Get Birding
Get Birding is a multi-award-winning podcast that helps everyone connect with nature by discovering more about the birds around them. Hosted by actor and longtime birder Sean Bean, the show has been recognized with awards including British Podcast Awards, Audio Production Awards, and Anthem Awards. Past hosts have included BBC Wild Isles presenter Hamza Yassin and ornithologist Dr Mya-Rose Craig. The podcast is supported by organizations such as the RSPB, National Trust, and Natural History Museum.
Episodes
Migration and Conservation with Ben Watt
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 loc
Birding at RSPB Arne with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage
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 als
Generational Birding with Dr Mya-Rose Craig
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 Jo
Birds of Prey with Dan O'Neill
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 Dav
The birds that stay with us feat. Kirsty Gallacher and Amy Tan
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 an
Holiday Birding Spots with Jim Moir and Samuel West
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
The Birding World Comes to Rutland
In 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 birdwa
The Boom of the Bittern with Jeremy Vine
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
Learning to Fly with Dr Mya-Rose Craig
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 ev
Singing with Nightingales
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 from
Birding for Mental Health
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
The Dawn Chorus with Will Young
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 inspi
Rights of Passage with Samuel West
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 West,
Birds in Danger with David Gray
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 help
Early Birders with Johnny Vaughan
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 fo
Changing Skies with Jim Moir
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 bet
Puffing Chests & Building Nests
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, we
The Wild Patch with Jo Whiley & Zoe Ball
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 ar
Garden Symphony with Guy Garvey
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 RSPB
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch with Dr Amir Khan
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 M
Crisis Talks
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 she
Music Of The Skies
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 birdsong m
Safety In Nature
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 a
Words & Birds
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 over
Nesting
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 nature.
City Girl In Nature
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 trut
S3! Coming Soon!
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.
Get Birding's RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Special: Chris Packham, Samuel West, Miranda Krestovnikoff , Dr Amir Khan, Sam Lee & Edwyn Collins
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, sp
Series 2: Episode 6 - Adrian Thomas, Kim Wallace and Chad Crouch
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. Wit
Series 2: Episode 5 - Ajay Tegala, Duncan Halpin and Martin Noble
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.
Series 2: Episode 4 - Rachel Ball, Charlotte Levene and Charles Foster
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
Series 2: Episode 3 - Ben McCarthy, Alys Laver and Yetunde Kehinde
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 Eco
Series 2: Episode 2 - Gabriel Willow, Adrian Thomas, James Taylor Foster
Hamza was born in Sudan and grew up Northampton before moving to his current home in the west coast of Scotland. He's now surrounded by a plethora of bird life, but this has always been the case. In this episode of Get Birding Hamza explores birding as part of the built environment from how nature can inspire us and be experienced in the most densely populated and built up areas, how we can encour
Series 2: Episode 1 - Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Poppy Rummery
In the first episode of series two, our new host - ornithologist and BBC Countryfile’s Hamza Yassin - talks to series one’s presenter, environmental campaigner Dr Mya-Rose Craig, about their shared love of birds.The appearance of a rare black browed albatross this year was one of the hot birding stories of the summer. Hamza speaks to RSPB Bempton Cliffs Visitor Experience Assistant Poppy Rummery t
Series 1: Episode 6 - Emma Kennedy, Yetunde Kehinde, Kate Fox, El Búho
As lockdown restrictions start to ease, Mya-Rose Craig explores how we can expand our birding horizons from our back gardens and regular walks to further afield, paying a visit to the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust’s Slimbridge reserve in Gloucestershire which will reopen soon.Writer, broadcaster and actress Emma Kennedy explains her love of birding, stork spotting, RSPB Minsmere and blackbirds sing
Series 1: Episode 5 - Ajay Tegala, Lucy Lapwing, Ben Dolan, Afro Celt Sound System
The birds in our skies are about to change. Spring marks the start of migration, with birds flying thousands of miles across the world. It's a magical, mysterious wonder of nature that has fascinated us for centuries.In this episode Mya-Rose Craig discovers why bird migration happens; learns about species we can expect to see flying into the UK; and hears from listeners from the Orkneys to Ea
Series 1: Episode 4 - Samuel West, Lucy Lapwing, Sam Lee
During lockdown, we've become more aware of birdsong but can we recognise the birds we're hearing? In this episode, Mya-Rose Craig explores how to identify different birds, from robins to wrens to blackbirds; why birds sing; what a dawn chorus is all about; and how birdsong makes us feel.Actor and keen birder Samuel West takes time out from filming the new series of All Creatures Great
Series 1: Episode 3 - Dr Amir Khan, Dr Jo Birch, Ian Jelley, Northern Flyway
This episode focuses on the powerful impact of birds on our mental health, particularly during lockdown. With heartbreaking honesty, TV’s favourite GP Dr Amir Khan reveals how birds have helped him through the daily stress of working on the front line over the pandemic. Dr Amir explains the science behind nature’s effect on the chemicals in our brains; why he is starting to prescribe nat
Series 1: Episode 2 - Susan Calman, Dr Amir Khan, Fyfe Dangerfield
Mya-Rose Craig speaks to presenter, comedian and avid birder Susan Calman about her life changing obsession with her garden bird feeder, and how her feathered friends have brought her calm and relaxation.To mark National Nest Box Week, TV doctor and nature ambassador Dr Amir Khan offers practical tips on where to place your nest box, and our Get Birding listeners share advice on how to encour
Series 1: Episode 1 - Chris Packham, Jason Singh
Mya-Rose Craig talks to BBC nature presenter Chris Packham about the magic of birdwatching, the need for diversity in nature, his Bird To Watch and the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend - the biggest citizen science project in the UK. Nature beatboxer, composer and sound artist Jason Singh - whose work has featured at the BBC Proms, on Countryfile and the V&A - explains h
Get Birding - Trailer
Being in lockdown has unleashed our love for nature. Goats taking ownership of our streets, deer sleeping on town commons, birds and their song reclaiming our soundscape - a full wildlife drama happening every day in our gardens, streets and countryside for us all to watch. Many of us want to maintain our new found appreciation of this natural life - and birds offer the greatest escape, liter
