Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast

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.  Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the history of elms at High Ash Farm and their decline due to Dutch elm disease. They also visit a new elm tree that Chris received as a birthday present. Chris answers a range of questions from listeners ab...

In this podcast episode, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin discuss the wildlife and scenery they encounter at High Ash Farm. They observe the panoramic view of South Norfolk and Norwich, as well as the teasel seed and overwinter wild bird seed mix in the fields. They spot Chinese water deer, skylarks, yellowhammers, and woodcocks. Chris and Matthew delight at the abundance of snails on the oak tree...

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 and Matthew take a trip to see some mistletoe, and they answer listener questions from around the world. Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company o...

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the wintry woodland at High Ash Farm. They uncover the green shoots of snowdrops emerging from the leaf litter and find out how their bulbs store energy from the sun to then bloom in winter. Chris introduces Matthew to the habits of grazing sheep on the farm and they admire the wildflower field whilst contemplating listeners' questions. Click here to d...

In this episode Chris Skinner explains the modern practice of minimum tillage or min-till, which involves drilling crops into the previous crop's stubble instead of ploughing the fields. This method saves farmers time and diesel and helps maintain the food source for gulls, which are land birds that spend most of their time inland.  Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin also dwell on his controver...

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spot buzzards and green woodpeckers overhead, and discuss the arrival of winter, as they explore plant species in the woodland.. They climb a hill that has perplexed scientists, geologists and ecologists alike, and Chris recounts a narrow escape for his terrible terrier, Rat. Chris also answers listener questions, including inquiries about sparrow nest boxes and bi...

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 sloes for his Christmas gin in The Lettuce Wood, and the pair look at the rich mosaic of trees - sparing a thought for the victims of ash die back.  In this episode Chris and Matthew delight in not just your questions and comments but also some poe...

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 at how any plants survive there! They muse over your questions in the warmth of the van. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up...

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the historical importance of yew, and its benefits for wildlife. Chris looks ahead at the fields of teasels yet to come, and Rat sorts out the pigeons. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the...

In this weeks episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin soak up the sounds and smells of woodland habitats. They discuss how historic farming practices have gone on to shape woodland and wildlife that resides there. Chris also captures the calm before the storm at High Ash Farm. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a no...

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spend time straddling the Norfolk Suffolk border in this week's episode.  They ponder some listener questions sent in and don their wellies to explore Outney Common and the wildflowers that reside there. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn...

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'll never tidy his pan tile roof - the reason involves a special relationship between algae and fungus. The pair also talk about the importance of liverwort. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcas...

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 winning plough design and Chris goes looking for leverets. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file .  Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voice...

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 theme continues as Chris invites us along to his evening ritual of feeding the ducks at dusk. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to tu...

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 future of farming. With special appearances from a goshawk, nuthatch and young buzzard and the promise of apple and blackberry pie. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non...

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 native butterflies.  Click here to watch the video that accompanies this episode.  Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD ne...

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore High Ash Farm as Autumn sets in. They investigate a historical artefact with the help of plasticine, talk parasitic plants and admire the hornbeam trees. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the S...

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 and hedgerows. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

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, and we're introduced to his pesky pal, Rat the dog. Click here to save this as an MP3 file Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the...