The Plodcast

Sound Escape 293. Finding peace and gentle stream in a mountain cleft 02.10.2026 15min

After the rains, a mountain stream giggles once again. You pause beside it, marvelling that so tiny a flow should, over the years, have carved a deep cleft in the hillside that is home to gorse, rowans and stunted oaks. A raven circles overhead, its croak almost as old as the hills.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

370. Enjoy a deep and soothing connection with wild plants, with forager and botanist Robin Harford 29.09.2026 1h 3min

Head out on an incredibly mindful, soothing – and rather wet – adventure at Budleigh Salterton estuary in Devon with celebrated ethno-botanical researcher Robin Harford. Robin has an astonishing knowledge of plants and reveals, through a technique he calls Domi, how we can all get closer to understanding the wild plants around us. Robin is talking with Annabel Ross, who is your host this week. Find out more about Robin and his many publications at his website: https://www.eatweeds.co.ukGet in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 292. Be soothed and teased by the waters of the Witch's Pool 25.09.2026 14min

You follow a path through woods, high above a stream. There is wind high in the trees but you can hear falling water. Suddenly the path opens into a wide glade and find yourself beside high waterfalls tumbling into the Pwll y Wrach: the Witches' Pool.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

369. Learn how foraging can improve our bodies and minds on a wild wander in Herefordshire with Liz Knight 22.09.2026 55min

The Plodcast celebrates the start of autumn with a visit to deepest Herefordshire to go foraging with expert Liz Knight. Liz extols the power of plants we tend to despise: docks, nettles and thistles and shares some wonderful wisdom about the importance of making connections with people and nature. It's a joyous expedition interrupted by one of the great Plodcast wildlife visitations of the year!Liz's latest book is A Forager's Guide to Wild Drinks: Ferments, infusions and thirst-quenchers for every season, published by SkittledogLiz's website is: https://www.foragefinefoods.com/Get in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 291. The soft sounds of an autumn woodland walk 18.09.2026 17min

Recent rain has revived the woodland and you are compelled to take an evening walk in search of fungi along a stream and through the crunchy leaf litter. The strong, earthy scent of mushrooms fills the gloaming beneath beech trees, while grey wagtails skitter along the water.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

368. Rewilding head, heart and landscape at the Sharpham Estate in Devon 15.09.2026 1h 12min

Sometimes it's vital to take some time out and reconnect with nature and the present moment. The Sharpham Trust on the River Dart in Devon offers nature-based, mindful retreats at its beautiful 500-acre estate. As well as helping visitors find a more meaningful life, the Trust practices regenerative farming and is rewilding much its land.Plodcast host Fergus Collins meets with Director of the Trust Julian Carnell to explore the power of nature and reconnection, wander in nature and discover the importance of giving ourselves permission to take time out to heal.Julian's book is Becoming the Ocean: A River Dart Journey Through the Wild, the Ancient and the SacredFor more on the Sharpham Trust, visit www.sharphamtrust.orgPhoto: Brigit Anna MacNeill Get in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 290. Soothing rain falling in a thirsty wood - and a marsh tit sings 11.09.2026 11min

After months of heatwaves and drought, it's blissful to wander through a wooden valley listening to rain falling on leaves. And as if summoned by the falling water, a rare marsh tit makes its sneezing call.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

367. A quest to find King Arthur with historian Amy Jeffs 08.09.2026 1h 1min

The Plodcast heads to the Cotswolds this week in search of King Arthur. Historian and artist Amy Jeffs has written a new study exploring the earliest origins of the legendary king. Why was he so important to medieval people and what relevance does he have today? Plodcast host Fergus Collins meets Amy in her Cotswold homeland to walk and talk all things Arthur, while searching for a Roman villa that may hold important clues to the story. Plus, if we're very lucky, Amy might sing live on the Plodcast... Amy's book: Arthur: A New Life is published by Riverrun and out September 2026.Photo: Rachael HumphriesGet in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 289. Enjoy the song of the sea on the island of Sark 04.09.2026 15min

It's the morning after a storm on the island of Sark and you've followed a narrow track along a wooded valley that opens into a tiny cove. Taking shelter in a sea cave, you watch the animated waves roll onto the shingle.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

366. Harvesting walnuts with the Bishop of Bath and Wells in the Somerset Levels 01.09.2026 57min

This week, the Plodcast heads to Sharpham Park Farm in the Somerset Levels to join the 'Pickle Me Walnuts' day of harvesting and preparing young walnuts to make an ancient delicacy. Roger Saul is the owner of Sharpham Park and the inspiration behind the walnut grove and he talks to Plodcast host Fergus Collins about the importance of walnuts in our diet and culture. While the walnut harvest is blessed by Bishop Michael, bishop of Bath and Wells, Fergus hears about the incredible nutritional powers of walnuts from author Lucy Williamson, learns about how you can make dyes from leaves and nuts with Emma D'Arcy, and even tries writing with walnut ink made by artist Cat Lewis. Photo by Aaron John Parker This Plodcast may contains traces of walnuts... Get in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=share The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 288. Join the crowds in Bristol witnessing 2026's the solar eclipse 28.08.2026 16min

On the crunchy parched grass of the Clifton Downs, you join the crowds gathering to witness the 2026 solar eclipse. As the atmosphere builds, people deploy eclipse glasses, colanders and home-made cardboard contraptions to view the astonishing event – culminating in a rousing round of applause.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Annabel Ross and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

365. A quest to explore the wildlife of the River Thames with writer and naturalist Stephen Rutt 25.08.2026 56min

“A fulmar once vomited in my eye!” Writer and naturalist Stephen Rutt recalls his adventures following s raindrop from source to sea for his new book The Waterlands. This week's Plodcast host is Annabel Ross, who joins Stephen on the River Thames to hear his extraordinary tales – and some wonderful birdsong among a plethora of inspiring watery wildlife encounters. Stephen's book, The Waterlands: Follow a Raindrop from Source to Sea is published by Elliott and Thompson and is out now. Get in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=share The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 287. A blissful few moments beside a Welsh lake in high summer 21.08.2026 18min

There's nothing better on a hot afternoon than sitting in the cool of the reedbeds beside a lake. As you relax, wildlife emerges – waterbirds gossiping, bees and dragonflies buzzing and flitting, and curious plops and rustles from creatures that you can't see. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

364. A walk in Suffolk with award-winning writer Melissa Harrison discussing her new novel The Given World 18.08.2026 1h 9min

This week we welcome award-winning novelist and nature diarist Melissa Harrison to the Plodcast for the first time. Melissa's new novel, The Given World, is a dark and beautiful insight into the complexities of rural life in a rapidly changing world. Plodcast host Fergus Collins meets Melissa in deepest Suffolk to walk and talk about her love of the natural world and provide a glimpse into how she goes about creating her stories.The Given World by Melissa Harrison is published by Cornerstone. Get in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 286. In a parched landscape, the generous river provides life and music 14.08.2026 18min

Despite the endless drought, the river still runs. Reduced yes, but still a generous artery of life in a parched countryside. You sit beside it, cooled and reassured as numerous small birds: long-tailed tits, wrens and wagtails find similar sanctuary near the water. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

363. Learn about a plan to eradicate destructive, non-native predators 11.08.2026 56min

Since they escaped into the wild in the mid 20th century, American mink have wreaked havoc on our waterways, virtually wiping out water voles and other aquatic wildlife. But a new and highly effective plan is in place to clear these small, deadly predators from the countryside. Plodcast host Fergus Collins visits the High Weald in Sussex to meet Jason Lavender who is leading the operation in the area – and learns how this decades old problem is finally being solved. Jason also has hopeful insights into how we can manage our farmed landscapes to cope with climate change and reverse the declines of our wildlife. Listen on for a dose of welcome optimism!Get in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 285. Gentle breezes and summer melodies from a meadow in Sussex 07.08.2026 19min

It's too hot for gardening so you retire to a wildflower meadow where a cooling breeze and gentle conversations of sparrows and jackdaws soothe your soul.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Natasha Goodfellow and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

362. Enjoy and evening with long-eared owls and a lazy day's fishing with writer Kevin Parr 04.08.2026 43min

We head to Dorset this month to spend a day fishing at a lazy summer lake in the company of Plodcast regular Kevin Parr. But in a perfect Plodcast twist, Kev first has something amazing to reveal to Plodcast host Fergus – a remarkably rare bird in woods not far from his home. Listen on for adventures with long-eared owls and to hear about Kev's new writing adventures. Image by GettyKevin's book, Woodlore: Discover the Seasons and Stories of the Forest is published by Magic Cat Publishing. The new issue of Rivers Run: An Angler's Journey From Source to Sea is out now. Get in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sound Escape 284. Hear the beautiful music of a mountain spring in a dry summer landscape 31.07.2026 18min

Walking high in the parched hills you suddenly hear the welcome music of running water. After a brief search, you find a small cave mouth where a spring gushes continuously. The cool water is clear and clean. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Plodcast Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe.Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

361. Discover the secret lives of our forgotten coastal communities with Natasha Carthew 28.07.2026 56min

When we go on holiday to the coast, we tend to overlook the stories of the people who live and work there. Natasha Carthew grew up in a working class community in Cornwall and has travelled around the UK's coast to discover the hidden world of the modern seaside. Plodcast host Fergus Collins meets Natasha for a wander around Bristol Harbour to hear some of these sad, beautiful and sometimes tragic stories.Natasha's book, Rough Edges: Where Land Meets Water, the Untold Stories of Coastline Communities, is published by SceptreGet in touch on Facebook! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: [email protected]. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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