In this episode we continue to bring you ideas and advice on how to keep in tune with nature during lockdown. This time Andy Beer, author of Every Day Nature, gives us his top tips on how to grow a deeper understanding of the dawn chorus and to get better acquainted with your favourite feathered neighbourhood songstress. 
 
You’ll also learn how to get involved with DAWNS, one of the Trust’s most ambitious musical mass participation events happening in the early hours of 16 May. To sign up go to DAWNS to https://dawns.live/



For more podcasts from the National Trust, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts


S4 Ep77: DAWNS and the Dawn Chorus

Delve into tales of history, nature and adventure with the award-winning National Trust Podcast. From wild landscapes to heritage sites and historical legends, unearth fascinating stories about people and places in the UK.

This series, travel to the 1930s to unmask the eccentric Ferguson’s Gang, find out how the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree impacted the community, and discover what life was like for the people who toiled deep in a Roman gold mine.

To learn more about podcasts from the National Trust go to http://nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts

This podcast is made by the National Trust, Europe’s biggest conservation charity. Looking after history, nature and beauty for everyone to enjoy.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Science

Nature

In the 1930s, the mysterious Ferguson’s Gang captivated the British public with their daring and unusual stunts. Led by the enigmatic “Bill Stickers”, the group was unlike any other gangsters of the era. They were mask-wearing, all-women activists who gave money in quirky ways to help save the countryside. 



In this docudrama, uncover the identities of the people behind the secretive Ferguson's Gang, and unravel a tale of intrigue, mischief and mayhem that made a lasting impact on British heritage. 



[Ad from our sponsor]

This podcast episode is sponsored by family history website Findmypast. 

What was life like for domestic servants, workers and local communities at our most fascinating heritage sites? Discover how people from all walks of life lived and worked, and who with, in hundreds of census records, for free. And find out how to explore your family history. See where the past takes you at: findmypast.co.uk/national-trust 





Actor voices

Lizzie Crarer, Rae Alexander, Sally Rudd, and Caitlin Packer, courtesy of

https://www.primetheatre.co.uk/ 

Ric Jerrom and James Turton.



Production  

Producer and sound designer: Nikki Ruck 

Sound editor: Jesus Gomez



Explore Further

Discover more about the gang 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/people/who-were-fergusons-gang



Learn more about Ferguson's Gang and their legacy on Polly Bagnall’s website, where you can discover more about the book- Ferguson's Gang: The Remarkable Story of the National Trust Gangsters. 

www.pollybagnall.com/ferguson-s-gang



Copies of Ferguson’s Gang’s ‘Boos’ are available for viewing at The Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre by prior arrangement. 

www.wshc.org.uk/visiting-the-centre.





Ferguson’s Legacy 

While Shalford Mill remains closed to the public, you can still explore the legacy of Ferguson's Gang by visiting Newtown Old Town Hall on the Isle of Wight, Mayon and Trevescan cliffs in Cornwall, and Stonehenge.



www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/newtown-national-nature-reserve-and-old-town-hall/history-at-newtown-old-town-hall

 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/coast-beaches/discover-mayon-cliff



www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stonehenge-landscape


The Mysterious Tale of Ferguson's Gang

Google Podcasts is coming to an end between April and June this year.



To keep up with the National Trust Podcast please follow or subscribe using an alternative app.



Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4a88H3d

Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/4a1nH2N

Youtube (Coming Soon) - https://www.youtube.com/nationaltrustcharity



More - https://audioboom.com/channels/4957126-national-trust-podcast 



Info from Google:






After April 2, 2024, users in the US will no longer be able to listen to podcasts in Google Podcasts. 
After June 24, 2024 this will be the case for all users in all regions. 




More info from Google/Youtube Music - https://bit.ly/3xeM8vd


Google Podcasts Announcement

National Trust Podcast is back with a new collection of immersive tales in nature, history and adventure. Look out for Series 8 launching 4 April. 



Travel to the 1930s to unmask the eccentric Ferguson’s Gang, find out how the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree impacted the community, and discover what life was like for ancient workers in the UK’s only known Roman gold mine. 



Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app to catch new episodes every fortnight.



We’d love to hear from you. Please share your ratings and reviews on your podcast app. Or get in touch at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk



Discover more about podcasts made by the National Trust at nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts  






New Series Coming Soon

For the past few years Holnicote Estate, Exmoor National Park, has been home to furry inhabitants engineering a solution to local flooding, and developing a habitat not seen in the UK for centuries.  

In this episode we revisit the site to check in on its charismatic residents. And discover the exciting news of a growing brood of babies, just in time for Christmas.  


Learn more about Holnicote Estate and take a 360 degree tour of the beaver enclosure, which features trail camera footage of the beavers’ everyday lives. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holnicote-virtual-tour



For more information about beavers visit nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/wildlife/our-guide-to-beavers  



Thank you for listening to Series 7 of the National Trust Podcast and look out for the launch of our new series in early 2024.

 

You can contact the National Trust audio team at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk 



Auto Generated Additional Information:



Introduction:

- The episode revisits the topic of beavers and their impact on flood management and the environment.

- Hosts Kate Martin and Ben Eardley explore the changes that have occurred in the wetlands since their last visit.

- They discuss the reintroduction of beavers and their role in creating wetlands and reducing flooding downstream.



Main Topics Discussed:

1. The impact of natural features on climate concerns in the area.

2. Working with nature to benefit downstream communities.

3. Reconnecting rivers and streams with the surrounding landscape.

4. The role of beavers in natural flood management.

5. The changes observed in the wetlands since the reintroduction of beavers.

6. Exciting news about the growing beaver colony, including the birth of kits.



Key Takeaways:

- Natural features in the area contribute to climate concerns and flooding.

- Reconnecting rivers and streams with the landscape can help reduce flooding downstream.

- Beavers play a crucial role in natural flood management and increasing biodiversity.

- The reintroduction of beavers has led to the creation of wetlands and the return of lost wildlife.

- Beavers have made significant changes to the environment in a relatively short period.

- The birth of beaver kits is a positive sign of the thriving beaver colony.



Guests:

- Ben Eardley: Flood engineer and guide.

- Chryssa Brown: Discusses the interest in beaver reintroduction for natural flood management.

- Jack Siviter: Beaver expert at Holnicote, provides updates on the beaver colony and the birth of kits.



Other Information:

- The podcast explores the impact of beavers on flood management and the environment.

- The hosts visit the wetlands to observe the changes since their last visit.

- Camera traps are used to monitor the beaver colony.

- The birth of beaver kits is a significant milestone in the reintroduction efforts.

- The beavers are actively creating wetlands and stashing food for the winter.



Overall, the episode highlights the positive impact of beavers on flood management, biodiversity, and the environment. The hosts and guests discuss the changes observed in the wetlands and the exciting news of the beaver kits.

Dam Engineers | Revisited

Growing up, Drag Queen Misty Monique thought it was a bit unfair that at the weddings she went to, men wore suits while women could wear a variety of outfits and costumes.  Discovering drag opened a whole new world of expression and also a means to entertain. 

  

Misty heads to the stage at Smallhythe Place, Kent, where she uncovers the history of drag and its roots in British theatre and pantomime. And she even puts on a show of her own. 

  

To find out more about Smallhythe Place please visit: 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/smallhythe-place 

  

 Thank you for listening to Series 7 of the National Trust Podcast. Look out for special episodes soon. And we’ll be launching a new series in early 2024. 

  

 If you’d like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, please contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk 



Auto Generated Additional Information



Introduction:

- The episode explores the history of drag and its connection to the LGBTQ+ community.

- The host, Misty Monique, visits Smallhythe Place in the Kent countryside to learn about the history of drag and put on a special drag performance.



Main Topics Discussed:

1. Drag Performances Throughout History:

- Drag performances have existed for centuries worldwide, with each country having its own style and story to tell.

- In the UK, drag has been a mainstay of British entertainment on stage, in cinema, and on TV.

- Drag shows can be seen live in theaters, bars, and clubs, as well as through TV and streaming platforms.

- Misty Monique performs regularly in an old 17th-century barn in Cheltenham, and she explores the idea of bringing drag to a more rural setting at Smallhythe Place.



2. Drag in Theatre:

- In Shakespeare's time, women were forbidden from performing on stage, so men and boys played all the female roles.

- Gender play, disguise, and self-expression through cross-dressing have always been important to the LGBTQ+ community in British theatre.



3. Smallhythe Place and Drag History:

- Smallhythe Place is a Tudor building that houses a collection curated by Ellen Terry's daughter, including costumes and jewels.

- Ellen Terry and her colleagues would cross-dress both on and off stage, considering clothing to be genderless.

- The house features an exhibition on how Edy, Tony, and Chris lived, as well as a costume room with over 200 costumes, some designed by couturiers.

- Vesta Tilley, a male impersonator, was a prominent figure in the 1900s.



4. Drag Show at Smallhythe Place:

- Misty Monique plans to put on the first drag show at the Smallhythe Place theatre.

- The costumes for drag shows have become more elaborate over time, reflecting changing tastes and trends.

- The show day arrives, and Misty Monique and her drag partner, Miss Demeanor McCall, prepare for their sold-out event.



Key Takeaways:

- Drag performances have a rich history worldwide, with the UK being a significant hub for drag entertainment.

- Cross-dressing and gender play have always been important to the LGBTQ+ community in British theatre.

- Smallhythe Place showcases the history of drag through its collection of costumes and exhibits.

- Misty Monique's drag show at Smallhythe Place is a celebration of drag as a form of self-expression and entertainment.



Guests:

- Misty Monique (Host)

- Dr. Sophie Duncan (Theatre Historian, Magdalene College, Oxford University )

- Susannah Mayor (Smallhythe Place Curator)

- Simon Sladen (Pantomime Historian, V&A; Museum)



Additional Information:

- The episode features discussions, interviews, and on-site visits to explore the history of drag and its significance in British theatre.

- Misty Monique's drag show at Smallhythe Place is a culmination of her exploration of drag history and her personal journey as a performer.

- The episode highlights the inclusive nature of drag and its ability to bring joy and entertainment to diverse audiences.

S4 Ep77: DAWNS and the Dawn Chorus

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