Podcast
Wild Tales | Nature Podcast
Hosted by National Trust · EN
Delve into intriguing stories from our weird, wonderful and utterly wild world.
You'll experience nature in a whole new way, from untangling the strange world of spider sex and digging up the greatest fossil finds, to meeting mysterious ocean giants and finding out why there’s no such thing as a seagull.
Join rangers Rosie Holdsworth and Ajay Tegala on adventures in the UK’s diverse habitats and uncover fascinating tales that connect us with wildlife.
New Wild Tales are released twice a month.
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Get in touch with feedback and your favourite topics on instagram www.instagram.com/wildtalesnt or by emailing podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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This podcast is made by the National Trust, Europe’s biggest conservation charity. Looking after history, nature and beauty for everyone to enjoy.
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25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Operation Nutcracker | The Return of the Red Squirrel
Yesterday00:15:07Tap to summarizeRed Squirrels were once a common sight in woodlands around the Uk but now, they’re one of our rarest Mammals. In this episode of Wild Tales, we head to Plas Newydd on the island of Ynys Môn in Wales, where a remarkable effort to bring them back is underway. For the Welsh transcript of this episode please click here. Red squirrel, Anglesey, Wales ©National Trust Images/Rob ColemanProduction Narration: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Nikki Ruck and Marnie Woodmeade Sound Recordist: Marnie Woodmeade Sound Design: Jesus Gomez With thanks to Carol Thomas at Plas Newydd Find out more Visit the red squirrels at Plas Newydd:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-newydd-house-and-garden/red-squirrels-at-plas-newydd Learn more about Red Squirrel Conservation The Red Squirrels Trust Wales is working to protect red squirrel populations on Ynys Môn and across North Wales. If you would like to read more about some of the points raised in this episode, look here. https://www.redsquirrels.info/about/faq/ See red squirrels on Brownsea Island (Dorset): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/the-rare-red-squirrel-on-brownsea-island Listen to our episode on pine martens (Wallington, Northumberland): https://ntpodcasts.org/WT25 Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Crayfish Gladiator Battle
2w ago00:11:32Tap to summarizeWhite-clawed crayfish were once common in Britain’s waterways. But thanks to a restaurant craze in the 1970’s, that brought the American signal crayfish to our shores, our only native freshwater crayfish is under threat from this invasive species. White-clawed crayfish are eco system engineers keeping rivers and streams clean and they also have amazing limb re growing superpowers. But they’re being outcompeted for food and habitat by the American signal crayfish and succumbing to a killer plague being spread by them. But, with a little help from Ranger Nick Allen and the team at Wallington estate in Northumberland, habitats are being created where white-clawed crayfish can thrive. Join Rosie and follow the story and the lives of the plucky little characters fighting for survival in England’s Northeast.Production: Host: Rosie Holdsworth Producers: Michelle Douglass and Katy Kelly Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Nick Allen Discover more: Find out more about Wallington and their work with the white-clawed crayfish: Saving the native white-clawed crayfish | National Trust Follow us @ wildtales Instagram account If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or a story idea, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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The Dinosaur in the Cliff
4w ago00:25:04Tap to summarizeEver hunted for fossils on a beach and felt like you might actually find something? Rosie heads to the Isle of Wight to the scene of the most complete dinosaur discovery in the UK in a hundred years. She’s joined by Dr Jeremy Lockwood, part of the original dig team and now casually known as a “namer of dinosaurs,” as they retrace how this once‑buried giant came back into the light. Production: Host: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Claire Hickinbotham Sound Recordist: Nikki Ruck Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez With thanks to Dr Jeremy Lockwood Rosie and Jeremy went for the dinosaur walk at Compton Bay and Downs | Isle of Wight | National Trust They parked at Compton car parking information | National Trust You can see Comptonatus Chasei at the Dinosaur Isle Museum on the Isle of Wight. Welcome to Dinosaur Isle - Dinosaur Isle Museum If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Toad Patrol | The Perilous Path
Apr 100:15:37Tap to summarizeAs winter turns to spring , toads, frogs and newts across Britain begin their annual journey, making their way back to the ponds where they breed.For many, that journey means crossing busy roads and not all of them make it to the other side.In this episode of Wild Tales, we spend the night with the Charlcombe Lane Toad Patrol, discovering the dedication and determination it takes to give these remarkable animals a fighting chance. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production: Narrator: Rosie Holdsworth Producer and sound designer: Nikki Ruck photo courtesy : Charlcombe Toad Rescue Group With thanks to Mike Collins, Sheila Gundry, Lance, Lucy and Angela from the Charlcombe Lane Toad Group Discover more: https://www.froglife.org/what-we-do/toads-on-roads/how-to-become-a-toad-patroller/
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Finding the Tundra Swan
Mar 1800:23:23Summary readyThe Bewick’s or ‘Tundra’ swan has eluded ranger Ajay Tegala for years. It's hardly surprising: the swan’s epic migration is under pressure, and their numbers are dwindling. Can Ajay find them at their winter retreat of WWT Welney? Ajay speaks to fellow swan lover, artist and zoologist Dafila Scott and site manager Lizzie Bruce to aid his search for these hardworking swans. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production: Host and Co-producer: Ajay TegalaProducer: Marnie WoodmeadeSound Designer: Jesus GomezMusic: Swan Song by Charlotte Eve With thanks to: Dafila Scott, Lizzie Bruce and the staff and volunteers at WWT Welney Discover more: Visit WWT Welney: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney Visit Wicken Fen: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wicken-fen-national-nature-reserve Learn more about wetland swans: https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/wetland-wildlife/meet-the-family/swans-found-in-uk-wetlands
Summary
You Might Like: Nature Fix | Stargazing in the City
Mar 400:17:53Tap to summarizeThis week we’re sharing another of our podcasts we think you’ll enjoy. Nature Fix takes you on adventures with people whose lives have been shaped by the outdoors. In this episode, wrap up warm and turn your eyes to the skies for a stargazing tour from the middle of Manchester. Nature Fix Host Claire Hickinbotham joins astronomer and adventure enthusiast Nazanin Jahanshahi, to discover how there’s lots to see in the night sky wherever you live. On this awe-inspiring city celestial voyage, you'll be wowed by a rare planetary parade, learn how to start navigating the stars, and hear top tips for hunting the northern lights. Production Producer: Michelle DouglassSound Designer: Nikki RuckContributor: Nazanin Jahanshahi Get your Nature FixFollow Nature Fix on your favourite podcast app: https://podfollow.com/nature-fix Discover the best National Trust spots for stargazing: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/outdoor-activities/top-spots-for-stargazing Learn about night sky locations and activities: https://gostargazing.co.uk/
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The Island of Secret Seals
Feb 1800:15:37Tap to summarizeOrford Ness is well practiced at keeping secrets; in the 1940s it was classified military research, but now it is a brand new colony of grey seals. Countryside Manager Matt Wilson guides us around the bomb craters to try and find the newest and blubbery-est residences. We find out how they came to be on this moon-like beach and how they’re faring on this remote site. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/Production: Producer: Marnie WoodmeadeHosts: Rosie Holdsworth Sound Designer: Jesus GomezWith thanks to: Matt Wilson and the staff at Orford Ness Image © National Trust Images/Rob ColemanDiscover more: Visit Orford Ness, looked after by the National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserveFind out more about the seals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6ti7BaNKpU&t=523s
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Pine Martens’ Return
Feb 400:19:05Tap to summarizePine martens were once common in Britain but now, they're one of our rarest carnivores. These slinky, tree-dwelling predators had virtually disappeared in England and Wales by the turn of the 20th Century. But pine martens are making a comeback.We follow Ranger Dan Iceton at Wallington estate in Northumberland, as he tries to encourage pine martens to make these woodlands their forever home.And we discover conservation success in other parts of Britain where the animals have returned.Follow the story and secret lives of the mysterious mammal making a comeback in our forests.[Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production: Producer: Michelle DouglassHosts: Rosie Holdsworth and Dan IcetonSound Editor: Jesus GomezWith thanks to: Dr Stephanie Johnstone and Vincent Wildlife Trust Image © Caroline Legg Discover more: Visit Wallington, looked after by the National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington Find out more about pine martens with Vincent Wildlife Trust: https://www.vwt.org.uk/species/pine-marten-2 Read about Martens on the Move: https://pinemartens.uk/ Report your sighting and help citizen science: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a8c5d8e084dc4ecb9b92c57c42769d1f
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Arctic Terns | Globetrotting Dive-bombers
Jan 2100:12:56Tap to summarizeThe Farne Islands in the North Sea, off the coast of Northumberland, have a very special species of seabird during the summer that fiercely protects its young with its dive-bombing technique. However, it’s the Arctic Terns’ ability to fly thousands of miles during their migration from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle that really sets them apart. Join Rosie and Rangers Dan Iceton and Tom Hendry on Inner Farne as they spend time with the Arctic Terns and experience their dive-bombing tactics first-hand. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production: Hosts: Rosie Holdsworth and Dan Iceton Producer: Katy Kelly Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Tom Hendry Discover More: Find out more about The Farne Islands: Our work at Farne Islands | Northumberland | National Trust Follow us @wildtales Instagram account If you’d like to get in touch with feedback or a story idea you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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The Man, The Book and The Mountains
Jan 700:19:23Tap to summarizeJust outside Belfast, lie the Mourne Mountains - a land of granite peaks and wide skies, but also a place of witches, fawns and lions. Protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a UNESCO Global Geopark, this remarkable landscape is also a doorway to imagination. Join National Trust ranger Kate Martin as she journeys from the streets of Belfast to the Mourne Mountains, exploring the places that shaped C.S. Lewis’s childhood and inspired his creation of Narnia. Discover how city, story and landscape came together to form one of the most beloved worlds in children’s literature. (AD) Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure.Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more.Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_Smzdtsh_tMProduction Presenter: Kate Martin Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez Contributors: Dr Sarah Waters, Director of the Sterling College C.S. Lewis Center Lolly Spence, Blue Badge Tourist Guide and historian James Fisher, Lead Ranger NI Castle Ward Actor: Ethan Hughes courtesy of Prime Theatre Thank you to The CS Lewis Company Ltd for permissions to use quotes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis © copyright CS Lewis Pte Ltd 1950, in this episode. Discover More If you’d like to know more about visiting The Mournes, please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/the-mournes You can listen to more of Kate’s Northern Ireland adventures here: Northern Ireland Adventure | Beyond the Bridge - Wild Tales | Nature Podcast | Podcast on Spotify Northern Ireland Adventure | Sea Safari at Rathlin Island - Wild Tales | Nature Podcast | Podcast on Spotify If you'd like to book a tour with Lolly Spence you can here: www.hiddenulstertours.com If you’d like to read Dr Sarah Waters’ work on C.S. Lewis, you can do so here: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9681-3361 And you can learn more about the Sterling College C.S. Lewis Center here: https://www.sterling.edu/academics/cs-lewis-center If you’d like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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