful landscapes as spring bursts into life. Recorded on 30 March, 2020. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 21, 202036 minSeason 5Ep. 4

52. Explore the wild ways of Wessex and meet a gentle rural rogue – in a classic book of the countryside

Settle down for a beautiful reading from The Amateur Poacher by Richard Jefferies and go back in time to the Wiltshire downs of the late 19th century. Follow the life of an almost forgotten countryside character, the moucher, a gentle who rogue roams the byways of the countryside finding a living and communing with nature. A total delight. Discover more about Richard Jefferies at https://richardjefferies.org/ And for more about the countryside wherever you are visit Countyfile.com Hosted on Acas...

Apr 14, 202020 minSeason 5Ep. 3

51. Visit an inspiring community farm near Bristol

Learn about The Community Farm at Chew Magna near Bristol and how it works to create a sustainable, nature friendly farming business that makes money and provides opportunities for work and training for a wide variety of local people. Margaret Bartlett visited to hear the inspiring story. For more information, visit The Community Farm Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 07, 202043 minSeason 5Ep. 2

50. A gentle springtime stroll along a stream in Monmouthshire

Listen to delightful birdsong at the spring equinox. Fergus Collins wanders along a winding stream through a woodland in his homeland of Monmouthshire picking litter and identifying a variety of birds by their song. A lovely listen if you are currently unable to leave home and explore the countryside. For more information on how to bring the countryside to your home and garden, visit our website countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad...

Mar 31, 202029 minSeason 5Ep. 1

49. Celebrate spring and the wonderful song of the woodlark on Chobham Common in Surrey

Recorded before the current lockdowns due to Coronavirus, this podcast allows you to take a wild wander across the heathland of Chobham Common in Surrey to hear the fabulous song of the woodlark in all its glory. Welcome in the first songs of spring in the last in the current season of the Countryfile Magazine podcast. We will be back soon to bring a bit of countryside joy to everyone who needs it. Please share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad...

Mar 24, 202048 minSeason 4Ep. 12

48. Enjoy a marvellous otter adventure in Shetland

Otters are elusive, elegant fish hunters but are becoming more common across the UK. But in Shetland, they are seen commonly all round the coast so naturalist James Fair headed to otter central to watch otters with expert John Campbell. And what John doesn't know about otters you could write on the back of a bullhead. Listen on for otter wonders… And if you'd like to find out more about Shetland and its wildlife, please visit our website Otter image from Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast....

Mar 17, 202035 minSeason 4Ep. 11

47. National Park special: what does the future hold?

Join a fascinating discussion with Corinne Pluchino of the Campaign for National Parks looking at how our most famous protected areas are faring and what needs to be done to ensure wild habitats and human inhabitants are provided for in the future. Will the Government follow the recommendations of the Glover Report? Plus, we answer whether the Norfolk question: are the Broads a national park or not? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Mar 10, 202035 minSeason 4Ep. 10

46. Take a pilgrimage to an ancient shrine in a remote Welsh valley

Discover the 6th-century saint Melangell who defied a Welsh prince and created a sanctuary for people and wildlife in stunning Cwm Pennant on the edge of Snowdonia. Julie Brominicks takes a pilgrimage across the hills to find the hidden valley – where she meets with the Guardian of the Shrine the Reverend Christine Browne. Julie also encounters a modern threat to the tranquility of this sacred place that parallels the ancient story of Melangell. Image of the Church of Melangell from Getty Images...

Mar 03, 202042 minSeason 4Ep. 9

45. A delightful adventure searching for rare truffles deep in the woods

An utterly delightful adventure with truffle hunter Tom Lywood and his dog Tobacco as they track down truffles in a woodland in south-west England. Learn about the ancient art of hunting these rare and much-prized treasures and why they are so special. And be envious of host Annabel Ross as she gets to taste one of nature's greatest treasures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 25, 202040 minSeason 4Ep. 8

44. The quest to find the true source of the Thames continues…

After last episode's adventure finding the official source of the River Thames near Cirencester, the team head north deeper into the Cotswolds in search of the beginnings of the River Churn, which some people believe is the true source of England's greatest river. But there's a further surprise in store. Listen on to find out how they got on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 18, 202020 minSeason 4Ep. 7

43. Search for the true source of the River Thames – a mystery adventure part 1

The River Thames is Britain's most famous river but how many people have actually journeyed to its source? Fergus Collins braves floods and marshes to head upstream into the Cotswolds and track down the very beginnings of what Churchill described as the "golden thread running through our history". But what if the official spring at Thameshead isn't the true source? Listen on to hear a journey of watery discovery. Thank you to Jack Bateman and Hannah Tribe for helping create and produce this podc...

Feb 11, 202047 minSeason 4Ep. 6

42. On the trail of killer whales in Shetland

Shetland is becoming increasingly well known for its killer whale population – learn more about them as travel writer James Fair heads to Shetland mainland to talk to Hugh Harrop of Shetland Wildlife They also chat about the realities of life in winter so far north and other wildlife treasures of these magical isles. We are also pleased to announce that the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast has been shortlisted for a Publisher Podcast Awards 2020. Image from Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Feb 04, 202035 minSeason 4Ep. 5

41. Escape to south Devon in the company of broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby

Writer, broadcaster and farmer Jonathan Dimbleby discusses his grand vision for the countryside, his love of horses and hunting and his life on TV and radio, while walking with our own Annabel Ross in the south Devon countryside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 28, 202050 minSeason 4Ep. 4

40. A delightful chat about natural history and fly fishing in the Peak District

Jim Dixon collects and sells classic books on fly fishing from his bookshop in the Peak District town of Bakewell. Angler Andrew Griffiths meets with Jim to discuss the greatest book of fishing and natural history ever written – The Compleat Angler by Isaak Walton. Join them for a delightful chat about fly fishing, natural history and the British countryside Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 21, 202026 minSeason 4Ep. 3

39. Should we eat more game? A fascinating discussion at stunning Stourhead in Wiltshire

Meet Annette Woolcock who promotes the eating of game through the organisation Taste of Game. Listen on for a fascinating discussion of the merits of eating wild meat PLUS the pros and cons of shooting in the modern British countryside. You can vote in the Eat Game Awards mentioned in the podcast until 29 February. Editor Fergus Collins hosts this podcast in the wonderful setting of the National Trust's Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. L...

Jan 14, 202034 minSeason 4Ep. 2

38. Take a stunning clifftop walk along the Glamorgan Coast

Escape the stress of daily life for a taste of fresh air and unusual wildlife with a wild winter walk along the clifftops of Glamorgan. Join Fergus Collins in a walk from Dunraven Bay to Monknash on a glorious Friday in early winter to encounter coughs, kestrels, gulls and the heartening song of the sea. For more information on the countryside and BBC Countryfile Magazine, visit countryfile.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...

Jan 07, 202036 minSeason 4Ep. 1

37. It's the Christmas special – our round up of the best of 2019!

Join us for a gentle chat with the team at BBC Countryfile Magazine discussing the best wild experiences of 2019, what we would change about the countryside if we could and what makes the perfect Christmas present for lovers of the green outdoors. We'll be back with Season 4 of the podcast on 7 January 2020. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 20, 201955 minSeason 3Ep. 13

36. A tranquil ramble along the River Usk in autumn

Listen to the song of the River Usk in autumn as you follow editor Fergus Collins on a gentle ramble through a recently flooded landscape to find wildfowl, waders and other creature. Plus, discover a blood-soaked story of treachery hidden in a peaceful riverside earthwork. This is the last of the series in season 4. We'll be returning with more podcasts in January 2020. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic...

Nov 12, 201943 minSeason 3Ep. 12

35. Wander the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall with Tim Smit

Explore the wonderful Lost Gardens of Heligan with its finder and restorer Tim Smit (who also established the Eden Project). Prepare yourself for some entertaining surprises as Tim discovers some of the more unusual produce of the magical vegetable garden. Tim is talking to Annabel Ross. You can find out more about the Lost Gardens by visiting the website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 05, 201938 minSeason 3Ep. 11