A Gardener's Journey | S1 E6

Step inside Doddington Hall and join host Mevlyn Prior in the Library as he chats with House Manager, Hannah.From Saturday shifts in the Farm Shop Café to overseeing centuries of history within the Hall, Hannah’s story is one of dedication, discovery, and a deep connection to place. She reflects on her career journey so far, the growth and development of the wider estate, and the fascinating history of this much loved and lived-in Elizabethan home. Along the way, Hannah clears up a common misconception, shares her favourite room in the Hall, and recalls an unforgettable wedding in the Long Gallery.

As we celebrate four years of Wilder Doddington, Melvyn chats with Isobel and Matthew about the highs, challenges and hopes of this 400-year journey to bring more nature back to the Doddington Estate.

As the gardens begin to reawaken, Melvyn pops over to the potting shed for a cup of tea with Head Gardener, Jordan, who shares his journey from apprentice to expert. Also joining the conversation is Doddington’s current garden apprentice, Elvi, offering fresh insight. Together, they discuss the joys, challenges and changing seasons of life in the gardens.

Oink Oink! This month in our Doddington Diary podcast, we’re thrilled to introduce you to some more new arrivals to Wilder Doddington. Not ponies this time, but pigsMeet our three new curly-coated Mangalitsa pigs, the latest additions to our team of ‘ecosystem engineers.’ Like our wild Exmoor ponies, rare breed Lincoln Red cattle and existing pigs, this new trio will be free to roam as their natural behaviours help shape the landscape 🌿As they rootle the ground in search of tasty titbits like roots, grubs and fungi, they create vital new habitats and enrich the biodiversity of #WilderDoddington.Shortly after their arrival, Melvyn joined Isobel for an official introduction to these three little pigs as they embark on their exciting wilder journey.Ready to experience the awe and wonder of Wilder Doddington yourself? Explore our wild programme of safaris and events - book your adventure today:⁠www.doddingtonhall.com/wilder/experiences⁠

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! This month, Melvyn goes behind the scenes with Assistant Hall Manager and Creative Lead, Angus, to find out how the Hall has been transformed for this year’s musical theme,‘A Christmas Chorus’.Along the way, Melvyn meets some of the talented staff, volunteers and local creatives working together to craft this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss a heartwarming visit with Ellie and Ness fromSt Barnabas Hospice where they share the inspiring story behind a truly special Christmas tree. Pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa, tune in and let the magic of Christmas at Doddington come to life! 

Ready for an autumn adventure? This month, Melvyn takes you on a hidden woodland journey at #WilderDoddington to uncover an exciting project with our Wilder team and special guest, Nigel from Hill Holt Wood.Over in the Pumpkin Patch, Sarah shares some tips on how to make the most of your pumpkins this season.Ellie’s in the Kitchen Garden picking seasonal delights and sends Melvyn over to the Grain Store armed with squash to chat with Executive Head Chef Conrad about turning estate-grown produce into delicious dishes.

Delve into the second entry to our Doddington Diary. In this episode, you’ll find out all about our new ‘ecosystem engineers’ as Melvyn chats to Linzi from the Moorland Mousie Trust. Melvyn also meets local sculptor Ian Gill over in the gardens and joins Isobel on our new boardwalk for the latest Wilder Doddington developments.

Welcome to the Doddington Diary!Each month, Melvyn Prior will take you behind the scenes of historic Doddington Hall & Gardens in Lincolnshire. He'll meet staff and volunteers working in the house, gardens, farm shop and the wider estate.As it’s the first entry into the diary, Melvyn sets the scene and starts inside the home of Claire and James Birch.Later in this episode, he chats with Angus about this year’s sculpture exhibition and he also ventures into the Kitchen Garden to catch up with Ellie.