Best High Ash Farm Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 2.30 - Burnet Wings and Knapweed Crowns 44:36

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5d ago44:36

44:36

Send us a text In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin revel in a glorious late July morning at High Ash Farm, where nature dons its finest. Over a purple knapweed sea—its hard heads buzzing with bees—six-spot burnet moths dazzle with jet-black wings and crimson spots, emerging from reflective cocoons a…

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MARTIN STEWART, JENNIFER CLAESSEN, EMMA SWAN & CLELIA CASTRO-MALASPINA: Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing, Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime, Cruise Ship Kid & Girls with Goals 36:26

9d ago36:26

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! First up, we’re making a splash with Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing, where Martin Stewart plunges us into an eco-adventure bursting with mystery, danger, and deep-sea secrets. Next, Jennifer Claessen bends time itself in Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime, a twisty time-travel mystery that’ll keep …

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Episode 2.29 - Bluebell Seeds and Bindweed Bells 50:53

12d ago50:53

50:53

Send us a text In this captivating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore High Ash Farm amid its third heatwave, where nature’s cycle thrives. In Fox’s Grove, bluebell stalks release shiny black seeds, their retractile roots pulling bulbs deeper into gravelly soil, a silent promise for 2026’s bloom. Along the …

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Episode 2.28 - Amphibians to Azure A Farm Miracle 43:56

19d ago43:56

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Send us a text In this enchanting episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin embrace a damp July morning at High Ash Farm, where a farm miracle unfolds. By the lake, tens of thousands of froglets and toadlets leap from their tadpole origins, abandoning the water in a breathtaking exodus, their tiny forms navigating metre-…

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TERRI LIBENSON, LIZZIE HUXLEY-JONES & DR. JAMES GREENWOOD: Entirely Emmie, Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero & How to Talk to Your Pet 31:37

23d ago31:37

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! This week, Bex chats to Terri Libenson about her new book Entirely Emmie, a graphic novel about friendship and perspective. Plus, there’s Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero by Lizzie Huxley-Jones—a fast-paced, magical adventure full of Welsh mythology, mysterious powers, and a brave hero discovering who she r…

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Episode 2.27 - Admiral’s Dance and Teasel Maze 43:53

26d ago43:53

43:53

Send us a text In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin revel in High Ash Farm’s sultry July heat, where nature pirouettes in a stunning display. The red admiral’s dance unfolds as this migrant aristocrat flutters over an oak tree’s amber sap, its orange-and-black wings a vivid spectacle, while common ce…

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Episode 2.26 - Ragged Robins and Rustic Nests 49:23

1M ago49:23

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Send us a text In this delightful episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin linger in High Ash Farm’s yard, where sparrows thrive amidst 42 nest boxes, their fledglings peeking out as parents deliver 2000 daily feedings—a red-listed revival from near extinction 25 years ago. Nearby, bouncing bet (soapwort) unveils creamy…

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CRESSIDA COWELL, JUSTIN SOMPER, MATT GOODFELLOW & JACKIE MORRIS: How to Train Your Dragon, Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes, The First Year & The Summer Puppy 37:45

1M ago37:45

37:45

Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! There’s swashbuckling, secret missions, and even a magical sword in Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes—Justin Somper’s latest pirate adventure is as daring as they come. Over in the picture book corner, The Summer Puppy by Jackie Morris is a gentle, poetic read that captures all the wonder of a puppy’s very fi…

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Episode 2.25 - Salt Marshes and Storms, A Summer Surge 48:41

1M ago48:41

48:41

Send us a text In this captivating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin embrace a radiant June morning at High Ash Farm, where nature’s might and beauty collide. Following a fierce storm that dumped 38 millimetres of rain in an hour and a half, the farm’s meadows reveal a tapestry of grasses—tall meadow fescue, York…

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THE WEEK JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS 2025: Deborah Meaden, Matt Goodfellow & Sarah Morrell 27:43

1M ago27:43

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! Get ready, book lovers we have a very special episode installed for you this week! It’s time to celebrate the stories and storytellers that have captured the hearts and imaginations of young readers across the UK – with The Week Junior Book Awards! First up, it’s Deborah Meaden Talks Money, in the runnin…

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Episode 2.24 - Skylarks and Pyramids, June’s High Harmony 43:40

2M ago43:40

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Send us a text In this enchanting episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin ascend to the lofty heights of High Ash Farm, where June’s wild symphony reverberates across Norfolk’s landscape. On the historic gun field—once a wartime bastion with searchlights and artillery guarding Norwich from German bombers during the 194…

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KATE GRIGGS, CLARE HARLOW & RACHEL MORRISROE: Xtraordinary People, Tidemagic and Felix and the Future Agency 26:59

2M ago26:59

26:59

Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! Bex is joined by dyslexia champion Kate Griggs, whose new book Xtraordinary People celebrates how thinking differently is a real superpower. Clare Harlow stops by to talk about Tidemagic — a spellbinding new story packed with adventure, secrets, and the power of finding your voice. Plus, Bex chats with a…

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Episode 2.23 - Roses and Red Kites - June’s Wild Waltz 42:42

2M ago42:42

42:42

Send us a text In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin brave a blustery June morning at High Ash Farm, where summer’s rhythm pulses through Norfolk’s countryside. By a windswept hedgerow, they marvel at field and dog roses, their delicate white and pink petals whispering tales of Roman introductions and…

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Episode 2.22 - Woodpeckers and Witches’ Brooms Summer’s Secret Symphony 46:06

2M ago46:06

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Send us a text "Woodpeckers and Witches’ Brooms: Summer’s Secret Symphony" In this captivating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin dive into the early summer splendour of High Ash Farm, where nature hums with hidden wonders. From their bird hide, they marvel at great spotted woodpeckers—vivid parents darting to a l…

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GT KARBER & SUZIE EDGE: Murdle Junior and History Stinks! Wee, Snot and Poo Through Tim 20:47

2M ago20:47

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! First up, Bex is joined by TikTok historian Suzie Edge whose hilarious new book - History Stinks! Wee, Snot and Poo Through Time - brings history to life in all its gruesome, revolting glory. Finally, think you can crack the case? GT Karber brings brain-bending mysteries for young minds in Murdle Junior.…

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Episode 2.21 - Shepherd’s Purse, Soldier’s Float 48:28

2M ago48:28

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Send us a text Bask in the sunlit splendour of High Ash Farm’s wildflower meadows, where Chris Skinner guides us through a vibrant tapestry of nature’s small wonders. Marvel at the common blue butterflies, their Wedgwood-hued wings dancing over bird’s foot trefoil, a legume bursting into bright yellow bloom. Amid the meadow, yellow rattle thrives, …

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Episode 2.20 - Cubs and Cones, Woodland’s Shared Spaces 44:31

3M ago44:31

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Send us a text Join Chris Skinner in the verdant depths of Fox's Grove, where spring unveils a remarkable tale of coexistence: badgers and foxes sharing the same sprawling set, with cubs of both species thriving in harmony. Discover the delicate beauty of the early purple orchid, steeped in Shakespearean lore, and marvel at the ash trees’ surprisin…

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ZOHRA NABI & FRANN PRESTON-GANNON : Deep Dark and Little Lim and the Golden Treasure 17:46

3M ago17:46

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! This week on Bookworms, we plunge into the shadowy streets of Victorian London with Deep Dark by Zohra Nabi. And to close the show, award-winning author Frann Preston-Gannon joins Bex to dive into her magical new adventure, Little Lim and the Golden Treasure. That's all on this week's episode of Fun Kids…

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Episode 2.19 - Fox Cubs’ Feast, Galls’ Hidden Guests 45:50

3M ago45:50

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Send us a text Join Chris Skinner at High Ash Farm for a captivating exploration of nature’s quirks in Norfolk’s countryside. This week, Chris unveils the ghostly spectacle of a spindle tree shrouded in the webs of brown tail moth caterpillars, a phenomenon both eerie and fascinating, while warning of their irritating hairs. The journey continues w…

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Episode 2.18 - May’s White Veil, Swifts’ Sickle Flight 51:52

3M ago51:52

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Send us a text Embark on a captivating journey with Chris Skinner as he ventures from High Ash Farm to the Suffolk coast at Aldeburgh to witness the awe-inspiring arrival of swifts. Marvel at these sickle-shaped marvels as they soar above the marshes, hoovering up aerial plankton and clocking millions of miles in their lifetime. Back at the farm, C…

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NICOLA BAKER & ASH BOND: Whistledown Farm and Peregrine Quinn 19:28

3M ago19:28

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! First up, Nicola Baker whisks us away to the countryside in Whistledown Farm: Meeting Meg, where magical animals and ancient secrets stir beneath the soil. And lastly, myth and mayhem awaits in Ash Bond's Peregrine Quinn: Mask of Chaos. That's all on this week's episode of Fun Kids Book Worms! Join Fun K…

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Episode 2.17 - Bluebells in Peril, Swallows in Flight 46:34

3M ago46:34

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Send us a text Join Chris Skinner at High Ash Farm for a vibrant spring morning filled with the tireless energy of returning swallows and the delicate beauty of the countryside. In this episode, Chris captures the dawn chorus as over 20 swallows busily build nests with mud and straw in the farm’s stables, marking the true arrival of summer. Venturi…

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Episode 2.16 - Kisses of Mistletoe, Blossoms of Crab Apple 39:38

3M ago39:38

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Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a rain-soaked adventure at High Ash Farm, where the long-awaited spring showers bring life to the Norfolk countryside. Under dripping umbrellas, they explore the sticky secrets of mistletoe, a semi-parasitic plant thriving on ancient trees, and marvel at the delicate pink-tipped blossoms of th…

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GREG JAMES & CHRIS SMITH, TAMSIN MORI, EVE WERSOCKI-MORRIS AND ELLA DOVE: The Kid Who Fell Through Time, The Watcher, Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed & How To Roller-Skate with One Leg 39:14

4M ago39:14

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! First up, get ready for time-travel twists as Radio 1 star, Greg James, and co-author, Chris Smith, join Bex to chat about their new book, The Kid Who Fell Through Time. Next, Tamsin Mori reveals the magic behind The Watcher, book two in her Gargoyles series. Eve Wersocki-Morris brings 1950s London to li…

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Episode 2.15 - Wings of Summer The Swallow’s Return 48:31

4M ago48:31

48:31

Send us a text In Episode 2.15 of The Countryside Podcast with Chris Skinner, we’re back at High Ash Farm, where the first swallows of the season have arrived, heralding the promise of summer with their daring aerial acrobatics. Chris’s infectious enthusiasm shines as he shares the miraculous 5,000-mile migration of these tiny birds, weighing less …

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Episode 2.14 - Windflowers, Wings, and Wily Ash 46:05

4M ago46:05

46:05

Send us a text April unfurls its wonders at High Ash Farm as Chris Skinner guides us through a sun-dappled tapestry of nature’s finest. From the slither of a grass snake basking in the warmth to the ancient whisper of windflowers carpeting the woodland floor, this episode is a celebration of spring’s slow and swift marvels. We chase the delicate da…

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PÁDRAIG KENNY, BARBARA HENDERSON & CLAIRE HATCHER-SMITH: After, I Don't Do Mountains & Mizzy's Mysteries 27:05

4M ago27:05

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! First up, it's Claire Hatcher-Smith's Mizzy's Mysteries which follows twelve-year-old Mizzy as she proves to the world she can solve mysteries just like Sherlock Holmes. Next, it’s Pádraig Kenny's After, where Jen and her father are making their way across a deserted world after a technological collapse …

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Episode 2.13 - Stoats, Sloes, Snipe and Spawn 51:17

4M ago51:17

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Send us a text In "Episode 2.13 - Stoats, Sloes, Snipe and Spawn," Chris Skinner ushers us into a misty late March morning at High Ash Farm near Norwich. A trail cam unveils the stealthy common snipe, its long beak probing the lake’s edge, while frog and toad spawn teems in the shallows—high ash caviar aplenty. Blackthorn hedges burst with blooms, …

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Episode 2.12 - Deer Dances and Ant Armies 53:06

4M ago53:06

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Send us a text Join farmer Chris Skinner for another enchanting journey through the wilds of High Ash Farm in this week’s Countryside Podcast. As spring unfolds, Chris shares a magical early morning encounter with Roe deer—fairies of the wood—dancing through the undergrowth, their velvet antlers catching the first light. Back at the farm, the porch…

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ELENA FAVILLI, MC GRAMMAR, BROGAN MURPHY & HUGH RAINE: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, The Adventures of Rap Kid, Wildlands & Betty and Yeti 38:07

5M ago38:07

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! First up, we have Elena Favilli, co-author of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls—the bestselling series celebrating its 10th anniversary, featuring inspiring stories of extraordinary women from history and today. Next, it’s MC Grammar and The Adventures of Rap Kid- a fast-paced, rhyme-filled adventure ab…

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Episode 2.11 - Leverets and Lent Lilies: A March Awakening 53:29

5M ago53:29

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Send us a text In this exhilarating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin venture across High Ash Farm on a crisp mid-March morning, where spring begins to unfurl its wonders. From a windswept hill, they marvel at the elusive mad March hares—tawny-gold giants lounging on their seats, mere yards away—joined by Chinese…

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JENNY MCLACHLAN, PAMELA BUTCHART & RHIAN TRACEY: Dragon Riders of Raw, Diary of a Future Billionaire & Wink, Murder 29:10

5M ago29:10

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! First, we’re soaring into an action-packed fantasy with Jenny McLachlan’s Dragon Riders of Raw—a thrilling adventure filled with fearless heroes, high-stakes danger, and, of course, magnificent dragons! Next, get ready for some laugh-out-loud fun with Pamela Butchart’s Diary of a Future Billionaire, wher…

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Episode 2.10 - Nest Builders and Seed Seekers 42:19

5M ago42:19

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Send us a text In this vibrant episode of the Countryside Podcasts, recorded on a glorious spring morning in early March at High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner and his co-host immerse listeners in the thriving world of nature. From the mobile bird hide (Chris’s farm truck), they observe the bustling High Ash Rookery, where rooks are busy rebuilding nests …

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WORLD BOOK DAY 2025: Benjamin Dean & Kiran Millwood Hargrave 18:20

5M ago18:20

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It’s World Book Day 2025, and this week, Bex is joined by two authors whose books are available for just £1 with your World Book Day token. First up it’s award-winning author Benjamin Dean and his new book This Story Is A Lie-where Harley’s dream of joining the ‘Rising Stars’ program turns into a nightmare when he uncovers a chilling threat—someone…

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Episode 2.9 - Gravestones and Orchids: Echoes of Earth 37:41

5M ago37:41

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Send us a text Episode 2.9 - Gravestones and Orchids: Echoes of Earth Step into the shadow of Caistor St. Edmund’s ancient churchyard with Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin, where weathered gravestones murmur tales of High Ash Farm’s toilers—men like “Happy” Holden and a boy who ploughed with horses before sailing to New Zealand. History fades into …

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Episode 2.8 - Travelers Above, Toilers Below 43:36

5M ago43:36

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Send us a text "Travelers Above, Toilers Below" bids adieu to winter’s visitors and unearths the quiet laborers of the countryside. Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin at High Ash Farm under February’s low sun as they watch fieldfares and redwings fuel up for their North Sea journey, their cinnamon-speckled breasts aglow. Beneath the pastures, mo…

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JB GILL, JUDITH EAGLE, LIZ HYDER & PENNY BOXALL: Ace and The Animal Heroes, The Great Theatre Rescue, The Twelve & Letty and The Mystery of The Golden Thread 37:25

5M ago37:25

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Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! This week, we're stepping into 1930s London with The Great Theatre Rescue by Judith Eagle, which follows Charley's story—a spirited young girl who embarks on a journey to save the theatre she loves. Next, it's Penny Boxall’s Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread, where we meet Letty Breech, who is e…