In this episode Rat, the 'terrible terrier', gets Chris Skinner up in the early hours of New Year's Day for an encounter with a fox. 

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the history of elms at High Ash Farm and their decline due to Dutch elm disease. They also visit a new elm tree that Chris received as a birthday present.

Chris answers a range of questions from listeners about robin behaviours and skylarks, as well as the growth of mistletoe and uncover the mystery of the stunned wren.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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In this podcast episode, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin discuss the wildlife and scenery they encounter at High Ash Farm. They observe the panoramic view of South Norfolk and Norwich, as well as the teasel seed and overwinter wild bird seed mix in the fields.

They spot Chinese water deer, skylarks, yellowhammers, and woodcocks. Chris and Matthew delight at the abundance of snails on the oak trees and answer questions about winter moths and planting mistletoe.

They end the final episode of the year sitting in the farm truck, drinking coffee and reading listener emails.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner takes us on a walk through an avenue of oak trees near High Ash Farm, and takes a look at the winter moths that inhabit the trees.

Chris and Matthew take a trip to see some mistletoe, and they answer listener questions from around the world.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the wintry woodland at High Ash Farm. They uncover the green shoots of snowdrops emerging from the leaf litter and find out how their bulbs store energy from the sun to then bloom in winter.

Chris introduces Matthew to the habits of grazing sheep on the farm and they admire the wildflower field whilst contemplating listeners' questions.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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In this episode Chris Skinner explains the modern practice of minimum tillage or min-till, which involves drilling crops into the previous crop's stubble instead of ploughing the fields. This method saves farmers time and diesel and helps maintain the food source for gulls, which are land birds that spend most of their time inland. 

Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin also dwell on his controversial practice of feeding foxes on his farm to prevent them from preying on pheasants and partridges. He talks positively about the increasing number of farmers adopting this approach to wildlife conservation. 

They watch buzzards, spot a stoat and Chris Skinner covets a  waxwing sighting as he and Matthew Gudgin answer listeners emails. 

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin spot buzzards and green woodpeckers overhead, and discuss the arrival of winter, as they explore plant species in the woodland..

They climb a hill that has perplexed scientists, geologists and ecologists alike, and Chris recounts a narrow escape for his terrible terrier, Rat.

Chris also answers listener questions, including inquiries about sparrow nest boxes and bird identification. If you've got a question for Chris or Matthew, email [email protected].

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner takes a trip down memory lane and recounts a tale from his childhood that strongly impacts how he farms today.

Matthew Gudgin eyes up the sloes for his Christmas gin in The Lettuce Wood, and the pair look at the rich mosaic of trees - sparing a thought for the victims of ash die back. 

In this episode Chris and Matthew delight in not just your questions and comments but also some poetry.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin take a trip to wintery Winterton-on-sea in Norfolk. They look at sand formation, enjoy some seal spotting and marvel at how any plants survive there!

They muse over your questions in the warmth of the van.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin talk about the historical importance of yew, and its benefits for wildlife.

Chris looks ahead at the fields of teasels yet to come, and Rat sorts out the pigeons.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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In this weeks episode Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin soak up the sounds and smells of woodland habitats. They discuss how historic farming practices have gone on to shape woodland and wildlife that resides there.

Chris also captures the calm before the storm at High Ash Farm.

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Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcast was produced by SOUNDYARD - a non-profit company on a mission to turn up the volume on under-heard voices.
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