The Ramblers Podcast

Send us Fan MailA soggy morning in RSPB Garston Wood, the ancient woodland on the Dorset–Wiltshire border near Sixpenny Handley. We find worked flint blades underfoot, Iain explains what old tithe maps can tell us, and we stumble on a huge bank and ditch hidden in Mistleberry Wood. Along the way: the great pheasant debate, why mowing is the biggest threat to great bustards, the best gate we've ever met, Nigel's Highway Code reminder for country lanes, and your letters from Mike, Roland and Duncan. Then it's back to HQ for coffee and our verdict.This Saturday, 7 November: Royal British Legion coffee morning at Damerham Village Hall, raising money for the Legion's County Welfare Fund in Hampshire. Pop in if you're local. You can join the Legion online at britishlegion.org.uk.In this episodeThe debate over how many pheasants are released each yearGreat bustards, drones and why farmers grow lucerneListener mail from Mike, Roland and DuncanNigel's Highway Code reminder: on a single-track hill, uphill traffic has priorityRSPB Garston Wood: rides, hazel coppice, dormice and woodland managementTithe maps, ancient woodland and flint bladesFrom broadleaf to conifer plantation, and whyAn earthwork hidden in Mistleberry WoodBack at HQ: our verdict on W23Chapters00:00 Hats, and welcome to The Ramblers01:10 A wet start, and birds on the drive in01:58 The great pheasant debate04:02 Great bustards, drones and lucerne07:14 Listener mail: Mike from Dinton09:16 Fan mail from Roland and Duncan10:50 Nigel's Highway Code reminder: who gives way on a hill12:58 Arriving at RSPB Garston Wood15:30 Into the woodland rides16:44 What tithe maps tell us20:55 What makes a wood "ancient"22:12 Flint blades underfoot24:14 The gate within a gate25:01 An idea for the podcast26:33 Bluebells, hazel coppice and woodland management29:14 Charities and the Royal British Legion31:32 From broadleaf to conifer plantation33:33 Timber for warships and trenches35:41 Getting people out into the countryside37:12 A red kite, and into Mistleberry Wood38:21 A bank and ditch hidden in the trees41:51 Back at HQ: coffee and our verdict on W23Walk the route yourselfShire Rack and Garston Wood (W23): 3.1 miles (5 km), about 1.5 hours, moderate, starting from the RSPB Garston Wood car park. We walked it clockwise; the official route goes anticlockwise.Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/shire-rack-and-garston-wood-w23RSPB Garston Wood: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/garston-woodAfter every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailPart two of our walk around Ludwell and the Coombes, just east of Shaftesbury. Iain digs into the church on the route and the rare Victorian taste for Norman-style architecture, we follow the hidden valleys of the Coombes past thatched cottages and kissing gates, squelch through some very wet paths, and find out what happens when a footpath sign ends up in the verge. Missed part one? Start with Episode 19.In this episodeThe church on the route, and why “neo-Norman” is so unusualThe Coombes: the almost hidden valleys at the heart of walk W31Wildlife, plants and natural run-off along the waySignage and access problems on the footpathsOur verdict on the walk, plus a correction from part oneChapters00:00Introduction to the Ludwell walk and landscape overview02:00Exploring the landscape and local features04:56Discussion of the church architecture and history15:58Wildlife, plants, and natural features of the area24:58Walking through Ludwell and local landmarks33:59Historical stories and local anecdotes40:10Reflections on the walk and landscape appreciation43:05Closing thoughts and next steps in explorationWalk the route yourselfLudwell & the Coombes (W31): 3.6 miles, about 2 hours, moderate, starting from the New Remembrance Hall, Ludwell.Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/ludwell/After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailPart one of our walk around Ludwell and the Coombes, just east of Shaftesbury. There's surprisingly little written about Ludwell, so we set out to find its story on foot: the village's history and its recent flooding, invasive plants, butterflies and wildlife along the way, and the conservation work going on around it. Part two picks up right where we leave off in Episode 20.In this episodeLudwell's history, and why so little has been written about itInvasive species and local floraButterflies and other wildlife on the routeLocal conservation projects and wildlife surveysWeather, climate and what they mean for this landscapeWalk the route yourselfLudwell & the Coombes (W31): 3.6 miles, about 2 hours, moderate, starting from the New Remembrance Hall, Ludwell.Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/ludwell/After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailDid you know the flea treatment on your dog can end up in your local river? Lindsey Death from Wessex Rivers Trust joins us to talk about the chalk streams of Cranborne Chase, why they matter globally, and the surprisingly small changes at home that make a real difference to river health.In this episodeGrowing up by rivers, and how Lindsey found her way to Wessex Rivers TrustWhat makes chalk streams so special, and the wildlife that depends on themDroughts, floods and managing water in a changing climateHousehold chemicals, pet flea treatments and how they reach our riversHow to tell if a river is healthy, and monitoring kits you can use yourselfSaving water, cutting plastic and what consumer choices can changeHow to get involved with Wessex Rivers TrustLinksWessex Rivers Trust: https://www.wessexrt.org.uk/Wessex Rivers Trust on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wessexrt/Wessex Rivers Trust on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wessexriverstrust/River Friendly Living on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverfriendlyliving/Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailThe great bustard vanished from Britain nearly two centuries ago, and now it's back on Salisbury Plain. Siobhan Lewis joins Nigel to talk about the project bringing back one of the world's heaviest flying birds, and how drones are helping to find and protect their nests.In this episodeHow the Great Bustard reintroduction project works, and how it's goingUsing drones and technology to monitor wildlifeFinding nests, and what happens once one is foundGenetics, breeding and why nest sites matterWorking with farmers and the MOD on Salisbury PlainHow volunteers and the public can get involvedChapters00:00 Introduction to Conservation and Community Engagement01:50 The Role of Technology in Wildlife Monitoring03:30 Personal Journey into Conservation07:13 Understanding the Great Bustard Project09:30 Challenges in Conservation Efforts11:10 Progress and Future Goals for the Great Bustard14:34 The Importance of Nesting Sites17:50 Drone Technology and Its Impact20:30 The Fascination with Great Bustards23:14 Genetics and Reintroduction of Bustards25:29 Female Nesting Behavior and Site Selection27:15 Post-Nest Discovery Procedures29:38 Collaboration with Farmers and the MOD31:18 The Role of Volunteers in Conservation35:24 The Emotional Connection to Wildlife35:48 Encouraging Public Involvement in Conservation37:31 Future Aspirations for the Bustard Project38:35 Technological Advancements in Conservation40:18 How to Get Involved in Conservation LinksGreat Bustard Group: https://greatbustard.org/Great Bustard Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatbustardgroupCotswold Wildlife Park: https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailFrom hand tools to TV appearances, blacksmith Ian Thackray talks about a craft that has shaped the countryside for centuries. We hear how he got into blacksmithing, how the local landscape feeds into his work, and whether there's still a future for the forge in a technology-driven world.In this episodeHow Ian found his way into blacksmithingThe tools and techniques of the craft, old and newHow the Cranborne Chase landscape influences his workCollaborative and community projectsIan's TV appearances, and teaching through experience daysThe future of blacksmithingLinksVillage Smith: https://www.villagesmith.co.uk/Ian on screen: The Great British Dig (Channel 4), Dailymotion, YouTubeCranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailBack in Episode 14 we planned this walk from the map. This time we actually do it, weather and all. We head out from Burcombe through the chalk downland of the Nadder Valley and up to the Punch Bowl, spotting wildlife, reading the geology and history in the landscape, and putting our navigation apps to the test. Plus, your emails and feedback.In this episodeHow the real walk compared with our virtual oneDealing with the weather, and preparing for a winter walkNavigation apps and tech on the trailWildlife, flora and fauna along the routeGeology, history and the climb to the Punch BowlListener emails and feedbackWalk the route yourselfBurcombe and the Punch Bowl (W1): 3.4 miles (5.4 km), about 2 hours, easy, starting from Burcombe Lane, Burcombe.Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/burcombe-and-the-punch-bowl/After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailBefore we actually walked it, we planned route W1 from the map: talking through what Burcombe and the Punch Bowl should be like, the history and wildlife we expect to find, and what to pack for a winter walk. It's the armchair version — Episode 15 is where we actually go and do it, weather and all. In this episode Planning route W1 from the map, before setting foot on it What we know about the history and landscape of the area Wildlife and conservation in the Nadder Valley Listener messages and a look ahead to Season Two Chapters 00:00 Introduction and setting the scene 02:34 Exploring Cranborne Chase National Landscape 05:07 Planning the walk and listener engagement 08:00 Points of interest in Burcombe village 10:26 Historical significance of the area 13:07 Wildlife and conservation efforts 15:47 Future plans and listener interaction 18:25 Wrap-up and reflections 21:06 Looking ahead to Season Two Walk the route yourself Burcombe and the Punch Bowl (W1): 3.4 miles (5.4 km), about 2 hours, easy, starting from Burcombe Lane, Burcombe. Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/burcombe-and-the-punch-bowl/ We actually walked it in Episode 15. After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/ Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailThe final part of our conversation with archaeologist Martin Green. We dig into the Dorset Cursus — one of Britain's great prehistoric monuments — what it was built for, and the burial practices and mounds that surround it. Martin talks us through how aerial photography first revealed these buried features, and why documenting finds properly matters as much as digging them up. Missed the rest of the conversation? Start with Episode 10. In this episode The Dorset Cursus: what it is and how it was built Burial mounds and the cultural practices behind them Aerial photography and uncovering hidden archaeology The Iron Age settlement and training digs on site Why documentation matters as much as discovery Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cranborne Chase National Landscape 00:56 Exploring the Dorset Cursus 05:13 The significance of the Cursus and its construction 09:36 Cultural and social aspects of the Cursus 12:15 Aerial photography and archaeological discoveries 16:08 Investigating burial practices and mounds 21:07 The Iron Age settlement and training digs 29:33 The importance of documentation in archaeology Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson

Send us Fan MailPart three of our conversation with archaeologist Martin Green, this time on his own farm. We walk Fir Tree Field and talk through what's been found there — evidence stretching back to the Mesolithic, Bronze Age ritual sites, and the wildlife that now shares the ground with thousands of years of history. Missed the rest? Start with Episode 10. In this episode Fir Tree Field and its archaeological significance The wildlife that inhabits the area today Discovering evidence from the Mesolithic period The Bronze Age and its ritual practices How archaeology and ecology sit side by side here Future excavations and community engagement Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cranborne Chase National Landscape 00:56 Exploring Fir Tree Field and its wildlife 05:24 The archaeological significance of Fir Tree Field 10:49 Discovering the Mesolithic period 16:10 The Bronze Age and its rituals 21:43 The relationship between archaeology and ecology 26:49 Future excavations and community engagement Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.Artwork for Podcastcreated by Claire Atkinson