Episode Description
Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp September morning at High Ash Farm, where the farmyard's ancient oak hosts a luminous display of sulphur polypore—known as chicken of the woods—its vibrant, edible brackets spilling like molten gold. Bid a heartfelt farewell to the swallows in the stables, with over 100 fledglings reared amid a frenzy of aerial feeds. Wade into sun-kissed fields of sunflowers and wild bird seed mixes, uncovering whorled wonders like aromatic field mint, spearmint, and marsh woundwort, their orchid-like blooms thriving in the understory. Stroll a berry-laden hedgerow to witness a migrant red admiral feasting on ivy's vital late nectar, celebrating this unsung hero's year-round gifts for wildlife. Chris fields listener queries on lead shot's toll on waterfowl, shares tales of Dutch birdwatchers marvelling at the farm's swallows, and delights in a vibrant viper's bugloss submission. A poetic nod to fungi, flora, and fleeting summer migrants, perfect for savouring the countryside's turning tides.
Please email any questions for Chris to answer on the podcast to
Chris@highashfarm.com
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