Wild Tales | Nature Podcast
Delve into intriguing stories from our weird, wonderful and utterly wild world. You'll experience nature in a whole new way, from untangling the strange world of spider sex and digging up the greatest fossil finds, to meeting mysterious ocean giants and finding out why there’s no such thing as a seagull. Join rangers Rosie Holdsworth and Ajay Tegala on adventures in the UK’s diverse habitats and uncover fascinating tales that connect us with wildlife. New episodes are released twice a month.
Episodes
The Metropolis in the Woods | Northern Hairy Wood Ants
Beneath the trees at Hardcastle Crags, millions of tiny workers are busy building a city of their own. Follow Rosie Holdsworth down to the forest floor, as she meets the northern hairy wood ants and discovers busy motorways, high-rise homes, and even an onsite food production line. ProductionHost: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Nikki Ruck Sound Recordist : Jesus Gomez Sound Design : Nikki Ruck Co
Wild Voices | Trees for Tomorrow
Join National Trust ranger Ajay Tegala in conversation with Zoe Hill, the National Trust’s first-ever Tree Nursery Officer. Zoe offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to grow climate-resilient trees for future generations, from caring for 50,000 young saplings to helping them thrive in an increasingly challenging climate. She also shares practical tips for growing and caring for trees in
Bats | The Dark Knights Rise Again
Bats are some of Britain’s most mysterious mammals. From caves and woodlands to parks and abandoned buildings, they’ve adapted to an astonishing range of habitats, and as night falls, you might spot them emerging from their roosts.National Trust ranger Rosie Holdsworth joins bat conservationist Steve Roe on a series of surveys across the Peak District, tracking these elusive creatures through win
Clever Corvids
Corvids, such as Crows, Rooks and Jackdaws are known for their high intelligence, problem solving abilities and complex social behaviour. But they’re also often associated with folklore, scary stories and horror movies.
Join us as we delve into the lives of the Clever Corvids, uncover the reasons behind their menacing image and find out that there’s more to these super brainy birds than a reputat
BONUS: Wild Voices | Can Social Media Save Birds?
Join National Trust ranger Ajay Tegala in another Wild Voices conversation with conservationist and content creator Emily Askew, and naturalist and wildlife advocate Ben Rumsby. Recorded live at the Global Bird Fair in Rutland, Emily and Ben explore how social media is reshaping the world of birding and inspiring a new generation to connect with nature. From balancing the demands of the algorithm
A Whole World on a Cabbage
A two-hour ferry ride from the North Devon coast lies a tiny island often described as Britain's very own Galápagos. It's home to all sorts of wildlife, including a plant that grows nowhere else on Earth. And hidden among its leaves is a tiny beetle that only lives there too.Join us as we head to Lundy to meet the people who spend their days counting cabbages, and discover why this little-known
The London Parakeet Mystery
Brightly coloured ring-necked parakeets might now be a familiar sight in the London sky, but that wasn't always the case. Join Ranger Rosie Holdsworth and Johnathan Miller-McCall as we track down these acid-green birds and understand how they got here, and why they're thriving. Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts
Wild Voices | Nature and Belonging
Join National Trust ranger Ajay Tegala in a Wild Voices conversation with veterinary surgeon, conservationist and founder of the Ealing Wildlife Group, Dr Sean McCormack. Recorded live at the Global Bird Fair in Rutland, Sean shares the remarkable story of bringing beavers back to London for the first time in 400 years and explains why community-led rewilding is transforming urban landscapes.Toge
The Great Cuckoo Con
Every spring, the unmistakable call of the cuckoo echoes across Wicken Fen Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire. But behind that familiar sound lies one of nature's most extraordinary deceptions. Join ranger and naturalist Ajay Tegala as he uncovers the astonishing lengths a cuckoo will go to raise its young. Production Host : Ajay Tegala Narrator : Rosie Holdsworth Producer : Nikki Ruck Location So
Racing for Reefs | From Formula 1 to Coral Conservation
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth, yet climate change, pollution and overfishing are driving their rapid decline.In response, Formula One champions McLaren Racing and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation have joined forces, combining engineering, data analysis and marine science to help restore coral reefs before they are lost.National Trust ranger Ajay Tegala i
Finding Cinnamon | A Capybara Gone Rogue
What do you do when a capybara escapes into the Shropshire countryside? In this episode, ranger Rosie Holdsworth joins Will Dorrell, co-founder of Hoo Zoo in Telford, to uncover the remarkable story of Cinnamon, the runaway capybara, and the efforts to bring her home. They also discover how Cinnamon’s adventure turned her into a global social media star. Watch a video of this podcast on the Nati
Wembley Stadium | Football's Perfect Pitch
As the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup gets underway, we're heading to Wembley Stadium, the home of the England national team, to explore the crucial role the pitch plays in the beautiful game. With Wembley setting the benchmark that World Cup venues across North America are looking to emulate, Ranger Rosie Holdsworth joins Karl Standley, Head of Grounds and Surface Transitions, to uncover what it take
European Brown Bears | Where are you?
Deep in the forests of Transylvania, one of Europe’s largest populations of brown bears still roams freely, often surprisingly close to busy towns and cities. Join National Trust ranger Rosie Holdsworth and her family as they hunt for signs of bears in the forests near Brașov, Romania. There, they discover what it really means to share a landscape with Europe’s largest land predator. Production P
Operation Nutcracker | The Return of the Red Squirrel
Red Squirrels were once a common sight in woodlands around the Uk but now, they’re one of our rarest Mammals. In this episode of Wild Tales, we head to Plas Newydd on the island of Ynys Môn in Wales, where a remarkable effort to bring them back is underway. For the Welsh transcript of this episode please click here. Red squirrel, Anglesey, Wales ©National Trust Images/Rob ColemanProduction Narr
Crayfish Gladiator Battle
White-clawed crayfish were once common in Britain’s waterways. But thanks to a restaurant craze in the 1970’s, that brought the American signal crayfish to our shores, our only native freshwater crayfish is under threat from this invasive species.
White-clawed crayfish are eco system engineers keeping rivers and streams clean and they also have amazing limb re growing superpowers. But they’re bei
The Dinosaur in the Cliff
Ever hunted for fossils on a beach and felt like you might actually find something? Rosie heads to the Isle of Wight to the scene of the most complete dinosaur discovery in the UK in a hundred years.
She’s joined by Dr Jeremy Lockwood, part of the original dig team and now casually known as a “namer of dinosaurs,” as they retrace how this once‑buried giant came back into the light. Production: H
Toad Patrol | The Perilous Path
As winter turns to spring , toads, frogs and newts across Britain begin their annual journey, making their way back to the ponds where they breed.For many, that journey means crossing busy roads and not all of them make it to the other side.In this episode of Wild Tales, we spend the night with the Charlcombe Lane Toad Patrol, discovering the dedication and determination it takes to give these re
Finding the Tundra Swan
The Bewick’s or ‘Tundra’ swan has eluded ranger Ajay Tegala for years.
It's hardly surprising: the swan’s epic migration is under pressure, and their numbers are dwindling. Can Ajay find them at their winter retreat of WWT Welney? Ajay speaks to fellow swan lover, artist and zoologist Dafila Scott and site manager Lizzie Bruce to aid his search for these hardworking swans. [Ad] Wild Tales is sp
You Might Like: Nature Fix | Stargazing in the City
This week we’re sharing another of our podcasts we think you’ll enjoy. Nature Fix takes you on adventures with people whose lives have been shaped by the outdoors.
In this episode, wrap up warm and turn your eyes to the skies for a stargazing tour from the middle of Manchester. Nature Fix Host Claire Hickinbotham joins astronomer and adventure enthusiast Nazanin Jahanshahi, to discover how there’s
The Island of Secret Seals
Orford Ness is well practiced at keeping secrets; in the 1940s it was classified military research, but now it is a brand new colony of grey seals. Countryside Manager Matt Wilson guides us around the bomb craters to try and find the newest and blubbery-est residences. We find out how they came to be on this moon-like beach and how they’re faring on this remote site. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored
Pine Martens’ Return
Pine martens were once common in Britain but now, they're one of our rarest carnivores.
These slinky, tree-dwelling predators had virtually disappeared in England and Wales by the turn of the 20th Century. But pine martens are making a comeback.We follow Ranger Dan Iceton at Wallington estate in Northumberland, as he tries to encourage pine martens to make these woodlands their forever home.And w
Arctic Terns | Globetrotting Dive-bombers
The Farne Islands in the North Sea, off the coast of Northumberland, have a very special species of seabird during the summer that fiercely protects its young with its dive-bombing technique.
However, it’s the Arctic Terns’ ability to fly thousands of miles during their migration from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle that really sets them apart. Join Rosie and Rangers Dan Iceton and Tom
The Man, The Book and The Mountains
Just outside Belfast, lie the Mourne Mountains - a land of granite peaks and wide skies, but also a place of witches, fawns and lions. Protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a UNESCO Global Geopark, this remarkable landscape is also a doorway to imagination. Join National Trust ranger Kate Martin as she journeys from the streets of
The Climbers of Eryri | A Story of Ice and Flowers
The rock faces of Cwm Idwal are cold, dark and uninhabitable; unless what you love is to dangle off the frozen cliffs. Ice climbing takes you into a winter playground, but as the climate crisis thins the ice, how can climbers and conservationists work together to save one of the UK’s rarest flowers? Join ecologist and botanist Barbara Jones and ice climber Tom Carrick to scale one of Wales' most
A Robin is not just for Christmas
As the festive season unfolds, one familiar face keeps appearing – the little robin. But behind its cheerful presence, is there more to this charming bird’s story?
National Trust ranger Rosie Holdsworth chats to garden wildlife specialist Sean McMenemy about the remarkable life of robins, revealing their fascinating year-round behaviour and why this beloved bird deserves to be celebrated all year
Golf Course to Nature Reserve | Just Add Water?
How can a golf course become a place for nature and people to thrive? Ajay Tegala visits Sandilands in Lincolnshire over its first year as the once manicured lawns transform into a wetland habitat. But with one of the driest springs on record, can Sandilands go from one birdie to another? Will there be enough water for wading birds return? [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your ou
Warrior the War Horse | Survival Against the Odds
What happened to the animals who served in the First World War? Uncover the extraordinary story of Warrior the war horse who survived the Western Front. General Jack Seely's horse, Warrior, was anything but ordinary. He carried his master through some of World War One's most brutal battles, including the Somme, Ypres and Passchendaele. Despite more than eight million horses, donkeys and mules los
Halloween Special | Witches' Familiars
Is your cat the devil in disguise? Probably not, although they may act like it sometimes! But once upon a time, they would have been accused of luring you into witchcraft.
In Britain in the 16th and 17th centuries witch hunting became an obsession and supposed ‘witches’ were put on trial, and some were even sentenced to death.Being an animal lover was considered a sure sign that someone was practi
Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers | New Series Trailer
A new series of Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers is here. Awooo! Follow the adventures of Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers, a crew of colourful creatures who use their skills to solve curious cases. Beaver’s a super engineer. Sleepy Bat’s skill is sonar. Wildcat’s a proud predator. Deer’s strong and speedy. Fox has a nose for trouble. Shy Mole’s an expert digger, and Dragonfly’s always buzzing. In Ser
Nature Valley, Taiwan | Technology and the Wild
Taiwan is known for its technology — from the chips that power our phones to the satellites orbiting above us, but just beyond the city of Hsinchu, there’s a small forest that tells a different story. Trust in Nature Foundation Taiwan is Taiwan’s first environmental charitable trust — a place where protected wildlife and local communities are working side by side to protect some of the island’s na
Sex, Death and Spiders
Warning: This episode contains the unusual mating habits of spiders. Autumn is the time for spiders, and the colder months mean our eight-legged friends are searching for something vital: sex. Join arachnologist Anna Maka and author and broadcaster Lucy Cooke to uncover the fascinating and freaky sex lives of spiders and what it teaches us about evolution itself. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Co
Riverside Reflections | The Wey Navigations by Boat
Join producer and barge dweller Marnie as she leaves London’s canals behind to explore the Wey Navigations. Along the way, she meets the people who care for it, discovers its wildlife, and finds out why this waterway matters so much to so many.[Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hike
The Overview Effect with Luke Jerram and Tim Peake
On 20th July 1969 the world watched as humans first set foot on the Moon. More than half a century on, the view of Earth from space has given rise to a profound idea: the Overview Effect — the shift in perspective that astronauts experience when they see our planet from orbit.
From 250 miles above, the Earth appears as a fragile, glowing sphere suspended in the darkness of space. Borders vanish, n
Plant Hunters | A Botanical Quest Down Under
In 2018 a team of intrepid explorers came in to the possession of a treasure map - one which would see them venture half way around the world to the Australian island of Tasmania. Those explorers were a team of garden experts from across the UK and Ireland who were now on a historic mission to save and catalogue plants for the benefit of people and the planet. Following in the footsteps of the hi
Clowns of the Sea | The Colourful Lives of Puffins
On 10th August 1925 the Farne Islands came into the care of the National Trust. A hundred years on and this wildlife haven off the coast of Northumberland is home to a breeding colony of 23 different species of seabirds.
But perhaps its most colourful characters, in looks as well as behaviour, are the 15,000 pairs of puffins that return to the Farne Islands to breed in the spring and summer mont
The Return of the Eagle
The UK’s largest bird of prey is making a comeback. It’s now possible to spot white-tailed eagles, or sea eagles, as they’re also known, in many parts of the country thanks to an ongoing re-introduction programme. Join Ranger Rosie Holdsworth as she sets out with Forestry England’s Steve Egerton-Read, a pair of binoculars, and a lot of hope, as they try and spot them on the Isle of Wight. [Ad]
Screaming Swifts | Living Life on the Fly
Every summer, swifts return to our skies, screaming overhead in joyful, acrobatic flight. But behind their spectacular aerial displays lies a stark reality: these much-loved birds are in serious decline. Join ranger Rosie Holdsworth in Sheffield as she meets two swift lovers doing everything they can to keep them flying high. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer
Bioluminescent Bay Watch | Strange Things Light Up the Ocean
Bioluminescent tides are often described as the northern lights of the ocean.
Marine biologist, Dr Yasmin Meeda, has only witnessed this natural phenomenon once. She says seeing bioluminescence is one of the most magical things she’s ever experienced. Yaz takes us into the strange world of bioluminescent life to meet the species whose bodies light up from the inside, due to a chemical reaction
The Queer Life of a Cockchafer
How did two beetles cause a gay panic? There's much more to a cockchafer or ‘maybug’ than meets the eye. Join ecologist, Connor Butler, to find out more about what these charismatic creatures can teach us about science, humanity and the fluidity of the natural world. Discover more: You can find out more about Connor’s work and the queer ecology walks here: https://www.connorbutler.co.uk/ To vi
Chris Packham | Spring, Birding and Pied Flycatchers
Wild Talk: In this bonus episode Ajay chats with wildlife legend Chris Packham about their shared love of birds.
After 3 weeks of filming Springwatch at the Longshaw Estate, Ajay wants to hear more about the stunning cast of characters on this year's show. In particular, the black and white birds that choose to spend their summer here: the migrant pied flycatchers. Ajay meets Chris for a walk
Green Therapy | The Healing Power of Gardens
There’s not a lot better than getting out in nature and it’s something Linda Stuart realised 40 years ago. She visits Packwood House and Garden almost daily to get a nature fix, and credits it with getting her through some really challenging times. Join Linda as she shares her story with Heather Birkett. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adv
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pet Craze
It’s the 1980s and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has burst onto the scene, scoring millions of young fans.
Half-human, half-turtle fighters Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael and Michelangelo originated as comic book characters before spawning phenomenally popular films and cartoons. But “turtlemania” also inadvertently sparked a pet craze that ultimately led to an invasive species probl
Remembering Sycamore Gap
On September 27th 2023, the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland was felled overnight in an act of vandalism, triggering a far-reaching wave of shock and sorrow. Join Heather Birkett, as she goes behind the scenes to explore the enduring impact of this beloved landmark, the aftermath of its loss, and the community’s efforts to preserve its memory. This episode has been updated from an previo
Bird Accents | Saving Urban Birdsong
When Ajay Tegala discovers that chaffinches, a small songbird, have a different accent every 30 miles, he’s intrigued. However, under threat from disease these birds are dying out in urban areas, and their unique urban songs may be lost for ever. But all is not lost. There's a way to find out how this disease is spreading...by recording their song. Follow Ajay and ecologist and UKYouth4Nature a
Pteridomania | When Fern Frenzy Swept the UK
It’s the mid-1800s and pteridomania – or fern frenzy – is the new big craze. Across the UK, plant enthusiasts are heading into the countryside to pick all the prized specimens they can find. And fern fans far and wide are avidly creating collections and displays of the leafy green plants to show off. Uncover the truth about this Victorian phenomenon and how it influenced our love of house plant
Dolphin Social Networks | Mothers, Besties and Bodyguards
Beneath the waves of West Wales lies a complicated network of relationships that determines not only who’s belly rolling who, but which calf survives. Join Katrin Lohrengel and her team at Sea Watch to search for one of the ocean's most loved and misunderstood creatures: bottlenose dolphins. For the Welsh transcript of this episode please click here.[Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoo
The Elusive Leaping Shark | Searching for Cryptic Creatures
Join Ranger Rosie Holdsworth to uncover the mystery of the leaping shark. On a boat off Cornwall, wildlife guide Jenny spots a huge animal she’s never seen before jumping out of the water. But what exactly has she witnessed? Across the world in Florida, shark-obsessed Dr Molly Kressler sets off on a mission to discover more about what is beneath the calm of the surface. More than that, she wan
Gangster Gulls | Uncovering the Truth About Seagulls
Seagulls have a bad reputation. But is it deserved? Join Ranger Rosie Holdsworth to meet the gulls in Poole Harbour known for their chip-stealing behaviour. Are these birds feathered thugs or smart survivors? We’ll discover the myths and surprising truths about one of Britain’s most controversial birds. From their behaviours to their vital role in coastal ecosystems, uncover
Introducing Back When
Imagine being a fly on the wall throughout history.Historians Helen Antrobus and James Grasby take you inside the stories of the people, places and moments that made us. Experience the Great Stink of London. Make an entrance onto the Georgian dating scene. Find out if you'd survive a medieval battle. And unlock the secrets of Britain’s space race. Our past is all around us. Be transported behind
Introducing Wild Tales
Wild Tales is launching 26 March. Immerse yourself in intriguing stories from our weird, wonderful and utterly wild world. Experience nature in a whole new way, from untangling the strange world of spider sex and digging up the greatest fossil finds, to meeting mysterious ocean giants and finding out why there’s no such thing as a seagull.Join nature experts Rosie Holdsworth, Ajay Tegala and Heat
World Heritage Heroes | Roots to Roses in Ethiopia & England
Journey to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Mottisfont garden in Hampshire, to discover a story of heritage and horticulture through two of the world’s most prestigious rose collections.
We meet Princess Esther Selassie Antohin, founder of Heritage Watch Ethiopia, to explore the Tsegereda Rose Garden Project, an initiative that restores a link to Ethiopia’s imperial legacy and also tackles climate con
Pub Walks and Planet Protection
One of the simple pleasures in life is getting outdoors for a walk, taking in the world around you with some fresh air and then nipping into a cosy pub for a well earned treat.
Claire Hickinbotham takes you on some of our favourite walks from our book ‘100 Great Pub Walks’ and finds out why caring for our planet, is necessary for the good of the humble pint. From floodplains to fens, from peatlan
Announcement | We'll Look Different Soon
From March 2025 the National Trust Podcast will look a little different, so that we can bring you more stories in nature, history and adventure. We're splitting the National Trust Podcast into two dedicated shows for nature and history lovers. Stay with the National Trust Podcast for our nature podcast Wild Tales. You'll be immersed in intriguing stories from our incredible natural world.Love hist
Dust Detectives | Underfloor Archaeology (Classic)
Just beneath our feet lies a hidden world of centuries-old curiosities and undiscovered treasures.
But laying your hands on these forgotten items and figuring out exactly what they are requires some special underfloor sleuthing, to sort the rubbish from the rarities.An archaeological adventure awaits in the story of the Dust Detectives, as the team uncover early medieval music and learn about the
Seasons by the Sea | Grey Seals at Blakeney Point (Classic)
Experience life on Blakeney Point in Norfolk as it transforms throughout the year, in this classic episode. From the mass arrival of seal pups in winter to the noisy feathered-frenzy of summer, discover how a remote stretch of shingle coastline is home to some of the UK's most unique marine wildlife.[Ad] Open the door to more with a National Trust membership. As well as free entry and parking at o
Victoria, Albert and the Christmas Tree Trend
In 1848 an image of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children decorating an evergreen caused a sensation, and sparked a Christmas tree trend in Britain. Many people began to bring trees into their homes and decorate them with homemade ornaments, sweet treats and naked candles tied with ribbons. The Victorians can be credited with inventing our modern Christmas. In this episode, Clara W
World Heritage Heroes | Saving History in Cairo & Norfolk
Heritage sites like the medieval palace Bayt Al Razzaz in Egypt and the picturesque Blickling estate in the UK, are under threat from climate change.
What connects these vastly different places? And what can the guardians of these historic treasures learn from each other as they battle extreme weather, social upheaval and other challenges?Discover the global fight to protect our heritage.You can w
Surfing in the North Sea | An Unimaginable Dream
As a wheelchair user, Melissa rarely has the opportunity of spending time on the beach with the rest of her family; and an activity for them all in the water together was unimaginable. But an ‘adaptive surfing for families’ session in South Shields in the North East, changed everything. You can watch a video of this podcast on National Trust Youtube: https://ntpodcasts.org/Video[Ad] Open the door
Isaac Newton | The Gravity of Good Friends
Sir Isaac Newton is best known for coming up with the theory of gravity while relaxing in his orchard, thanks to an apple that fell beside him one afternoon – helping him to unravel one of the universe's great mysteries. But that story is only a small part of the tale...
Heather Birkett delves into one of the greatest minds of all time. Discover how a friendship with astronomer Edmund Halley help
Ghost Stories | Murder in the Castle
On 18th March AD 978 at Corfe Castle in Dorset, a 16-year-old boy was brutally stabbed in the back and died shortly after. That boy was the teenage king, Edward the Martyr. But who was the murderer, or murderers?
Join James Grasby and author Anna Groves on this Halloween historical Whodunnit, as they try and figure out who committed the regicide, with the help of some other worldly encounters.[Ad
New Kids' Podcast | Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers
Join the adventures of Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers, the new kids' podcast from the National Trust.Introducing the Wildlifers, a crew of colourful creatures who use their special skills to help where there's trouble in nature. Beaver’s a super engineer. Sleepy Bat’s skill is sonar. Wildcat’s a proud predator. Deer’s strong and speedy. Fox has a nose for trouble. Shy Mole’s an expert digger, and D
WWII ‘Brown Babies’ | A Hidden History
Historian David Olusoga tells the story of the children born to white British mothers and black American servicemen during the Second World War, dubbed Britain’s ‘Brown Babies’ in the African American press at the time.
Carol and Ann, now in their 80s, revisit their childhood home, Holnicote House in Somerset. During the 1940s, the building was used for the care of around 30 children of black GI
Introducing: Step into the Past | The Craftsmen of Calke Abbey
What if you could follow in the footsteps of your ancestors and reveal the hidden tales behind some of the UK’s fascinating historical locations? Introducing Step into the Past, a podcast from our sponsors at Findmypast. In this episode, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and her guest Sandy travel to the not-so-stately home of Calke Abbey in Derbyshire to discover Sandy’s family’s longstanding con
Sycamore Gap | One Year On
On September 27th 2023, the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland was felled overnight in an act of vandalism, triggering a far-reaching wave of shock and sorrow.
Join Heather Birkett as she goes behind the scenes to explore the enduring impact of this beloved landmark, the aftermath of its loss, and the community’s efforts to preserve its memory. A video version of this podcast is availabl
Farewell Kate!
Our lovely nature presenter and ranger Kate Martin is leaving to join our friends at the RSPB, helping to care for wildlife in Scotland.Here are some of Kate's best bits and few moments from behind the scenes.On behalf of everyone at the National Trust, from our listeners and from the podcast team, thank you and wishing you a great and adventure filled future.
Northern Ireland Adventure | Sea Safari at Rathlin Island
A stretch of water between the mainland and Rathlin Island is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife and infamous shipwrecks.
Ranger Kate Martin continues her adventure along Northern Ireland’s causeway coast, this time exploring life under water. [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast is supported by Tourism Ireland Experience all of what Northern Ireland has to offer from standing on th
Northern Ireland Adventure | Beyond the Bridge
Don’t look down! Across a rope bridge over a stretch of water on Northern Ireland’s causeway coast lies the Island of Carrick-a-Rede and a fisherman’s cottage that has stood for centuries.
Ranger Kate Martin, heads off on her holiday, to make the crossing and to learn how this old bridge became the focal point for a community and rich coastal traditions. [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast is su
Classic | A Beginners Guide to Bikepacking Day 2
Jo and Katherine continue their bikepacking adventure, starting day two in Bude, with a surprise twist after breakfast, before heading up the coast to Devon.They visit the National Trust’s smallest property, Hawkers Hut, on the way and join in an activity Jo last did at the age of eight.With thanks to Raleigh UKProductionHosts: Jo Dyson and Katherine Moore, and introduced by Claire HickinbothamPro
Classic | A Beginners Guide to Bikepacking Day 1
What happens when you combine backpacking and cycling? In this classic 2-parter we join Jo Dyson as she gets to grips with ‘bikepacking’ under the expert guidance of Katherine Moore and tackles the unforgiving hills of the north Cornish coast.With thanks to Raleigh UK ProductionHosts: Jo Dyson and Katherine Moore, and introduced by Claire HickinbothamProducers: Sean Douglas, Pippa Tilbury-Harris,
Classic | The Twilight Creatures of Cragside
In this classic episode, you’re invited to a midnight party happening deep in the woods. Meet the ravers, movers and shakers as they emerge from slumber to rule nature’s nightclub. Ranger Kate Martin heads out into the twilight landscape of Cragside, Northumberland in search of bats, moths and underwater noise makers. ProductionHost: Kate MartinProducer: Michelle DouglassSound editor: Jesus Gomez
Going Underground | Inside a Roman Gold Mine
Deep under the hillsides of Carmarthenshire lie the remains of the UK’s only known Roman gold mines. With a head torch to guide the way, James Grasby ventures into the void to unearth the secrets that lurk in the darkness and finds out the pioneering efforts that the Romans went to in order to extract this precious metal. Click here to view these show notes in Welsh[Ad from our sponsor] This pod
City Growing with Tayshan Hayden-Smith
Ex-professional footballer Tayshan Hayden-Smith turned to the healing power of nature after the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in 2017. Since then, he’s been on a journey to bring access to nature to all. He shows ranger Kate Martin around his local community garden and together they see that a garden can be anywhere and anything. Later Kate heads to the National Trust’s Sutton House to see the garde
The Workhouse | One Step Up From Prison?
If you didn’t have money and a way to support yourself and your family in the 1800s you might be forced to go into the workhouse. Find out what life was really like for the men, women and children who ended up there.
Heading into the Workhouse, even if modern times, feels ominous and foreboding. Walk alongside Curator James Grasby as he enters The Workhouse and Infirmary in Southwell and takes on
My Dog Walk Saved Me | A Mental Health Journey
When one man set off on a walk around the UK coast, little did he know that adopting a rescue dog would change the course of his life.
Christian Lewis was at rock bottom when he embarked on a journey that would last 6 years, but it was ‘Jet’ and the power of nature, that would piece him back together to lead him onto a life that would otherwise have been unimaginable for this army veteran. [Ad fr
125 Treasures | The Needle on the Lawn
The Philae Obelisk at Kingston Lacy in Dorset is an ancient reminder of a very different world. Learn about its origins, why it came to be in England and how its hand-carved inscriptions were key to unlocking the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Listen to this classic episode from our series 125 Treasures, presented by Alison Steadman.[Ad from our sponsor] This podcast episode is sponsored by fami
Poetry and Music in Bloom with Simon Armitage and LYR
Join us as we celebrate the season of blossom with poetry and music written and produced by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and his band LYR.
In this episode, Simon shares the inspiration behind his poetry, and the band discuss how they produced the song Blossom: A CV and collaborated with community choirs as part of the Blossomise album.ProductionProducer: Jesse Edbrooke Sound editor: Jesus GomezDi
The Mysterious Tale of Ferguson's Gang
In the 1930s, the mysterious Ferguson’s Gang captivated the British public with their daring and unusual stunts. Led by the enigmatic “Bill Stickers”, the group was unlike any other gangsters of the era. They were mask-wearing, all-women activists who gave money in quirky ways to help save the countryside. In this docudrama, uncover the identities of the people behind the secretive Ferguson's Gang
Dam Engineers | The Beavers of Holnicote | Revisited
For the past few years Holnicote Estate, Exmoor National Park, has been home to furry inhabitants engineering a solution to local flooding, and developing a habitat not seen in the UK for centuries. In this episode we revisit the site to check in on its charismatic residents. And discover the exciting news of a growing brood of babies, just in time for Christmas. ProductionHost: Kate MartinProdu
A History of Drag | Panto and Shakespeare
Drag and British history go hand in hand with each other when the two meet on the stage. From Shakespeare to Pantomime the idea of gender play as part of performance has been a staple of British culture for centuries.
Growing up, Drag Queen Misty Monique thought it was a bit unfair that at the weddings she went to, men wore suits while women could wear a variety of outfits and costumes. Discoveri
The Last Voyage | Sutton Hoo
In 1939, archaeologists uncovered a “ghost ship” under the acidic sandy soil of Sutton Hoo, in Suffolk. Now, presenter James Grasby reimagines the last journey of that vessel, and who was aboard, as it was hauled from the water and dragged to its final resting place at Sutton Hoo some 1,400 years ago.
Embark on the last voyage of this Anglo-Saxon burial ship and learn how its discovery changed our
