Get Birding

In this episode, host Sean Bean returns to RSPB Arne in Dorset, where autumn migration is bringing birds in from further north. We’ll discover why Poole Harbour is such an important winter haven for waders and waterfowl, and get to know some of the reserve’s remarkable birds of prey. Plus, we’ll meet musician Ben Watt, best known as a member of Everything But The Girl, as he takes us around his lo...

In this episode, host Sean Bean is joined by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at RSPB Arne, where they explore the reserve and discover how Dartford Warblers have bounced back, from just two pairs at Arne in 1965 to 97 pairs last year. Simon talks about how birds have found their way into his poetry, his love of their names, and one very questionable identification during a 24-hour bird race. We’ll al...

In this episode, we’re exploring generational birding and how a love of nature is passed down through families. Sean Bean is joined by lifelong birders Dr. Mya-Rose Craig and her dad Chris at RSPB Arne, who share memories of birding together, from Mya-Rose’s first twitch at just nine days old to an overnight trip to Orkney to see a rare Sandhill Crane. We’ll also meet 16-year-old conservationist J...

In this episode, host Sean Bean is joined by wildlife biologist and broadcaster Dan O’Neill at RSPB Ham Wall, where they explore the wildlife of this wetland habitat, from ospreys and cormorants to marsh harriers, kingfishers and dragonflies. They also reflect on their shared childhood passion for birds of prey and how spending time in nature can put life into perspective. We’ll also meet Donna Da...

In this episode, host Sean Bean is joined by broadcaster and lifelong birder Kirsty Gallacher to explore the seminal moments that have shaped her love and appreciation for birds, from peregrines and racing pigeons to a powerful encounter with an owl during a time of grief. We’ll also hear from bestselling author Amy Tan about The Backyard Bird Chronicles and the year she spent observing, drawing a...

In this episode, host Sean Bean is back at RSPB Ham Wall with long-time birder Jeff Holmes to explore the changing fortunes of Britain's birds, from wintering whooper swans and cranes to the continental species arriving as our climate changes. We'll also hear from past guests including artist and comedian Jim Moir, actor Samuel West and ornithologist Dr Mya-Rose Craig as they share their favourite...

I n this episode, the Get Birding team are headed to Rutland Water and the Global Bird Fair, where birders, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world come together to share ideas and inspire action for nature. We’ll hear from Global Bird Fair founder, Tim Appleton and Mya-Rose Craig is on the ground discovering the latest innovations in birding gear, and learning why the bird...

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...