Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
Episode 68: A Daytime Safari
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the episode by greeting a flock of woodpigeon in the Oat Field. They dwell on fluctuations of biodiversity in t...
Episode 67: Yellow Brain
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin assess the damage after Storm Darragh. They look at the impact of microscopic spores that have attacked the heart woo...
Episode 66: Butterfly Bridge
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin head to the woods with a spade to take a look under the soil to understand how the bulbs prepare for spring.They visi...
Episode 65: Duke and Horace
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner introduces Matthew Gudgin to his favourite bird at High Ash Farm. It's a game bird with a strong connections in history and a rec...
Episode 64: Communal Roosting
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner begins the episode at dusk and captures the noisiness of the jackdaws, rooks and carrion crows circling the woodland before roosting.In ...
Episode 63: Woodpigeon And Stock Doves
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin accidentally disturb birds feeding in a field with overwinter wild bird seed mix. He describes the various difference...
Episode 62: A Dank Day
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Gudgin returns to High Ash Farm welcomed by Chris Skinner who points out the latest growth on nearby yews and the birds benefiting nearby. Aft...
Episode 61: Like Father, Like Daughter
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the absence of a busy Matthew Gudgin Chris Skinner has a special co-host for the podcast this week.Chris and his daughter, Kate Blincoe give an ins...
Episode 60: Autumn Colour
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner treats us to a whistle stop tour of the colours of autumn at High Ash Farm.Chris sings the praises of a British native shrub that showca...
Episode 59: Australians And Acorns
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner greets visitors from Southern Australia who have come to see High Ash Farm. He gets Matthew Gudgin busy cleaning the gutters for acorns ...
Episode 58: The Big Bang
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode goes off with a BANG as Chris Skinner introduces us to an unofficial experiment he's conducting on a field full overwinter wild bird...
Episode 57: Fungal Foray
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Autumn has definitely arrived at High Ash Farm. Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the podcast at Foxes Grove and they get up close and personal t...
Episode 56: A Hornet's Nest
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin are distracted early on in their journey around High Ash Farm. They spot Norfolk's largest black bird, busy pree...
Episode 55: Nature's Secrets Uncovered
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner is giddy to show Matthew Gudgin a new species that's causing quite a buzz at High Ash Farm.The pair then survey the hallmark left b...
Episode 54: The Norfolk Snout
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin by watching a charm of goldfinches busy feeding on their favourite food.They head to a different part of the fa...
Episode 53: Starlings
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's a big birthday for Chris Skinner this week and to celebrate he shares the starlings at High Ash Farm with us.Chris then continues the bird t...
Episode 52: One Year On
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode marks a special one year anniversary for Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast. Chris has a gift for you in way of a tricky conundrum ...
Episode 51: Ancient Ponds, Woodpeckers And Drupes
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner shows Matthew one of the oldest ponds at High Ash Farm. Chris dunks his hands in and demonstrates the pottery qualities of the clay in t...
Episode 50: Moles
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner tells a story and shares the practicality of farmers.Matthew Gudgin joins Chris on the lawn and they answer a curious question all about...
Episode 49: Swallows and House Martins
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the podcast at a local supermarket that is protecting the wildlife nesting there.Back on the farm the pair trud...
Episode 48: New Arrivals
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the different roles of the new and devoted parents on the farm.They're driving through High Ash Farm whe...
Episode 47: Moths And Butterflies
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the podcast watching a very splendid butterfly in the woodland clearing. They travel through the woodland to ra...
Episode 46: Underneath The Spreading Chestnut Tree
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner captures the sound of the farm's most recognisable wake up call before introducing us to two young nearby buzzards.Matthew Gudgin j...
Episode 45: Quarry Wildlife
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Gudgin marvels at the superb parenting skills of Mother Duck who is raising her ten ducklings at High Ash Farm.Chris Skinner drives Matthew to...
Episode 44: All Life Is Here
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner starts this episode by capturing the song of a nearby Blackcap Warbler.Matthew Gudgin arrives at High Ash Farm and the pair observe the ...
Episode 43: A Stoat Surprise
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner starts the episode by capturing the dawn chorus from song thrushes, wood pigeon and a bantam cockerel.Matthew Gudgin is shocked to be gr...
Episode 42: Foxes: Predator Or Vermin?
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris glimpses the morning routine of the swallows first thing. They're considering whether they can fit in a final brood.Matthew Gudin and Rat t...
Episode 41: The Bog
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This morning's morning chorus comes from the geese visiting the pond at High Ash Farm.Chris Skinner takes Matthew Gudgin to the High Ash Farm Bog...
Episode 40: Orchid Squad
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner listens in as the corvid take to their nests for their final chatter of the day, an evening chorus . The following day, Matthew Gudgin j...
Episode 39: Gandering Goslings
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The dawn chorus provided by a blackbird whilst Chris Skinner describes how much he enjoys doing the rounds first thing at High Ash Farm. The goslings ...
Episode 38: Devil's Bitch
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner has been busy counting the swallows on the farm. He catches their early morning chatter as the thirty-seven birds prepare for the day ah...
Episode 37: Badgers And Bees
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner gives Matthew Gudgin an impromptu tour around his house and garden showing the many ways he welcomes wildlife.The pair then venture out ...
Episode 36: Wild Garlic, Early Purple Orchid And Tree Creepers
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The wren conducts the dawn chorus for this episode of Chris Skinner’s Countryside Podcast.Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin stomp through the woodlan...
Episode 35: A May Morning
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner is up at the crack of dawn on the 1st of May to capture the sounds of the morning at High Ash Farm. Part of daily duties involve checkin...
Episode 34: Swifts, Horse Chestnuts and Hawthorne
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner shares a moments reflection whilst waiting to see the first swift arrive at Aldeburgh beach. He pinpoints the exact moment when his rela...
Episode 33: Bluebells And Their Living Heritage
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner starts the day with his elderly geese before checking in on the swallows busy spring cleaning their nests. Matthew Gudgin joins Chris an...
Episode 32: The Swallows Return
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and terrible terrier, Rat take refuge in the farm truck from Storm Kathleen and share the benefits of wind for farmers and for pollinati...
Episode 31: Expectant Nests
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner shares his early morning by showcasing the dawn chorus featuring solos from a sparrow, collared dove and song thrush.After a very wet wi...
Episode 30: Norfolk's Mangrove
31 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner captures the eerie sound of a roe buck barking in the woodland and High Ash Farm. He talks us though the risky behaviour of a particular...
Episode 29: Counting Hares
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner treats us to a special chorus as he captures the dawn of the vernal equinox. Matthew Gudgin then joins Chris at High Ash Farm to admire ...
Episode 28: Rat Steals The Show
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin are joined by Rat the dog who is especially keen to explore the holes of an active warren at High Ash Farm. Rat is bu...
Episode 27: The Wood Mouse, Budding Blackthorn And A Redwing Display
10 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin see and hear a wide range of wildlife at High Ash Farm including kestrels, Chinese water deer, and skylarks...
Episode 26: Spring Has Sprung
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin delight at the arrival of spring at High Ash Farm. They observe the nesting rooks, the blooming daffodils and violets...
Episode 25: Chris Skinner Loves Yew
25 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin lament the unusually wet winter and its impact on the British countryside. Chris shares with us his favourite type of...
Episode 24: Hedgerows And FWAG
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the history and importance of hedgerows in the UK. Chris describes how the landscape has chan...
Episode 23: Colours Of Winter
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the successional woodland and its natural growth at High Ash Farm. They delight at the array ...
Episode 22: Nighttime Safari
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin go on a nocturnal safari drive around High Ash Farm. They talk about the different wildlife that comes out at night, ...
Episode 21: Ash Dieback And The Cost Of Carbon Offsetting
28 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take breakfast for the birds on High Ash Farm. They observe the abundance of bird life during the w...
Episode 20: The Importance Of Chalk
21 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Chris Skinner takes Matthew Gudgin to visit a quarry near to High Ash Farm. They talk about the importance of chalk in farming and its...
Episode 19: A Guide To Sparrows
14 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the sparrows occupying nest boxes at High Ash Farm. They explore the relationship between spar...
Episode 18: How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?
07 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Rat, the 'terrible terrier', gets Chris Skinner up in the early hours of New Year's Day for an encounter with a fox. C...
Episode 17: Birds Of A Feather Flock Together
31 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin discuss the wildlife and scenery they encounter at High Ash Farm. They observe the panoramic...
Episode 16: Underneath The Mistletoe
24 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner takes us on a walk through an avenue of oak trees near High Ash Farm, and takes a look at the winter moths that inhabit the trees.Chris ...
Episode 15: A Season Full Of Promise
17 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the wintry woodland at High Ash Farm. They uncover the green shoots of snowdrops emerging from the leaf litte...
Episode 14: Early Bird Catches The Worm
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Chris Skinner explains the modern practice of minimum tillage or min-till, which involves drilling crops into the previous crop's...
Episode 13: Winter Arrives, But Where Has Rat Gone?
03 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spot buzzards and green woodpeckers overhead, and discuss the arrival of winter, as they explore plant species in the...
Episode 12: Sloes In The Lettuce Wood
26 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner takes a trip down memory lane and recounts a tale from his childhood that strongly impacts how he farms today.Matthew Gudgin eyes up the...
Episode 11: A Trip To Winterton-On-Sea
19 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a trip to wintery Winterton-on-sea in Norfolk. They look at sand formation, enjoy some seal spotting and marvel ...
Episode 10: Farm Like You'll Live Forever
12 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the historical importance of yew, and its benefits for wildlife. Chris looks ahead at the fields of teasel...
Episode 9: A Woodland Wander
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin soak up the sounds and smells of woodland habitats. They discuss how historic farming practices...
Episode 8: A Trip To Outney Common
29 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spend time straddling the Norfolk Suffolk border in this week's episode. They ponder some listener questions se...
Episode 7: Modern Machinery
22 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin brave Storm Babet and take a trip out to browse the modern machinery used in agriculture today.Chris explains why he&...
Episode 6: Swallows, Ploughs and Leverets
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin wave goodbye to the last of the swallows at High Ash Farm. They celebrate Robert Ransome's award winn...
Episode 5: A Trip To The Seaside
07 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris and Matthew look at the power and danger of ergot in farming. Chris enjoys a trip to the seaside this week for a bit of duck spotting. The duck ...
Episode 4: The Future of Farming
01 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're back at High Ash Farm, with Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin. They dwell on a landscape carved and created by oxen, and reflect on the futu...
Bonus Episode: Comma Butterfly
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy a mid-week moment with Chris and his terrible terrier Rat, as they explore the woodland at High Ash Farm in search of one of our most unusual na...
Episode 3: Anglo Saxons, Parasitic plants, And Hornbeam Trees
23 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore High Ash Farm as Autumn sets in. They investigate a historical artefact with the help of plasticine, talk par...
Episode 2: Cyclops And Hedgerows
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a tour of High Ash Farm. They talk about the history of the site, get pestered by horses and explore water fleas...
Episode 1: "Do Different"
09 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode, farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner celebrates his 74th birthday. He looks back at the history of his home, High Ash Farm, an...