Get Birding

In this episode, we're exploring the reed beds of RSPB Ham Wall, where decades of habitat restoration have helped some of the UK's most spectacular wetland birds make a remarkable comeback. Host Sean Bean is joined by broadcaster Jeremy Vine, who proves you don't need to know your sparrows from your sparrowhawks to enjoy birdwatching. Sean also meets Stephen Couch from the RSPB to learn more about...

In this episode, we're following a new generation — from fledgling birds leaving the nest for the first time to young people discovering the natural world for themselves. Host Sean Bean is joined by conservationist and author Dr Mya-Rose Craig, who explores the rapid rise of birding among Gen Z, how spending time with nature can support mental wellbeing, and why making the outdoors accessible to e...

In this special episode, our resident birder, composer and nature beatboxer Jason Singh heads into the Sussex woods after dark for Singing with Nightingales — a unique experience that draws guests and musicians back year after year to witness one of nature’s most enchanting performances. For a brief period between mid-April and the end of May, around five thousand pairs of nightingales migrate fro...

In this episode, we’re exploring the connection between birds, nature and mental wellbeing — and why spending time outdoors can help us feel calmer and more connected. Host Sean Bean is joined by singer and actor Will Young, who reflects on rediscovering nature, gardening and the comfort birds have brought him through difficult times. Nature beatboxer and composer Jason Singh shares...

Join The Flock for exclusive content: https://getbird.ing/starling-payment-form/ In this episode, we’re tuning into one of nature’s greatest performances—the Dawn Chorus—and the remarkable reasons birds fill the early morning with song. Along the way, host Sean Bean is joined by singer and actor Will Young, who reflects on rediscovering his love of birds, and sound artist Alice Boyd on finding ins...

In this episode, we’re following the vast, invisible highways that birds carve across our skies each spring, and the extraordinary journeys that bring them back to us. We’ll learn how birds navigate thousands of miles using scent, memory and instinct—and what these epic journeys reveal about survival in a rapidly changing world. Along the way, Sean is joined by actor and RSPB ambassador Samuel Wes...

In this episode we’re turning our ears—and our attention—to birds in danger, and the thinning of our skies. From the unmistakable, haunting call of the curlew to the growing gaps where birdsong used to be, we explore the story behind one of the UK’s most threatened species, and why World Curlew Day matters now more than ever. Along the way, we’ll be exploring how art, music and storytelling can he...

Sean Bean’s love of birding began when he was a lad growing up on an estate in Sheffield. Long before he was an actor, he was a boy fascinated by books on dinosaurs and Sunday nights watching The World About Us with his Dad.  From discussing the magic of the iconic film Kes to debunking myths about helping fledglings, this episode explores how a childhood connection to nature stays with you f...

As spring arrives, the skies begin to shift. Birds are on the move—and their journeys tell us what’s changing around us. To take a closer look (and listen) Sean is joined in his garden by artist, comedian and keen birder, Jim Moir and ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig . From the return of the chiffchaff to deeper conversations around conservation, this episode explores the ties...

Spring’s on the turn, and the birds are getting busy. From the surprisingly wild love life of the dunnock to bowing and puffed-up chests on city balconies — we explore what courtship really looks like in the bird world.  We’ll also get practical about nestboxes — where to put them, who they’re for, and how even a balcony can help the next generation fledge. With expert advice from the RSPB, w...

Host Sean Bean swaps the perfectly pruned for the beautifully wild, discovering how ponds, hedgerows and a little untidiness can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife. Along the way he's joined by broadcast legends and keen gardeners Zoë Ball and Jo While , ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig , and NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan to explore why “messy” gardens...

From the distinctive whistle of the Blackbird to the drumming of a Great Spotted Woodpecker, in this episode we’re tuning into the soundscape of the natural world. Host Sean Bean is joined by an all-star chorus of birders, broadcasters, and musicians to discover how listening to birdsong doesn't just lift the soul—it physically lowers your blood pressure. With contributions from NHS doctor and RSP...

Get Birding  is back for a brand new, fortnightly season—hosted by actor and longtime birder Sean Bean. In this opening episode, Sean grabs his binoculars and invites listeners into his garden to slow down, look up, and join the UK’s biggest citizen science event, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. He is joined by NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan, fellow birder, Elbow frontman and BBC 6...

The UK is nature-depleted and degraded, and the globe is living through climate crisis. How can we get where we need to be, empowered and living as part of a flourishing ecosystem? As Get Birding closes its third series, Kwesia learns about the citizen's assembly that created the People's Plan for Nature , which sets out a public vision for reversing declines in Britain’s biodiversity. Meanwhile s...

Can paying attention to birdsong improve our music-making skills? And why do birds sing anyway? Indie artist Albertine Sarges reveals how birdwatching in a Berlin park made her a better musician (and friend!) Professor of philosophy & music David Rothenberg goes out in the world to improvise with the wildlife. Meanwhile Nemone Metaxas - radio legend & therapist - delivers a mindful birdson...

Why is the outdoors so often still seen as a male realm? How can women feel protected and at ease when out in nature? What are the risks when birding alone, and how should we mitigate them? Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature finds out ... BBC Springwatch naturalist Lucy Lapwing details a horrible incident of sexual assault she experienced whilst birding, while Sheridan Alford discusses why she set up...

Iconic actor Alison Steadman and bestselling author Jonathan Franzen talk about how a love of birds inspires creativity. Meanwhile host Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature delivers some nature-inspired spoken word poetry. Get Birding believes that access to nature is a universal right, not a privilege. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water . Fly o...

As well as being a podcast presenter & wildlife ambassador, Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature is a new mother & qualified doula. In this episode she asks what we can learn about parenting by observing birds with their chicks. Nathalie Mahieu shows how to spot Peregrine Falcons nesting in the heart of London. Writer and podcaster Charlie Bingham gives tips on how to get kids engaged with natur...

Get Birding returns for another series, making birdwatching & nature accessible for all. Your new host is the inspirational Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature. Episode 1 finds Kwesia exploring busy, bustling London, in search of emotional wellbeing, nature, and feathered friends. What better first guest than David Lindo , who made his name as the original Urban Birder? Lindo spells out some home t...

Get Birding is back! Following in the footsteps of Dr Mya-Rose Craig & Hamza Yassin, our host for Series 3 is the brilliant Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature . Get Birding is a Peanut & Crumb production. Series 3 is sponsored by Canada Water . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special one-off episode featuring a host of voices, Get Birding celebrates the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 in collaboration with the charity for their annual citizen science event. Presenter Hamza Yassin encourages anyone in the UK to spend an hour spotting birds in their local park, green space or garden as part of this yearly weekend event. In 2021 over 1 million people took part, s...

Being in lockdown has unleashed our love for nature. Get Birding is a podcast for budding birdwatchers and aims to help everyone, anywhere, discover more about the birds on our doorsteps. We want to break down barriers to birdwatching and believe that access to nature should be a right, not a privilege. In this, the last in the current series of Get Birding, Hamza is settling in for the winter. Wi...

Hamza lives in the west coast of Scotland by the sea and has a small brackish loch just yards from his house. He’s surrounded by birds of many different kinds. But water attracts birds in whatever environment you live in, from your local pond, to a puddle at the side of a busy street. This week Hamza meets people who live in or near water and explores the varied birdlife that they encounter. ...

Being in lockdown has unleashed our love for nature. Get Birding is a podcast for budding birdwatchers and aims to help everyone, anywhere, discover more about the birds on our doorsteps. We want to break down barriers to birdwatching and believe that access to nature should be a right, not a privilege. In this episode of Get Birding Hamza considers the way in which birds are important to us as fa...

With the COP conference happening this week in Glasgow, we are thinking about the environment. Climate change affects every living thing in this world and of course birds are no exception. In this episode Hamza speaks to his guests about the things they are noticing changing and looks to the future as to potential ways forward.  Ben McCarthy is Head of Nature Conservation & Restoration Ec...