Episode 1: "Do Different"

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 and Matthew Gudgin also dwell on his controversial practice of feeding foxes on his farm to prevent them from preying on pheasants and partridges. He talks positively about the increasing number of farmers adopting this approach to wildlife conservation. They watch buzzards, spot a stoat and Chris Skinner covets a  waxwing sighting as he and Matthew Gudgin answer listeners emails.  Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

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, including inquiries about sparrow nest boxes and bird identification. If you've got a question for Chris or Matthew, email [email protected] here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

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 just your questions and comments but also some poetry.Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a trip to wintery Winterton-on-sea in Norfolk. They look at sand formation, enjoy some seal spotting and marvel at how any plants survive there!They muse over your questions in the warmth of the van.Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the historical importance of yew, and its benefits for wildlife. Chris looks ahead at the fields of teasels yet to come, and Rat sorts out the pigeons. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

In this weeks episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin soak up the sounds and smells of woodland habitats. They discuss how historic farming practices have gone on to shape woodland and wildlife that resides there.Chris also captures the calm before the storm at High Ash Farm. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spend time straddling the Norfolk Suffolk border in this week's episode. They ponder some listener questions sent in and don their wellies to explore Outney Common and the wildflowers that reside there.Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin brave Storm Babet and take a trip out to browse the modern machinery used in agriculture today.Chris explains why he'll never tidy his pan tile roof - the reason involves a special relationship between algae and fungus. The pair also talk about the importance of liverwort. Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

This week Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin wave goodbye to the last of the swallows at High Ash Farm. They celebrate Robert Ransome's award winning plough design and Chris goes looking for leverets.Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file. Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

Chris and Matthew look at the power and danger of ergot in farming. Chris enjoys a trip to the seaside this week for a bit of duck spotting. The duck theme continues as Chris invites us along to his evening ritual of feeding the ducks at dusk.Click here to save this episode as an MP3 file.Click here to donate to the podcast. If you have a question that you'd like Chris to answer on the podcast, send an email to: [email protected] the official Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast newsletterChris Skinner's Countryside Podcast is produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter