Episode 13: Winter Arrives, But Where Has Rat Gone?

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin begin the episode by greeting a flock of woodpigeon in the Oat Field. They dwell on fluctuations of biodiversity in the UK in response to species being introduced to this country. The pair manage to disturb a flock of redwings before observing the still fog down by the woodland to look for female winter moths. Chris explains the short life span of these females and how they attract males before climbing up to the top of tree to the buds.In listener questions we learn how Rat the terrible terrier got his name! They admire photos sent in of a heron and questions about parakeets observing corvid behaviour. Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode.Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was 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 assess the damage after Storm Darragh. They look at the impact of microscopic spores that have attacked the heart wood of a tree.Chris takes Matthew to Foxes Grove and tells the story and impact of ash dieback at High Ash Farm. He describes what infected trees look like in comparison to healthy trees. The pair come across an unusual jelly fungus which adds bright colour to this wintery grey season. Chris and Matthew wind down the window and watch the group of corvids tucking  into their worms. One of which is purest white in colour! Whilst in the warmth of the truck they answer listener questions and comments.Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was 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 head to the woods with a spade to take a look under the soil to understand how the bulbs prepare for spring.They visit the butterflies taking refuge underneath a old rickety bridge at High Ash Farm through the winter. Chris explains the importance of flowing water when it comes to survival over the winter months.Back on dry land the pair answer listener questions.Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was 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 introduces Matthew Gudgin to his favourite bird at High Ash Farm.  It's a game bird with a strong connections in history and a recipe in Mrs Beeton's cookery book.The pair pause for a moment at an oak tree that fell victim to Storm Bert and observe the honey fungus growing under the bark.Chris and Matthew get caught in the latest stormy weather and repair to the farm truck to answer listener questions and photographs.Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode.Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was 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 begins the episode at dusk and captures the noisiness of the jackdaws, rooks and carrion crows circling the woodland before roosting.In the morning, Rat is up to his usual mayhem and keen to steal the show. Chris takes Matthew Gudgin to the overwinter wild bird seed mix experiment site that we visited a couple of weeks ago and the results are in!The pair traipse to a bird hide on the farm and enjoy a cocktail of birds visiting the feeders.They retreat to the farm truck and read updates from across the pond and answer questions on how we can support birds and bees with small plots and they identify a mystery fungus.Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode.Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was 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 accidentally disturb birds feeding in a field with overwinter wild bird seed mix. He describes the various differences between the birds that feed there, in particular their beak shapes.The pair observe the feeding logistics of a flock of starlings in a field prepped recently by the sheep.Chris and Matthew stand at the edge of the badger set under the canopy of corsican pine trees which are utilised well by the buzzards. Chris describes his failed attempt at filming badgers feeding. Instead he caught them using the toilet.Back in the farm truck they answer questions from listeners. From how he manages the rats on the farm to a nighttime safari in Costa Rica. Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode.Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

Matthew Gudgin returns to High Ash Farm welcomed by Chris Skinner who points out the latest growth on nearby yews and the birds benefiting nearby. After a short drive the pair step back in time a couple of years and see the effects of drought on trees. They then fast forward two years and witness the beginnings of future foxgloves.It's a dank day but Chris shows off the fact that flowers can still emerge at this time of year and are important for winter moths needing nectar at dusk. He also introduces us to a woodland plant with a special trick up its sleeve!Questions from listeners include photographs of a magpie hitching a ride on deer, happy bats and sugarbeet.Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode. Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter

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 safari. Chris explains the nighttime activity of the mammals who are busy darting around the field in response to their presence. We learn that Chris isn't the only member of the family who has a way with words as Kate shares with us a passage newly published in The Guardian's Country Diary.There are comments in from Singapore and questions about sunflowers as well as some remarkable photos from listeners who have written in.Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode.Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was 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 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 flies around the ivy, stocking up for hibernation over the winter months.  Matthew asks what creates the autumn tones and thankfully Chris can explain how sunlight hours cause the leaves to change colour.Chris also explains why he prefers jays gathering acorns instead of squirrels. The intrepid trio head deeper into the trees to look closely at the toadstools peppering the woodland floor.They answer listener questions on ladybirds hibernating together, puzzle over a mystery sound and reflect on the joy they get from putting the podcast together each week.Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode.Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was 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 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 terrier is in good voice in this episode as Chris describes the life cycle of newts.Messages from listeners explore topics on fungi, butterflies and photos of curious cats! Click here to download the MP3 file of this episode.Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices. Join the SOUNDYARD newsletter