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Nature, wildlife and countryside living with Chris Skinner from High Ash Farm. Chris is a Norfolk farmer doing things differently; all of his practices are informed by his dedication to biodiversity and wildlife. Join Chris and broadcaster Matthew Gudgin every Sunday morning as they talk nature, wildlife and countryside living. Enjoy walks around High Ash Farm and further afield as the pair spot wildlife and answer your questions. New episode released every Sunday at 0700 GMT To support and ...
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In the absence of a busy Matthew Gudgin Chris Skinner has a special co-host for the podcast this week. Chris and his daughter, Kate Blincoe give an insight into what life was like growing up on High Ash Farm. They describe how connections to the land can come at cost to family life. The pair then treat us to an evening on the farm for a nocturnal s…
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Chris Skinner treats us to a whistle stop tour of the colours of autumn at High Ash Farm. Chris sings the praises of a British native shrub that showcases the brightest pink berries with orange seeds at this time of the year. Matthew Gudgin enjoys Rat the terrible terrier's calmer disposition this week. They pair watch on as a red admiral butterfly…
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Chris Skinner greets visitors from Southern Australia who have come to see High Ash Farm. He gets Matthew Gudgin busy cleaning the gutters for acorns and the pair marvel at how tiny acorn can grow into an enormous oak. Chris introduces Matthew to the some fury arrivals that once made Norfolk one of the wealthiest places in the country. Rat the terr…
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This episode goes off with a BANG as Chris Skinner introduces us to an unofficial experiment he's conducting on a field full overwinter wild bird seed mix at High Ash Farm. He's highlighting a loophole that currently exists whereby shooting is still allowed on areas like this that are supposed to be dedicated to promoting wildlife. Matthew Gudgin t…
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Autumn has definitely arrived at High Ash Farm. Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the podcast at Foxes Grove and they get up close and personal to some of the fungi making an appearance on the woodland floor. Chris explains the many uses and existence of fungi within our diet, lifestyle and health care. The pair revisit an enormous ash tree th…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin are distracted early on in their journey around High Ash Farm. They spot Norfolk's largest black bird, busy preening it's feathers in a nearby tree. They keep a safe distance as they admire the work of a hornet queen who has built an enormous nest all by herself! Chris describes the fascinating but difficult life cy…
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Chris Skinner is giddy to show Matthew Gudgin a new species that's causing quite a buzz at High Ash Farm. The pair then survey the hallmark left behind from a special visitor who wandered through the farm last night. Chris explains how ivy is a plant for all seasons. Sometimes an undesirable plant for some but Chris describes how valuable it is for…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin by watching a charm of goldfinches busy feeding on their favourite food. They head to a different part of the farm to watch the latest colony occupying a hole in a sweet chestnut tree. Chris describes the various species that trees can support throughout their lives. Chris quietly admits to Matthew a plant tha…
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It's a big birthday for Chris Skinner this week and to celebrate he shares the starlings at High Ash Farm with us. Chris then continues the bird theme and shows Matthew Gudgin other birds gathering in the fields including jackdaws, carrion crows and rooks. The pair then give the answer to last weeks conundrum as well as answering questions about ba…
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This episode marks a special one year anniversary for Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast. Chris has a gift for you in way of a tricky conundrum for you to have a go at: Today, Sunday the first of September, I am safe. Why should I be worried tomorrow, the second of September and why shouldn't I worried tomorrow, the second of September? Answers ca…
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Chris Skinner shows Matthew one of the oldest ponds at High Ash Farm. Chris dunks his hands in and demonstrates the pottery qualities of the clay in the pond. He describes how wild oats can grow in the cracks when it dries out. Chris is extremely excited and proud to show Matthew the holes in nearby trees that have been drilled by woodpeckers. The …
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Chris Skinner tells a story and shares the practicality of farmers. Matthew Gudgin joins Chris on the lawn and they answer a curious question all about moles. Chris describes the antisocial qualities of the underground inhabitants, how they move and how they changed the course of history. It's all go at High Ash Farm at the moment with all the mowi…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the podcast at a local supermarket that is protecting the wildlife nesting there. Back on the farm the pair trudge through a field overwinter wildbird seed mix when they come across an exploding thistle. Chris explains how pioneering species establish and how they can colonise. They look at various properties …
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the different roles of the new and devoted parents on the farm. They're driving through High Ash Farm when Chris notices one of East Anglia's most persecuted birds enjoying a spot of sunbathing. They revisit the site once filled with foxgloves in flower. The plants have now gone to seed and Chris explains th…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the podcast watching a very splendid butterfly in the woodland clearing. They travel through the woodland to rather confusingly look for a gathering of lazy and extremely poisonous moths that are up and about in the daytime. The pair chance upon a group whirligig beetles circling on the water and dragonflies l…
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Chris Skinner captures the sound of the farm's most recognisable wake up call before introducing us to two young nearby buzzards. Matthew Gudgin joins Chris as they watch the buzzards glide in the air and Chris explains how to distinguish the difference between various birds of prey. Armed with a tape measure, the pair head to the woods to measure …
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Matthew Gudgin marvels at the superb parenting skills of Mother Duck who is raising her ten ducklings at High Ash Farm. Chris Skinner drives Matthew to the local quarry to show off the incredible wildlife zooming around this unlikely location. Matthew then watches on as Chris forages in the undergrowth for a Wimbledon themed treat after explaining …
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Chris Skinner starts this episode by capturing the song of a nearby Blackcap Warbler. Matthew Gudgin arrives at High Ash Farm and the pair observe the corkscrew flight of Rooks at what is the riskiest time of the year for the bird. Rat comes along for the ride in this episode and takes umbrage to dog walkers on the farm. Chris dons his wellies to s…
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Chris Skinner starts the episode by capturing the dawn chorus from song thrushes, wood pigeon and a bantam cockerel. Matthew Gudgin is shocked to be greeted by a stoat before they've even started! They learn about how this small predator hunts and navigates its way around High Ash Farm. Chris managed filmed the stoats and you can see this footage h…
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Chris glimpses the morning routine of the swallows first thing. They're considering whether they can fit in a final brood. Matthew Gudin and Rat the dog keep up with Chris as he shares with us the super powers of clover. Chris also talks about the predators at High Ash Farm, a topic that often divides the farming community. He describes his footage…
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This morning's morning chorus comes from the geese visiting the pond at High Ash Farm. Chris Skinner takes Matthew Gudgin to the High Ash Farm Bog. He tells the story of something once swallowed up by this bottomless bog! This wonderful habitat provides the perfect conditions for one Chris's favourite flowers, the ragged robin. The pair then compar…
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Chris Skinner listens in as the corvid take to their nests for their final chatter of the day, an evening chorus . The following day, Matthew Gudgin joins Chris and they go in search of the Common Spotted Orchid and the striking Pyramidal Orchid. Chris explains how the geology and soil types at High Ash Farm dictate what grows where when it comes t…
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The dawn chorus provided by a blackbird whilst Chris Skinner describes how much he enjoys doing the rounds first thing at High Ash Farm. The goslings swim over to wish Chris a good morning! He's joined by his broadcasting companion Matthew Gugdin and they marvel at the mystery of the bee orchid and discuss other orchids on the farm and their soil p…
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Chris Skinner has been busy counting the swallows on the farm. He catches their early morning chatter as the thirty-seven birds prepare for the day ahead. Chris takes Matthew Gudgin and terrible terrier Rat, to a field full of creeping buttercups. They return to the woodland where the bluebells were. They're long gone now, but standing in their wak…
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Chris Skinner gives Matthew Gudgin an impromptu tour around his house and garden showing the many ways he welcomes wildlife. The pair then venture out onto High Ash Farm to look at the badger set. Chris has recorded some incredible footage of the teenage badgers getting up to mischief in the dead of night. Click here to see the video of the badgers…
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The wren conducts the dawn chorus for this episode of Chris Skinner’s Countryside Podcast. Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin stomp through the woodland to chomp on the edible wild garlic. The dwindling bluebells are going over and their shadow brings the early purple orchid to the fore. Chris explains their many names and mentions throughout history…
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Chris Skinner is up at the crack of dawn on the 1st of May to capture the sounds of the morning at High Ash Farm. Part of daily duties involve checking in on the swallows. Matthew Gudgin joins later on in the sunshine and the pair begin their journey around the farm by looking at crab apple trees. Chris and Matthew head to a bird hide and Chris exp…
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Chris Skinner shares a moments reflection whilst waiting to see the first swift arrive at Aldeburgh beach. He pinpoints the exact moment when his relationship with wildlife changed forever. Matthew Gudgin arrives at High Ash Farm and the pair take a look at the hidden wonders of the horse chestnut tree. They also study the hawthorne in flower befor…
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Chris Skinner starts the day with his elderly geese before checking in on the swallows busy spring cleaning their nests. Matthew Gudgin joins Chris and Rat, his terrible terrier to see the bluebells at High Ash Farm. He explains how these bluebells return year on year and bring a lot of joy to a lots of visitors. Chris takes Matthew to another wood…
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Chris Skinner and terrible terrier, Rat take refuge in the farm truck from Storm Kathleen and share the benefits of wind for farmers and for pollination. Chris explains the life of the ash trees and why they thrive in certain areas. Matthew Gudgin joins Chris at the yard and they delight at the arrival of swallows at the farm. The pair marvel at th…
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Chris Skinner shares his early morning by showcasing the dawn chorus featuring solos from a sparrow, collared dove and song thrush. After a very wet winter and now an even wetter spring, Chris reflects on what high rainfall means for the farm in the next few months. Chris and Matthew Gudgin observe a family of inquisitive Little Owls at the farm. W…
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Chris Skinner captures the eerie sound of a roe buck barking in the woodland and High Ash Farm. He talks us though the risky behaviour of a particularly brave fox at the entrance of a badger set that he caught on his night vision camera. Click here to see the video on High Ash Farm Facebook Page Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a punt and enjo…
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Chris Skinner treats us to a special chorus as he captures the dawn of the vernal equinox. Matthew Gudgin then joins Chris at High Ash Farm to admire the spring blooms and varieties of nettles before embarking on a mathematical counting and concentration challenge. Using the truck and very long piece of string, the pair try and spot as many hares a…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin are joined by Rat the dog who is especially keen to explore the holes of an active warren at High Ash Farm. Rat is busy excavating while Chris explains our relationship with rabbits down the years and the fluctuation in popularity as a source of food and fur. They look at the ground ivy and elm that are both in flow…
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This week Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin see and hear a wide range of wildlife at High Ash Farm including kestrels, Chinese water deer, and skylarks. They explore a field filled with hundreds of small mammals, particularly the long-tailed field mouse or wood mouse, which is the most common rodent in the UK. Chris explains the mouse's habits, favo…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin delight at the arrival of spring at High Ash Farm. They observe the nesting rooks, the blooming daffodils and violets, and the budding pussy willow. They explore the presence of harvest mice and deer in the area by observing the tracks and footprints left in the soil. Chris shares some historical and botanical knowl…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin lament the unusually wet winter and its impact on the British countryside. Chris shares with us his favourite type of tree, the Yew Tree, which flowers in the winter months. He tells us about its historical significance and association with religious sites. They observe roe deer in the woodland and discuss its behav…
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In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the history and importance of hedgerows in the UK. Chris describes how the landscape has changed over time, with hedgerows being removed and then replanted to recreate wildlife corridors. He ponders his own role in this process and shows deep remorse for removing hedgerows in his younger year…
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In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the successional woodland and its natural growth at High Ash Farm. They delight at the array of winter flowers on the woodland floor including snowdrops, violets and pansies. Chris shows how the pollen from hazel catkins moves around and Matthew points out the various types of fungi nearby. T…
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin go on a nocturnal safari drive around High Ash Farm. They talk about the different wildlife that comes out at night, such as deer, birds, and rabbits. They encounter a barn owl and see what is lurking on the edge of the dark wood. Chris and Matthew head to the office to answer listener questions. They discuss pied w…
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In this episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take breakfast for the birds on High Ash Farm. They observe the abundance of bird life during the winter months, particularly due to the lack of foliage on deciduous trees. They also discuss the feeding habits of various bird species, including rooks, jackdaws, nuthatches and a surprise raven. They w…
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In this episode Chris Skinner takes Matthew Gudgin to visit a quarry near to High Ash Farm. They talk about the importance of chalk in farming and its various uses throughout history. Chris shows Matthew an 'out-of-this-world' find! They bring out the binoculars and observe lapwings in the fields before answering listener questions. They consider h…
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In the episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin observe the sparrows occupying nest boxes at High Ash Farm. They explore the relationship between sparrows and humans and offer advice on how to best care for this red list species. They visit a bird hide in the nearby woodland and observe various bird species, including blue tits, great tits, nut hat…
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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 ra…
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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 …
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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. Click here to donate to the podcast. If y…
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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 contem…
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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 an…
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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, i…
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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 j…
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