Halloween, Harvest & Haunted Fields

What do Harvest Festival, butter-bean hummus and a farmer’s boot have in common? Well, you’re about to find out!In this episode of Fields & Feasts, Miranda is joined by her dad for a proper countryside conversation exploring the changing face of British farming, the traditions of Harvest Festival and some rather questionable culinary guesses.From memories of church services filled with homegrown produce and local ladies decorating the church, to how farming has transformed from a village-centred way of life into a highly technical industry, Miranda and her dad reflect on what we've lost, what we've gained and how connected we really are to the food on our plates.There's plenty of wisdom from Dad along the way, including the reminder that “We don't inherit land, we borrow it from our children” and why a farmer's boot might just be the best fertiliser going.But it's not all serious farming chat! The episode also features a sponsored beer tasting with Sigma Brewing's Ropsley Gold, a blindfolded Mystery Munch that leaves Dad guessing all sorts, and another round of Feast or Farce, featuring purple carrots, Cornish traditions and the curious history of corn dollies.If you love British farming, food traditions, countryside stories and a bit of family banter, this episode is right up your street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do Halloween traditions, harvest struggles and a supposedly haunted field in Lincolnshire have in common? Quite a lot, as it turns out!In this spooky season opener of Fields & Feasts, Miranda is joined by her dad, a land agent with more than 50 years of experience, for a proper countryside catch up packed with family banter, farming folklore and a few eerie surprises.From the origins of Halloween and the traditions that have stood the test of time to the realities of this year's harvest, Miranda and her dad explore what's happening in the fields as autumn settles in. They chat about dry weather, autumn drilling and the growing financial pressures facing farmers, proving there's plenty going on beyond the pumpkins and trick or treating.There's also a taste of the season as Miranda serves up two homemade mystery munches: a fiery chilli sauce made with Scotch bonnets and other chillies, followed by a comforting pumpkin soup made with homegrown pumpkins and a warming mix of spices. Will they be a feast or a farce? You'll have to listen to find out!Along the way, Miranda's dad shares a memorable proverb spotted on a gatepost near a disused wartime aerodrome, they put their knowledge of Halloween food traditions to the test, and listener Harry sends in a chilling tale about Nanny Mankins Field in Lincolnshire.It's a little bit spooky, a little bit spicy, and full of the stories, traditions and farming conversations that make the British countryside what it is.For more culinary chaos make sure you follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/fieldsandfeasts2026/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where farming folklore meets foodie fun, all delivered with muddy boots, sharp tongues, and a healthy respect for the seasons.What makes the perfect pork pie… and what do ancient markets and weather folklore have to do with it? 👀🥧In this flavour-packed episode of Fields & Feast, Miranda Webster and Matt Hardy dig into the iconic Melton Mowbray pork pie, uncovering its rich history, protected status, and exactly what separates a proper pie from a disappointing one.But this episode goes far beyond the pastry. From the hustle and heritage of traditional livestock markets to the age-old farming proverb “oak before ash”, we explore the deep-rooted connections between food, farming, and the rhythms of the British countryside.Expect lively chats, personal stories from the market scene, a few taste tests (of course), and plenty of insights into seasonal farming life, from winter wheat to weather watching.If you love proper food, rural traditions, and a bit of countryside wisdom, this one’s got your name all over it.---Follow Fields & Feasts on Instagram @fieldsandfeasts2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where farming folklore meets foodie fun, all delivered with muddy boots, sharp tongues, and a healthy respect for the seasons.Ever heard of an Easter tradition that involves barrels, brawls and absolute mayhem? 👀In this brilliantly bonkers episode of Fields & Feast, Miranda and Matt head into the heart of Leicestershire’s legendary bottle kicking tradition, a historic Easter Monday event packed with village rivalry, mud, madness and community spirit.From its mysterious origins to the modern-day chaos that still draws crowds every year, we unpack one of the UK’s most unique rural rituals. Whether it began as a pagan celebration, a local legend involving a hare, or simply a reason for neighbouring villages to settle scores in spectacular fashion, bottle kicking remains one of Britain’s most fascinating countryside traditions.Expect stories of blessed pies, flying barrels, no real rules, and rugby-style scrums, as Miranda and Matt explore how this rough-and-ready event has survived for centuries, despite nearly being banned, and why it still means so much to the communities who keep it alive.If you love quirky British traditions, Easter oddities, and a bit of countryside chaos, this one’s for you.---Follow Fields & Feasts on Instagram @fieldsandfeasts2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where farming folklore meets foodie fun, all delivered with muddy boots, sharp tongues, and a healthy respect for the seasons.This week, Miranda and Matt dive into the beautiful overlap between Easter and lambing season — two moments rooted in new life, fresh starts, and a whole lot of countryside chaos.Speaking of roots, Miranda's Munch serves up a very strong dish that had her (and her poor husbands) eyes watering!From the fields to the dinner table, we unpack the fascinating connection between Easter celebrations and British farming traditions, including the story behind Easter lamb and the surprising differences between lamb, hogget, and mutton (yes, they all taste very different 👀).This episode also shouts out one of Miranda's favourite content creators Tom Carlisle, best know as Dales Farmer: https://www.instagram.com/dalesfarmer/Expect plenty of seasonal chat, a few quirky farmyard tales (including some duck-related madness 🦆), and a look at how farming quietly shapes the rituals and memories many of us associate with springtime.Whether you’re here for the food, the farming, or just a bit of Easter nostalgia, this episode is packed with heart, humour, and plenty of rural charm.---Follow Fields & Feasts on Instagram @fieldsandfeasts2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where farming folklore meets foodie fun, all delivered with muddy boots, sharp tongues, and a healthy respect for the seasons.This week, Miranda and Matt head to The Farmers Club in London, sitting down with head chef Bradd Johns to explore the food, history and quirky traditions behind one of agriculture’s most iconic meeting places.From its roots as a hub for agricultural debate in the 1800s to its modern role as a home-from-home for farmers visiting the capital, the trio dive into the fascinating stories tied to the club — including spy rumours, ghostly whispers in the corridors and the unexpected romance that’s blossomed on the rooftop.Of course, food takes centre stage as Bradd brings some old-school London flavour to the table. Miranda’s homemade “love cakes” get their moment in the spotlight before things get properly traditional with pie, mash and liquor and the famously divisive jellied eels. Safe to say… reactions are mixed.Plus, Matt shares a classic countryside saying in Field Phrases, and the group puts some Farmers Club folklore to the test in Feast or Farce.So whether you’re enjoying pie, mash and liquor by the Thames, sharing stories with fellow farmers in the club bar, or daring to try a jellied eel, join Miranda and Matt as they continue uncovering the history, humour, and hidden traditions behind Britain’s food and farming culture.---The Farmers Club: https://www.thefarmersclub.com/Bradd Johns: linkedin.com/in/bradd-johns-47784998Follow Fields & Feasts on Instagram @fieldsandfeasts2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where farming folklore meets foodie fun, all delivered with muddy boots, sharp tongues, and a healthy respect for the seasons.In this Valentine’s special, Miranda Webster and Matt Hardy turn their attention to love in the countryside — from old rural superstitions to the shifting light of February and what it means for both hearts and harvests. There’s seasonal chat, a touch of bird-based matchmaking folklore, and Matt’s latest Field Phrase reminding us why a wet February might just be a farmer’s greatest love story.Mystery Munch continues the wassailing thread as Miranda finally delivers on her promise: Matt samples her father Nick’s homemade cider. We head out on tour to hear from the man himself as he talks through his cider production — from pressing and fermenting to blending sweet and sharp apples — proving that patience, pressure, and a decent recipe can yield something rather special. The verdict? You’ll have to listen.Elsewhere, Feasts or Farce returns with more historic food oddities, rural romance traditions surface once again, and the pair debate whether Valentine’s Day is best expressed through herbs, sheep, baked goods… or simply a very dry scrumpy.As ever, it’s affectionate chaos with an agricultural backbone.So whether you’re celebrating with cider, courting with folklore, or just waiting for the light to properly return to the fields, join Miranda and Matt as they continue unearthing the weird, the seasonal, and the wonderfully romantic corners of Britain’s food and farming traditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where ancient agricultural traditions rub shoulders with questionable culinary decisions, all delivered with a straight face and muddy boots.In Episode 3, Miranda Webster and Matt Hardy are joined by special guest Cameron Kinch, arable farmer, Somerset native, and former Big Brother housemate, for a lively wander into the world of the wassail. With February rolling on, crops slowly stirring and ducks unexpectedly stepping up their productivity, the trio settle in for folklore, food, and friendly chaos.The conversation explores the wassail in all its forms — from orchard rituals and cider-soaked traditions to noise-making, tree-pleasing, and the blurred line between blessing and boozy social gathering. Along the way, Matt delivers another Field Phrase, Cameron brings a fresh perspective from the West Country, and Miranda attempts yet another Mystery Munch — with mixed (and slightly charred) results.Feasts or Farce returns with medieval-sounding dishes, questionable beauty rituals, and a surprise contribution involving Spam, spaghetti, and reality TV survival cooking.There’s also a glimpse behind the scenes of life in the Big Brother house, proving that food scarcity breeds creativity… sometimes.The episode wraps up with listener love, future plans, and a teaser for next time — featuring homemade cider, family expertise, and a tasting that Miranda is already dreading.Get in touch: [email protected] us on Instagram: @fieldsandfeasts2026Follow Cameron Kinch: @cameron_kinchPull on a decent jumper, raise a glass to the apple trees, and join Miranda, Matt, and Cameron as they continue resurrecting the weird, wonderful, and occasionally unwise food and farming traditions of the UK.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where ancient agricultural traditions rub shoulders with questionable culinary decisions, all delivered with a straight face and muddy boots.In Episode 2, Miranda and Matt return from the deep fens of Lincolnshire with January in full swing, selective motivation, and very little patience for seasonal self-denial. This week they dive into the wonderfully strange Straw Bear Festival, a centuries-old local tradition that’s equal parts fascinating and slightly bewildering.A new Field Phrase makes an appearance, Miranda unveils another Mystery Munch, and Feasts or Farce tests the boundary between historical fact and utter nonsense. The episode wraps up with listener love and a subtle tease of what’s coming next.Pull on a decent jumper and join Miranda and Matt as they continue their mission to resurrect the weird, wonderful, and occasionally unwise food and farming traditions of the UK. 🌾🍲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where ancient agricultural traditions rub shoulders with questionable culinary decisions, all delivered with a straight face and muddy boots.In this inaugural episode, hosts Miranda Webster (agricultural recruiter by daylight, culinary experimentalist by night) and Matt Hardy (agronomist, deer-winch owner, and long-suffering taste-tester) set out their stall. Expect warm introductions, a gentle clink of celebratory drinks, and an immediate descent into eggs bought on eBay, fluffy chickens of dubious productivity, and equipment best explained later.The pair dive into the curious history of Plough Monday, a long-forgotten post-Christmas tradition involving ploughs, fundraising, ale, and the very real threat of one’s front garden being forcibly rearranged. Along the way, Matt introduces his first “Field Phrase” (pronounced with confidence, not accuracy), while Miranda launches Miranda’s Mystery Munch, beginning bravely with the concept of ale porridge, a dish that promises energy, warmth, and mild concern.Rounding off the episode is Feasts or Farce, a game of agricultural truth or utter nonsense featuring haggis, grass jam, Victorian peasants, and the unsettling realisation that history ate some very odd things on purpose. There’s nostalgia, folklore, gentle bickering, and a shared mission to resurrect the weird, wonderful, and occasionally unwise food and farming traditions of the UK.Pour yourself something warming, pull on a decent jumper, and join Miranda and Matt as they plough merrily into the past, front gardens optional. 🌾🍲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.