In this episode, Sean Bean joins Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at RSPB Arne to explore how birds have inspired poetry and literature, and the books that first sparked a love of the natural world.

Plus, we meet writer and artist Jackie Morris, co-creator of The Lost Words and The Lost Spells, to hear how birds inspire her work, from the ravens flying overhead to The Book of Birds, her collaboration with Robert Macfarlane celebrating 49 threatened British bird species. We’ll also discover Spell Songs in Thin Air, inspired by The Book of Birds and the alarming thinning of our skies as birdlife disappears. Through music, poetry and art, the project aims to rekindle our love of nature and inspire us to protect it.

Bird biographer Stephen Moss explores the surprising history of puffins and the myths surrounding owls, revealing how our stories and traditions shape the way we see birds — and why understanding them is vital to protecting their future.

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.

Spell Songs https://www.thelostwords.org/spell-songs/

The Book of Birds https://www.thelostwords.org/thebookofbirds/

The Bird Biographer Series by Stephen Moss https://www.penguin.co.uk/series/BRDBIO/the-bird-biography-series

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Sean Bean returns to RSPB Arne in Dorset, where autumn migration is bringing birds in from further north. We’ll discover why Poole Harbour is such an important winter haven for waders and waterfowl, and get to know some of the reserve’s remarkable birds of prey.

Plus, we’ll meet musician Ben Watt, best known as a member of Everything But The Girl, as he takes us around his local patch at Brent Reservoir in North London. Ben shares how he fell in love with birding and why he’s campaigning to protect the wildlife and habitats on his doorstep.

We’ll also hear about the devastating wildfires at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk and their impact on the birds and habitats that will take years to recover. Meanwhile, the BTO’s satellite-tagged cuckoo, Bean, continues his remarkable journey south.

Dr Mya-Rose Craig is back with her dad, Chris, to answer your birding questions about migration after dark, and Maya takes a closer look at spotting scopes and what might be best for your birding.

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.

Learn more about Ben Watt’s environmental group, Cool Oak

https://www.cooloakgroup.com/

And the Brent Resovoir

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/brent-reservoir-welsh-harp

Track our satellite tagged cuckoo, Bean. https://www.bto.org/get-involved/volunteer/projects/cuckoo-tracking/bean

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Sean Bean is joined by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at RSPB Arne, where they explore the reserve and discover how Dartford Warblers have bounced back, from just two pairs at Arne in 1965 to 97 pairs last year. Simon talks about how birds have found their way into his poetry, his love of their names, and one very questionable identification during a 24-hour bird race.

We’ll also get ready for October Big Day with Stephen Menzie from Merlin, as birders around the world head out on 10th October to record the birds they see. We’ll hear how hundreds of thousands of people can come together to build a picture of birds around the world, and discover why Falsterbo in Sweden is such an incredible place to watch autumn migration.

Plus, Dr Mya-Rose Craig is back to answer your birding questions and help you get to grips with what all those numbers on your binoculars really mean.

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.