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The Countryside Hour Podcast

English, Agriculture, 1 season, 300 episodes, 2 days, 18 hours, 9 minutes
About
Farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner shares wildlife recordings and answers questions.
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Countryside Extra: The End of an Era

Matthew and Chris present the final BBC edition of their countryside programme.
9/3/20231 hour, 17 minutes, 20 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Blackberries, Bailing and More

Chris and Matthew explore some of the things growing and grown on the farm this week.
8/27/202352 minutes, 33 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Fungus, Bats and Honeysuckle

A varied mix of items of interest from High Ash Farm this week.
8/20/202357 minutes, 38 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Plants and Flowers

Chris and Matthew explore some of the plant life of High Ash Farm this week.
8/13/20231 hour, 20 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Puffballs and Butterflies

Chris explores a variety of the flora and fauna of High Ash Farm this week.
8/6/202355 minutes, 35 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Foxgloves, Buzzards and More

Plants, birds and more on the farm and in your questions this week.
7/30/202352 minutes, 27 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Butterflies and Fungi

Not just birds for Matthew and Chris on the farm this week.
7/23/20231 hour, 17 seconds
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Countryside Extra: An Evening Outing

Chris takes his recorder out on the farm in the evening this week.
7/16/202346 minutes, 18 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Pond Life!

Anna sits in for Matthew, as Chris takes a dip into the watery world at High Ash Farm.
7/9/202357 minutes, 13 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Anna Perrott and Nick Acheson

Anna and Nick sit in for Matthew and Chris this week, to take your wildlife questions.
7/2/202328 minutes, 14 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Australian Visitors

Chris had some special visitors to the farm this week.
6/25/202356 minutes, 20 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Warm Weather and Orchids

A look at orchids on the farm, and how the hot weather has been affecting things.
6/18/202355 minutes, 40 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Goatsuckers!

Chris takes questions about goatsuckers, among other things, in this week's episode.
6/11/202352 minutes, 41 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Walking and Wasps

Is there a sting in the tail with this week's recordings from the farm?
6/4/202355 minutes, 45 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Swallows and Wild Flowers

Some early morning exploits from down on the farm this week!
5/28/202359 minutes, 25 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Two Martins

Hearing about house martins and sand martins on the farm with Chris this week.
5/21/202353 minutes, 31 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The Woods and the Woodpeckers

The birds and the trees featured in Chris's recordings from the farm this week.
5/14/202358 minutes, 13 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Matthew Joins Chris on the Farm

Matthew is out and about on the farm with Chris for this week's recordings.
5/7/202352 minutes, 47 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Rabbits!

Rabbiting on about a certain type of mammal living on the farm!
4/30/202346 minutes, 1 second
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Countryside Extra: All on the Farm

Chris and Matthew are on the farm for the entire programme this week.
4/23/202343 minutes, 16 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Rooks, Cherries and Blackthorn

A variety of plant and animal life being explored across the farm this week!
4/16/202354 minutes, 55 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Cattle Egrets, Goldfinches and Swallows

A variety of bird life is under the spotlight with Chris and Matthew this week.
4/9/202353 minutes, 9 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Highlights from Spring 2016

With Chris off this week, there's a trip back in time to spring 2016 on the farm.
4/2/202341 minutes, 18 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Great and Lesser

Woodpeckers are a theme for Chris's countryside chats this week.
3/26/202350 minutes, 10 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Anna Perrott sits in

Anna sits in for Matthew this week, to put your wildlife questions to Chris Skinner.
3/19/202344 minutes, 44 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Gulls and Crows

Chris tackles more of your questions about local wildlife.
3/12/202347 minutes, 53 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Hiding Out

Chris shows Matthew the view from one of the bird hides on High Ash Farm.
3/5/202356 minutes, 22 seconds
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The Complete Walks of Chris Skinner

A compilation of Chris's walking tour of High Ash Farm, from January and February 2023.
2/28/20232 hours, 2 minutes, 42 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Concluding the Walk

Chris's series of walks around the farm come to an end in this week's episode.
2/26/20231 hour, 44 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Night Time Safari

Matthew goes out-and-about on the farm with Chris this week, for an after-dark tour!
2/19/202355 minutes, 4 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Into the City

Chris took a trip into Norwich for one of his wildlife recordings this week.
2/12/202359 minutes, 56 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Back on Track

Chris takes us for more walks along the paths and trails of High Ash Farm.
2/5/20231 hour, 34 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Chris Continues His Walk

Chris carries on his walk around the farm, which he began in last week's episode.
1/29/202346 minutes, 38 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Walk and Talk

Chris takes us out and about on a walk this week.
1/22/202350 minutes
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Countryside Extra: What is a Farmer?

Chris discusses the question of whether or not he is still "really" a farmer.
1/15/202356 minutes, 44 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Signs of Spring

This week, Chris has been spotting some early signs of spring on the farm.
1/8/202350 minutes, 38 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Wildlife A to Z

Chris takes us through the alphabet in this New Year's Day special.
1/1/20231 hour, 27 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Christmas on High Ash Farm

Chris takes us on a tour through the frosts, around the holly, the ivy and the mistletoe.
12/18/20221 hour, 4 minutes, 13 seconds
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Countryside Extra: In the Grip of Winter

Chris talks about some of the effects of this first cold snap of winter on the farm.
12/11/202247 minutes, 2 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Field Mice

Chris takes a look at some of the smaller mammals resident on the farm.
12/4/202248 minutes, 18 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Batty About Bats

Chris expresses his enthusiasm for some local winged mammals.
11/27/202252 minutes, 43 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Mixed Gulls!

Chris chats about some gulls as if he bought them like a packet of mixed seeds!
11/20/202247 minutes, 37 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Ducks and Fairies!

Wildlife real and imagined on the farm this week, as Chris explores some "fairy rings".
11/13/202255 minutes, 38 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Fungi, Wasps and Newts!

A selection of different kinds of things from the farm today!
11/6/202250 minutes, 18 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Chestnuts and Woodcocks

Plant life as well as bird life on the agenda as Chris takes us out and about again.
10/30/202245 minutes, 16 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Birds and Bees

Chris talked about different forms of flying life on the farm this week.
10/23/202251 minutes, 27 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Hearing About Hornets

Chris is all abuzz about some of the smaller creatures on the farm.
10/16/202249 minutes, 34 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Blackthorns and more

Chris is back with Matthew to answer more of your countryside questions.
10/9/202243 minutes, 5 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Autumn Past

A trip back in time to autumn on High Ash Farm back in 2019.
10/2/202231 minutes, 21 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Extraordinary Slugs!

Chris gives an interesting insight into the lives of some of the slugs on the farm!
9/25/202248 minutes, 14 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The Swallows and the Ivy

Matthew Gudgin is back to put your questions to Chris, and to hear more from the farm.
9/20/202249 minutes, 36 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Anna Perrott sits in

Anna sits in for Matthew this week, to put your wildlife questions to Chris Skinner.
9/20/202247 minutes, 22 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Kate Brewster and Graham Appleton sit in

Kate sits in for Matthew to put your questions to Graham, who's sitting in for Chris.
9/4/202230 minutes, 27 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Sparrows

This week, Chris takes a closer look at some of the sparrows on the farm.
8/28/202238 minutes, 46 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Pond Life

This week, Chris takes us to some of the damper patches of High Ash Farm!
8/21/202247 minutes
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Countryside Extra: Nick Acheson sits in

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Nick Acheson joins Matthew to take your questions this week.
8/14/202239 minutes, 30 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Waking, Willows and More...

Chris gives us a taste of early morning at High Ash Farm.
8/7/202252 minutes, 14 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Running Dry

Chris explains some of the effects the recent spell of very dry weather has been having.
7/31/202252 minutes, 16 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Moths and Wild Flowers

An insight into more of the flora and fauna of High Ash Farm at Caistor St Edmund.
7/24/202244 minutes, 34 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Foxes on the Farm

Chris gives us an insight into the life of another of the animals living on his farm.
7/17/202247 minutes, 16 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Kate Brewster and Tim Acheson sit in

Kate and Tim sit in for Matthew and Chris this week, to take your local wildlife queries.
7/10/202229 minutes, 32 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Anna Perrott sits in

Anna sits in for Matthew to put your questions to Chris this week.
7/3/202246 minutes, 10 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Looks at rooks!

Chris takes a look at some of the rooks on the farm in this week's recordings.
6/26/202247 minutes, 19 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Clover and orchids

It was another trip through the flora of the farm for Chris this week!
6/19/202250 minutes, 49 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Some Bonus Visits to the Farm!

Chris doesn't just take your questions today, but squeezes in some extra recordings too.
6/14/202254 minutes, 24 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Foxgloves and wildflowers

There was a floral theme to this week's show!
6/5/202249 minutes
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Countryside Extra: Tom Stewart sits in

Tom Stewart from the BTO at Thetford sits in for Chris to answer your questions.
5/29/202240 minutes, 48 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Straying into Suffolk!

Chris crosses the border into Suffolk for one of his recordings this week.
5/22/202247 minutes, 18 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Nick Acheson sits in to answer your questions

Local wildlife expert Nick is with Matthew this week to take your queries.
5/15/202230 minutes, 19 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Wild flowers and hedges

Some of the plant life on High Ash Farm was the focus for Chris today.
5/8/202246 minutes, 55 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Rabbits!

Burrowing for information about some more of the wildlife on High Ash Farm!
5/1/202245 minutes, 53 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Buzzards and Streams

More of the life and landscape of High Ash Farm, and your wildlife questions answered.
4/24/202245 minutes, 52 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Dawn Chorus Safari

The sounds of the birds on Chris's farm as dawn breaks.
4/17/202240 minutes, 54 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Chiffchaffs and Little Owls

Chris has some more recordings of his walks out and about on the farm.
4/10/202249 minutes, 25 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Nettles and Carrion Crows!

A stinging report on part of the farm from Chris Skinner this week.
4/3/202245 minutes, 41 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A taste of the High Ash dawn chorus

Primroses, woodland, bees, and a taste of the High Ash Farm dawn chorus this week.
3/27/202251 minutes, 17 seconds
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Countryside Extra: With Anna Perrott and Paul Stancliffe

Anna sits in for Matthew, putting your questions to the BTO's Paul in for Chris.
3/20/202224 minutes, 58 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Toads Doing What Toads Do

Chris gives an insight into the private lives of the toads on High Ash Farm!
3/15/202246 minutes, 33 seconds
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Countryside Extra: One Man and Somebody Else's Dog!

Chris observes the work of a local sheepdog, and also brings in some unusual honey.
3/6/202245 minutes, 21 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Anna Perrott sits in for Matthew

Anna sits in for Matthew to put your questions to Chris this week.
2/27/202245 minutes, 40 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The Wind in the Ashes

Chris gives an idea of what things were like as Storm Eunice hit High Ash Farm on Friday.
2/20/202231 minutes, 46 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Little Mouse!

Chris highlights one of High Ash Farm's smaller residents this week.
2/13/202234 minutes, 4 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Water and Woods

Chris takes us down to the lake and into the woodland this week.
2/6/202243 minutes, 16 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Bird Boxes

Hearing about some of the nest boxes on High Ash Farm.
1/30/202243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Midnight Safari

Chris takes us out-and-about on the farm at night with his recordings this week.
1/23/202253 minutes, 56 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Oh deer!

Chris looks at some of the deer living on High Ash Farm.
1/16/202246 minutes, 32 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Of Harvest Mice and Men

Chris tells Matthew about some of the harvest mice on the farm this week.
1/9/202242 minutes, 40 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The Birds and the Bees

Chris discusses some other winged residents of the farm this week.
1/2/202241 minutes, 30 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Return of the Rural Riddle!

Chris brings back an old favourite in this Boxing Day special.
12/26/20211 hour, 7 minutes, 46 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Winter Walk

Chris takes us on some walking trips in the area around the farm.
12/19/202154 minutes, 54 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Link in the Chain of High Ash Farm's History

This week, Chris brought in a "show and tell" object from his farm's history.
12/12/202147 minutes, 11 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Snooping on seagulls!

Chris sends some farm recordings, and Paul Stancliffe sits in to answer your questions.
12/5/202141 minutes, 47 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Hoping for Mighty Oaks

Chris talks about finding places to plant oaks on the farm.
11/28/202141 minutes, 2 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Back by the Water

Chris is by the water again this week - but inland, rather than at the beach!
11/21/202148 minutes
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Countryside Extra: Beside the Seaside!

Chris takes a trip out to the coast for this week's programme.
11/14/202141 minutes, 41 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Going Underground!

Chris goes beneath the surface in this week's podcast.
11/7/202151 minutes, 16 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Field Trip!

Chris heads away from the farm for one of his location recordings this week.
10/31/202145 minutes, 52 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Fungi on the Farm

Chris explores some of the High Arm Farm fungi on this week's recordings.
10/24/202153 minutes, 53 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Butterflies

Chris looks at some of the winged life on the farm other than birds.
10/17/202138 minutes, 33 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Back in the Studio!

Chris joins Matthew in the studio for the first time in over 18 months!
10/10/202143 minutes, 4 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Night-Time on High Ash Farm

A taste of the farm in the dark, and then Graham Appleton sits in to take your questions.
10/3/202136 minutes, 28 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Badgers on the Farm

Chris has a chat about the badgers living on High Ash Farm.
9/26/202151 minutes, 51 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Kate Brewster sits in

Kate sits in to put your questions to Chris, and plays his recordings from the farm.
9/19/202145 minutes, 6 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Anna Perrott sits in

Anna sits in to put your questions to Chris, who also shares some recordings on the farm.
9/12/202154 minutes, 8 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Swallows and Ashes

Chris is back answering your questions, and has some more recordings from on the farm.
9/5/202150 minutes, 23 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Late Summer Selections

With Chris busy on the farm, some recordings from this time in previous years.
8/29/202129 minutes, 42 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Roe Deer, Goshawks and More

Chris is back with some more recordings from the farm, and answers your questions.
8/22/202141 minutes, 32 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Chris Goes on a Butterfly Hunt at the Farm

Plus, Graham Appleton sits in for Chris to answer your wildlife questions.
8/15/202134 minutes, 22 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Scooping Up an Unusual Harvest!

Chris explains about gathering in an unusual - but valuable! - harvest.
8/8/202140 minutes, 3 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The Past, Present and Future of High Ash Farm

Anna Perrott sits in alongside Chis, who takes us through his farm's history.
8/1/202152 minutes, 12 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Buzzards and Wildflowers

Chris has several sights to show Matthew on the farm this week.
7/25/202140 minutes, 16 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Graham Appleton sits in

Graham sits in alongside Matthew Gudgin, to take your questions about local bird life.
7/18/202123 minutes, 46 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Teasel Do!

Chris officially opens this year's teasel walk on High Ash Farm.
7/11/202142 minutes, 17 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Kate Brewster sits in

Kate Brewster sits in this week, to put your countryside questions to Chris Skinner.
7/4/202148 minutes, 17 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Purest Green!

Anna Perrott sits in, and hears Chris explain the secrets of turning green into gold!
6/27/202141 minutes, 32 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Summer Wildflowers

Chris guides us around some of the wildflowers on the farm at this time of year.
6/20/202143 minutes, 29 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Dip into Egyptian Mythology

Chris dabbles with tales of Egyptian mythology this week!
6/13/202144 minutes, 30 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Back to the Farm!

For the first time since last year, Matthew gets to take a trip out to see Chris.
6/6/202151 minutes, 42 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Flowers of the Fields

Chris takes us to one of his wildflower fields this week.
5/30/202142 minutes, 23 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Chris's Conkers!

Chris explores the horse chestnuts at High Ash Farm.
5/23/202142 minutes, 21 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Return of the Rural Riddle!

Chris has one of his mystery sounds for you this week!
5/16/202141 minutes, 8 seconds
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Countryside Extra: With Graham Appleton

Graham sits in alongside Matthew to answer your questions about local bird life.
5/9/202127 minutes, 9 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Little Owls

More about the lives of some of the owls living on High Ash Farm.
5/2/202138 minutes, 30 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Woodland

Chris explores some of the High Ash Farm woodland areas this week.
4/25/202137 minutes, 52 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Walk Through the Flowers

Chris starts off this week's podcast with a walk through some flowers.
4/18/202136 minutes, 19 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The First Swallow of Spring

Chris was very excited to spot his first swallow of the year on the farm this week.
4/4/202140 minutes, 12 seconds
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Countryside Extra: March Hares

Chris Skinner gives us an insight into the March mating madness of the local hares!
3/28/202137 minutes, 15 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Spring Tour of High Ash Farm

Chris takes us on a spring tour of the farm, featuring some of his wildlife recordings.
3/21/202127 minutes, 6 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Kate Brewster sits in

Kate puts your questions to Chris, and hears about the High Ash Farm rooks.
3/14/202132 minutes, 40 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Owls Among the Oaks

Chris takes us down to where some barn owls are nesting on High Ash Farm.
3/7/202135 minutes, 57 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Frog Chorus!

Chris takes us on a trip down to see the frogs at High Ash Farm.
2/28/202136 minutes, 18 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Into the Bird Hide

Chris describes the view from inside a High Ash Farm bid hide.
2/21/202137 minutes, 45 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Chris on a Quest!

Chris shares a recording of a bit of a quest he undertook at the end of last week.
2/14/202132 minutes, 34 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Skinner in the Snow

Chris chats to Matthew live from the farm as the snow starts to come down.
2/7/202137 minutes, 34 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Anna Perrott sits in

This week, Anna Perrott sits in for Matthew to put your questions to Chris Skinner.
1/31/202129 minutes, 1 second
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Countryside Extra: Kate Brewster sits in

Kate Brewster sits in for Matthew to put your questions to Chris this week.
1/24/202127 minutes, 13 seconds
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Countryside Extra: A Bit of a Heavenly Body!

Chris discusses a meteorite which fell on the farm.
1/17/202130 minutes, 2 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Walking Rat!

Chris takes us out on a walk on the farm with his dog, Rat!
1/10/202129 minutes, 18 seconds
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Countryside Extra: More Questions for Chris

Chris joins Matthew on the phone, and there's a nocturnal recording from the farm.
1/3/202132 minutes, 29 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Your Questions For Chris

Chris joins Matthew on the phone to answer your questions about the Norfolk countryside.
12/27/202028 minutes, 41 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Skinner Safari!

Chris gives Matthew a trip around the farm.
12/20/202014 minutes, 9 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The Lettuce Field

Chris tells Matthew the history of a certain part of the farm.
12/13/202011 minutes, 23 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Moth Mating

Chris gives Matthew a glimpse into the intimate habits of winter moths!
12/6/202012 minutes, 52 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Butterflies By Night

This programme was recorded before the current lockdown measures in England began.
11/29/202013 minutes, 5 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Fairies of the Woods

This programme was recorded before the current lockdown measures in England began.
11/22/20209 minutes, 44 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Dusk Down on the Farm

This programme was recorded before the current lockdown measures in England began.
11/15/202015 minutes, 31 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Autumn Colours

This programme was recorded before the current lockdown measures in England began.
11/8/202022 minutes, 13 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Down to Earth

This week, Chris starts off with a look down at the High Ash Farm soil!
11/1/202012 minutes, 12 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Pond Life!

Chris and Matthew feed some of the birds on one of the High Ash Farm ponds.
10/25/202011 minutes, 5 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Where the Wild Flowers Grow

Chris tells Matthew about some of the wildflowers growing on High Ash Farm.
10/18/202011 minutes, 5 seconds
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Countryside Extra: Dallying with the Devil!

Chris shows Matthew some of the plants on the farm with religious names.
10/11/202011 minutes, 39 seconds
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Countryside Extra: The Tale of a Tree

Matthew returns to High Ash Farm for the first time since the lockdown began in March.
10/4/202010 minutes, 1 second
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Kestrels

Once again, Chris goes above and beyond in the name of radio!
7/26/20201 hour, 8 minutes, 14 seconds
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An all-recorded episode this week

This week's episode is made up of recordings Chris has made on the farm.
7/19/202054 minutes, 53 seconds
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Buzzards buzzing about

Chris takes a look at some of the young buzzards on the farm.
7/12/202055 minutes, 34 seconds
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Making changes on the farm

Chris has brought down one of his farm buildings this week.
7/5/202055 minutes, 32 seconds
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Quite a few swallows - so it must be summer!

There has been well and truly more than one swallow on the farm this week!
6/28/202055 minutes, 29 seconds
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By the waterside once again

Chris is down by the lake on the farm to start this week's show.
6/21/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 58 seconds
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A little look at little owls

One of the farm's nocturnal residents comes under the spotlight this week.
6/14/20201 hour, 8 minutes, 39 seconds
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Searching out swallows

Chris takes a look at some swallows feeding on the farm to start this week's show.
6/7/20201 hour, 8 minutes, 37 seconds
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Badger watch

Chris gives an insight into the lives of the badgers living on his farm.
5/31/20201 hour, 6 minutes, 57 seconds
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Down by the riverside

Chris takes a walk down to the water in this week's episode.
5/24/20201 hour, 7 minutes, 30 seconds
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Larking about

Chris is up with the larks at High Ash Farm this week.
5/17/20201 hour, 6 minutes, 54 seconds
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A wander among the redwoods

Chris takes a tour of some of the trees on the farm during this week's show.
5/10/20201 hour, 3 minutes, 55 seconds
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Hello Mr Magpie!

Chris looks at the magpies and some of the other birds living on the farm.
5/3/20201 hour, 10 minutes, 59 seconds
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Flourishing flowers

A broadcast among the bluebells on one of Chris's recordings from the farm this week.
4/26/20201 hour, 5 minutes, 7 seconds
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Thanks ants!

Chris celebrates some of the smaller creatures on the farm.
4/19/20201 hour, 6 minutes, 36 seconds
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A Skinner safari!

Chris takes us on a midnight tour of his farm!
4/12/20201 hour, 9 minutes, 54 seconds
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Dusk and dawn

This week, Chris shares some recordings made on the farm at opposite ends of the day.
4/5/20201 hour, 12 minutes, 44 seconds
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Chris is on the line from the farm office

Matthew and Chris find a way of keeping The Countryside Hour going!
3/29/20201 hour, 1 minute, 25 seconds
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A quick taste of Skinner humour!

A short recording from the farm, and information on what's happening next with the show.
3/23/202010 minutes, 3 seconds
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Heron help

Discussion and debate from listeners over a question about an apparently all-white heron.
3/16/202050 minutes, 8 seconds
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An all-recorded edition this week

This week's episode sees Chris and Matthew entirely on location at Chris's farm.
3/9/202050 minutes, 55 seconds
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Barn owls

Chris discusses some listener questions about the problems faced by barn owls.
3/2/202049 minutes, 5 seconds
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Including another mystery sound to guess at

This week's sound was recorded last year, as it's been too windy to record recently.
2/24/202048 minutes, 46 seconds
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Recovering from storms

Some recordings made on the farm last week as Chris's cleared up after Storm Ciara.
2/17/202052 minutes, 29 seconds
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The impact of Storm Ciara

How the high winds have left their mark on High Ash Farm.
2/10/202047 minutes, 27 seconds
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Chris is back live in the studio

Chris returns after a couple of weeks away on the trail of migratory birds.
2/3/202048 minutes, 34 seconds
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With Graham Appleton

Local ornithologist Graham Appleton sits-in for Chris to take your bird life questions.
1/27/202046 minutes, 26 seconds
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An episode from the farm this week

Today's edition of the Countryside Hour was all recorded on Chris's farm.
1/20/202047 minutes, 49 seconds
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More overseas correspondence

More questions from abroad for Chris this week.
1/13/202050 minutes, 11 seconds
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Back for the New Year

Chris is live in the studio with Matthew for the first Countryside Hour of 2020.
1/6/202048 minutes, 58 seconds
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Paul Hayes sits in

Paul plays highlights from his trips to Chris's farm in 2019, standing in for Matthew.
12/30/201956 minutes, 2 seconds
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Mistletoe and more

An appropriately festive feel to some of the questions for Chris Skinner this week.
12/23/201949 minutes, 45 seconds
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Moths and more

Chris talks about the large number of winter moths he's been seeing.
12/18/201949 minutes, 20 seconds
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Including a virtual tour of High Ash Farm

This week, Chris brought examples of some of the farm's oldest plants into the studio.
12/9/201948 minutes, 35 seconds
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A wise old bird

Chris discussed owls during this week's programme.
12/2/201949 minutes, 25 seconds
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Another trip to the farm

Matthew and Chris are entirely on location at Chris's farm for this week's episode.
11/25/201951 minutes, 10 seconds
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Moth mystery

Chris picks up on one of last week's listener questions, about a moth.
11/18/201948 minutes, 26 seconds
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Spider stories

Chris and Matt discuss some listener comments and queries on our eight-legged friends.
11/11/201949 minutes, 54 seconds
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A recorded hour from the farm

An hour recorded entirely on location with Matthew and Chris at Chris's farm.
11/4/201946 minutes, 26 seconds
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The clocks have gone back and the first frosts are being felt

Chris talks about how autumn well and truly seems to have arrived at High Ash Farm.
10/29/201949 minutes, 27 seconds
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Himalayan balsam - invasive or not?

Chris tackles a question arising from his recent discussion of Himalayan balsam.
10/21/201948 minutes, 31 seconds
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An archive visit to the farm

A taste of autumn 2013, in a collection of recordings from the farm made that year.
10/14/201944 minutes, 58 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Angie George

Angie sits in this week to put your questions about local wildlife to Chris.
10/7/201947 minutes, 54 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Paul sits in to put your countryside questions to Chris.
9/30/201947 minutes, 52 seconds
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All on the farm

This week's programme sees Matthew and Chris entirely on location at High Ash Farm.
9/23/201949 minutes, 4 seconds
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Solving some of your identification queries

There were sound recordings and photos from the listeners for Chris to puzzle over today.
9/16/201948 minutes, 17 seconds
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Celebrating 70

Chris marked a rather significant birthday yesterday.
9/9/201948 minutes, 42 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Paul Hayes sits in to put your questions about local wildlife to Chris.
9/2/201942 minutes, 54 seconds
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The changing face of farming

Chris talks about some of the technological changes on the farm down the decades.
8/19/201947 minutes, 42 seconds
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Squirrels, bird feeders and more

Chris tackles more of your questions about local wildlife.
8/12/201947 minutes, 46 seconds
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Summer on the farm

Some summer recordings made by Matthew and Chris on Chris's South Norfolk farm.
8/5/201945 minutes, 17 seconds
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All on the farm this week

Today's show is made up of features and items recorded on Chris's South Norfolk farm.
7/22/201948 minutes, 50 seconds
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Turning the tables

Chris was asked to identify a sound sent in by a listener this week.
7/15/201949 minutes, 30 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Paul sits in for Matthew to put your questions about local wildlife to Chris.
7/8/201948 minutes, 5 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Anna Perrott

Anna sits in for Matthew, and gets a special mystery tour of Chris's farm!
7/1/201948 minutes, 40 seconds
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Butterflies

Chris and Matthew talk about some of the butterflies in the Norfolk countryside.
6/17/201948 minutes, 54 seconds
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Back from foreign fields

Chris talks about his recent trip to Sicily.
6/10/201949 minutes, 52 seconds
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All on-location special

This week's edition is recorded entirely on Chris's farm at Caistor St Edmund.
6/3/201946 minutes, 48 seconds
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An informal cuckoo headcount!

This week, people took to reporting their late-coming cuckoos.
5/20/201949 minutes, 12 seconds
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Back in the studio

Chris is back in the studio after last Monday's break for the bank holiday.
5/13/201949 minutes, 20 seconds
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The wind in the bluebells

How the wind put a stop to Chris's open day at the weekend - but it be okay for this one!
4/29/201949 minutes, 27 seconds
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GBH in the bird world

Chris explains some of the bullying tactics occasionally employed by pigeons!
4/15/201944 minutes, 19 seconds
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Swallows

It's not quite summer yet, but the swallows have started to return to High Ash Farm.
4/8/201949 minutes, 7 seconds
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With Nigel Middleton

Nigel Middleton from the Hawk & Owl Trust at Sculthorpe sits in to take your questions.
4/1/201944 minutes, 35 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Paul Hayes sits in for Matthew and joins Chris on the farm for an all-location show.
3/25/201946 minutes, 11 seconds
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A compilation of recent recordings from Chris's farm

A special this week, with Matthew and Chris exploring wildlife on the farm.
3/18/201944 minutes, 16 seconds
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Netting

Chris discusses some of the issues raised by putting up nets to stop birds from nesting.
3/11/201948 minutes, 52 seconds
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Rooks, blackbirds and many more

Chris tackles more of your questions about local bird life here in the county.
3/4/201948 minutes, 23 seconds
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Stunt casting!

Why Chris has been casting his line among the ash trees at the farm!
2/25/201948 minutes, 46 seconds
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Winter on High Ash Farm

A collection of features recorded on location at Chris's farm over recent weeks.
2/18/201951 minutes, 24 seconds
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Feeding tips for the birds

Plus, more of your questions about local bird life.
2/11/201948 minutes, 20 seconds
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An unusual sound from a mute bird

Chris shares an unusual recording he made of mute swans on the farm last week.
2/4/201948 minutes, 50 seconds
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Back from The Gambia!

Chris has been in Africa following the migration of swallows.
1/28/201948 minutes, 45 seconds
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An all-location special

Unheard features recorded on Chris's farm over the past few weeks.
1/21/201948 minutes, 52 seconds
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The first Countryside Hour of 2019

Chris Skinner is back in the studio for his first programme of the New Year.
1/7/201948 minutes, 36 seconds
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Surprising signs of spring

Listener comments on signs of spring poking through in the comparatively mild winter.
12/17/201848 minutes, 40 seconds
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December down on the farm

An on-location special this week, with some items recorded recently on Chris's farm.
12/10/201847 minutes, 57 seconds
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Woodpeckers

Chris discusses the different species of woodpecker you can hear in the county.
12/3/201849 minutes, 9 seconds
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Answering questions on foxes, garden birds and more

A large batch of your countryside questions for Chris this week!
11/26/201848 minutes, 15 seconds
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Autumn on High Ash Farm

A special edition made up of items recorded in recent weeks on location at Chris's farm.
11/19/201848 minutes, 24 seconds
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Owls, apples and more

Chris tackles all kinds of questions.
11/12/201847 minutes, 22 seconds
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Bees

Chris shows Matthew some of the queen bees down on High Ash Farm.
11/5/201848 minutes, 26 seconds
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Autumn special

A special episode, with a collection of items recorded on Chris's farm in recent weeks.
10/29/201848 minutes, 20 seconds
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Nocturnal special

Anna Perrott sits in alongside Chris to take a look at the night life on his farm!
10/22/201848 minutes, 1 second
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Hare deaths

Chris talks about why hares appear to be dying in such large numbers.
10/15/201848 minutes, 3 seconds
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Ivy

Chris shows Matthew a flash of colour in the Norfolk countryside, down on his farm.
10/8/201848 minutes, 2 seconds
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Fairy rings

The explanation for eerie rings appearing in some of Chris's fields!
10/1/201848 minutes, 22 seconds
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With Graham Appleton

Local bird expert Graham Appleton sits in alongside Matthew to take your questions.
9/24/201844 minutes, 3 seconds
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Butterfly spotting

Chris takes Matthew on the trail of some of the 1000 or so clouded yellows on the farm.
9/17/201848 minutes, 44 seconds
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Chris and Matthew back together!

Chris and Matthew are back on the show at the same time after a few weeks apart!
9/10/201848 minutes, 35 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner shares wildlife recordings and answers questions.
9/3/201847 minutes, 30 seconds
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With Nigel Middleton from the Hawk and Owl Trust

Nigel Middleton sits in for Chris, joining presenter Paul Hayes to take your questions.
8/20/201843 minutes, 14 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Paul Hayes sits in with local farmer Chris Skinner, who takes your wildlife questions.
8/13/20181 hour, 5 minutes, 58 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Paul Hayes sits in alongside Chris to put your wildlife questions to him.
8/6/20181 hour, 2 minutes, 20 seconds
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Summer on High Ash Farm

A collection of recent highlights and unheard items recorded with Chris on his farm.
7/30/201849 minutes, 17 seconds
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Sizzling summer

How Chris and his wildlife are dealing with the warm weather down on the farm.
7/23/201848 minutes, 23 seconds
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The best thing for blackbirds

People started telling us how they were helping feed the blackbirds in this hot weather.
7/16/201849 minutes
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Butterflies

Chris shows Matthew some of the butterfly life to be seen on his farm.
7/9/201845 minutes, 44 seconds
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Chris is back after making hay

Both Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin are back on Countryside Hour duty!
7/2/201848 minutes, 50 seconds
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With Chris Skinner and Paul Hayes

Paul Hayes sits in alongside local farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner.
6/18/201849 minutes, 21 seconds
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With Nigel Middleton from the Hawk and Owl Trust at Sculthorpe

Nigel discusses the Norwich Cathedral peregrines, and takes your other bird questions.
6/11/201842 minutes, 9 seconds
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Down on the farm

An all-location episode, with some recent features and unheard items from Chris's farm.
6/4/201847 minutes, 50 seconds
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The cuckoo's calling

Questions and observations about cuckoos formed part of tonight's programme.
5/21/201848 minutes, 44 seconds
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Peanuts and pollination

Peanuts and pollination were just two of the subjects covered by Chris this week.
5/14/201845 minutes, 43 seconds
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April showers

How wildlife is coping with the rather wet end to the month!
4/30/201849 minutes, 14 seconds
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A taste of spring

Some previously-unheard recordings from recent visits to Chris's farm.
4/23/201848 minutes, 4 seconds
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It doesn't make a summer!

Matthew spots his first swallow of the year on a visit to Chris's farm.
4/16/201848 minutes, 37 seconds
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Willows could be hit by dieback

Trees on Chris's farm may have been hit by disease similar to ash dieback.
4/9/201847 minutes, 46 seconds
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Snake-seeking!

Chris takes Matthew on a look around the farm for the first grass snake of the year.
3/19/201849 minutes, 31 seconds
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After the cold snap, and bird feeder advice

Chris gives his view on today's news story warning of diseases spread by bird feeders.
3/12/201848 minutes, 25 seconds
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Cold comfort for the county's birds

How the local wildlife is coping with this week's cold snap.
2/26/201848 minutes, 52 seconds
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Goldfinch diet debate!

Questions arise over the preferred choice of food for goldfinches!
2/19/201848 minutes, 15 seconds
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Winter on High Ash Farm

A selection of highlights from some of Matthew's recent visits to Chris's farm.
2/12/201848 minutes, 34 seconds
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Tackling questions about peacocks, swans and much more besides

Farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner shares wildlife recordings and answers questions.
2/5/201847 minutes, 34 seconds
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A bird with many names

Chris posed a mystery sound with any one of three possible correct answers this evening.
1/29/201847 minutes, 48 seconds
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A bird Chris has never seen

Chris reveals the Norfolk bird he has never been able to catch a glimpse of.
1/15/201848 minutes, 42 seconds
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Mistletoe memories

Chris starts the New Year with a look at mistletoe.
1/8/201849 minutes, 18 seconds
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Rooks, crows and more

The difference between rooks and crows was one of the questions to Chris this week.
12/18/201748 minutes, 34 seconds
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In search of the goldcrest

On Chris's farm, he takes Matthew in search of one of Britain's smallest birds.
12/4/201749 minutes, 11 seconds
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Chris is back in the studio

Chris Skinner is back live in the studio to answer more of your local wildlife questions.
11/27/201749 minutes, 22 seconds
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Nocturnal special

A special look at the wildlife on Chris's farm after dark, recorded on Saturday evening.
11/13/201750 minutes, 21 seconds
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Rats!

A form of wildlife of which not everyone is fond came up in conversation this week.
11/6/201748 minutes, 21 seconds
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Chris Skinner returns

Chris Skinner is back to share more recordings from the farm and take your questions.
10/30/201748 minutes, 58 seconds
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Tails of snails

Chris shows Matthew the High Ash Farm tree which attracts snails by the dozen.
10/9/201750 minutes, 15 seconds
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Fungi on the farm

Chris and Matthew explore some of the array of fungi which grow on Chris's farm.
10/2/201747 minutes, 20 seconds
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Nest boxes, robins and more

Chris is back to deal with more of your questions about local wildlife.
9/25/201748 minutes, 44 seconds
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Chris Skinner returns to the studio

Farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner shares wildlife recordings and answers questions.
9/18/201749 minutes, 11 seconds
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Summer on High Ash Farm

A look back at some of the features recorded on Chris's farm over the past few months.
9/11/201744 minutes, 31 seconds
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With Jo Thewlis and Chris Skinner

Jo Thewlis sits in to put your local wildlife questions to Norfolk farmer Chris Skinner.
9/4/201747 minutes, 57 seconds
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A hornets' nest - not stirred up!

Chris shows Matthew a hornets' nest on the farm - from a safe distance, of course!
8/21/201748 minutes, 14 seconds
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All on the farm

A special edition recorded entirely on location at Chris Skinner's High Ash Farm.
8/14/201744 minutes, 53 seconds
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North Norfolk special

A special episode recorded entirely on location with local naturalist Ben Aldiss.
8/7/201745 minutes, 16 seconds
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With Jo Thewlis and Chris Skinner

Jo Thewlis sits in, with Chris Skinner sharing his recordings and answering questions.
7/26/201747 minutes, 37 seconds
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Searching for moths

Chris takes Matthew out to look for moths on High Ash Farm.
7/10/201747 minutes, 57 seconds
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Buzzards

Chris takes Matthew to see the buzzards on High Ash Farm.
7/3/201751 minutes, 10 seconds
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Graham Appleton sits in

Local bird expert and writer Graham Appleton takes your avian questions.
6/26/201744 minutes, 15 seconds
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Down on the farm

A selection of items recorded on location at High Ash Farm, in Caistor St Edmund.
6/19/201748 minutes, 38 seconds
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Partridge protection

Why Chris is heading off around the country to give a series of talks.
6/12/201748 minutes, 51 seconds
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Bids, bees and butterflies

Farmer and nature lover Chris Skinner is back in the studio sharing wildlife knowledge.
6/5/201748 minutes, 26 seconds
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House martins

Chris takes Matthew to a local supermarket where house martins are thriving!
5/22/201748 minutes, 34 seconds
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A recorded special from down on the farm

Matthew and Chris are down on the farm for an entire episode this week.
5/22/201750 minutes, 17 seconds
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Wildflowers

Chris shows Matthew some of the wildflowers starting to appear on High Ash Farm.
5/8/201749 minutes, 19 seconds
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Birds and bluebells

Chris Skinner is back in the studio to take more of your countryside questions.
4/25/201748 minutes, 7 seconds
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With Graham Appleton

Local ornithologist Graham Appleton sits in for Chris to take your avian questions.
4/10/201746 minutes, 1 second
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With Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin

Matthew and Chris are back with more of your countryside queries.
4/3/201748 minutes, 34 seconds
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Bits and pieces from High Ash Farm

Paul Hayes sits in, and takes a look through some of his visits to Chris Skinner's farm.
3/27/201746 minutes, 34 seconds
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With Jo Thewlis and Chris Skinner

Jo sits in for Matthew to put your wildlife questions to local farmer Chris.
3/20/201749 minutes, 20 seconds
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With Nigel Middleton

Nigel Middleton from the Hawk & Owl Trust sits in for Chris and takes your questions.
3/13/201748 minutes, 42 seconds