Second Nature

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Hello and welcome back! I have a very special episode for you today—one that has been on my podcasting bucket list since the very beginning. I finally headed to Diddly Squat Farm to sit down with the team everyone knows and loves: Jeremy Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper, and Charlie Ireland.

With the massive Cereals event coming to the Cotswolds this year, I wanted to find out what it’s really like for Jeremy to play "host farmer" for 25,000 visitors. From digging trenches to study root structures to how the event caters to both new and experienced farmers, this conversation was exactly as lively, argumentative, and insightful as you’d expect!

On the menu today:

• The "Hobby Farming" Debate: Kaleb and Jeremy go head-to-head on the latest additions to the farm. Are two donkeys, a handful of pigs, and a two-acre herb garden a genius diversification move or just "hobby farming"? 🥕🐖
• Learning on the Job: Jeremy shares why every day is still a learning day for him—including the "math" of oilseed rape and his new-found appreciation for soil health.
• The Arable Reality: Charlie gives us a candid look at the challenges facing the industry over the next 12 months, from rising fuel costs to the volatility of the wheat markets.
• The Next Generation: We discuss why the "Clarkson effect" is so important for first-generation farmers. As someone who joined the industry from a non-farming background myself, I loved hearing the team's advice for anyone looking to make their mark in agriculture.

Exploring the Plots

After catching up with the team, I took a wander through the crop plots to chat with the experts on the ground. I caught up with Andrew Creasy from RAGT to talk about the future of wheat varieties and Lee Gilbert from Fowler & Gilbert, who shares his amazing journey from car mechanic to one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of agricultural buildings. 🏗️🌾

I also sat down with Sandy Kilpatrick to talk about the power of social media.

Whether you’re a lifelong farmer or just love a bit of Diddly Squat drama, grab a cuppa and join us for a proper look at life on the farm. The new episode is waiting for you now! ☕️🎧

Quick Links:

• Farm Fest Tickets: Use code LIZZIE for a discount!
• Follow the journey: Check out the videos from my day at Diddly Squat on Instagram @LizzyMuddyHeelsMac.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Hello and welcome back! It has been such a whirlwind of a week. I’ve officially travelled down to Dorset to host a session for the Dorset Local Nature Partnership Annual Forum, where Tim was actually one of our guests! It was such an inspiring morning, seeing everyone from farmers and gardeners to the NHS coming together to talk about nature recovery.

That spirit of collaboration leads us perfectly into today’s episode, thew third instalment of the Down in Dorset series. 

We’re moving on from our "aquatic pair" (the beavers and otters!) to talk about the very thing that connects them: Water. I’ll admit, I thought I knew a fair bit about water, but sitting down with our three incredible guests—Sarah Williams and Hannah Martin from Wessex Water, and farmer and advisor Claire Eastam—was a total eye-opener.

In this episode, we’re wading into:

• The "300-Litre" Surprise: Did you know the average household uses 323 litres of water a day? Most of us think it’s only 60! We talk about where that water actually goes and how our "modern" habits are putting pressure on an archaic system.
• Dorset’s Underground Treasure: 75% of our water here comes from a massive chalk aquifer. It’s basically a giant underground sponge, and we discuss why protecting these "boreholes" is so vital.
• The Truth About Spills: We tackle the tough conversations around sewage spills and stormwater. Sarah and Hannah explain the £8 million-a-month investment going into "Olympic-sized" storage tanks and green reed beds to keep our rivers clean.
• Chalk Stream Magic: Why 85% of the world's chalk streams are right here in England, and why their "crystal clear" calcium-rich water is like a superpower for local wildlife (including some record-breaking fish!).
• Farming & Phosphates: Claire shares how local "Farmer Clusters" are saving money and the environment just by looking at the data—and how one farmer stopped an entire "Arctic" of phosphate from entering the water system.

Dorset Delights & Top Tips

Of course, it wouldn't be Second Nature without a few fun facts! We chat about our favourite Dorset escapes—from sunrise swims at Man o’ War Bay (with a very specific French toast recommendation!) to the hidden bluebell woods of West Dorset.

Plus, I got a top gardening tip that I’m definitely using: Why you should actually empty your water butt in the winter to make room for the next downpour!

A huge thank you to Nature Recovery Dorset for supporting this series. 

Grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the story of Dorset’s water. ☕️🎧

This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, a Dorset Council led initiative helping communities, landowners and organisations work together to restore nature across Dorset. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be taken as representing Dorset Council.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

It officially feels like spring! The sun has finally made an appearance here in the UK, and there is nothing quite like that shot of positivity that makes you want to get back into the garden and out onto the farm.

I’ve been busy in my own greenhouse—planting "tennis ball" melons and edible flowers (fingers crossed they actually grow!)—but I knew I couldn't let March pass without visiting a farming friend to see the real stars of the season.

In this episode, I’m heading over to the Midlands to catch up with fellow Great British Farm Fest ambassador, Bizza Walters. Bizza is a third-generation farmer managing her own flocks of Grey Faced Dartmoors and Romneys, and she truly lives and breathes this busy time of year.

We’re diving into the heart of the lambing shed to talk about:

• The "Superman" Pose: Why some lambs need a helping hand to make their grand entrance. 🦸‍♂️
• Bizza’s High-Tech Shepherdess: How she uses remote cameras to check her ewes every few hours (while still working a day job!). 📱
• Wigs and "Pet" Lambs: Meet Brenda, the sheep who occasionally pops into the house for a piece of toast. 🍞
• The Reality of 2026: How global conflicts and rising costs are hitting the farm gate, and why we need to stay positive about the future of British agriculture.

A Milestone Moment: Stick around until the end of the episode for something truly special. For the first time ever, I got to step in and help deliver a lamb! It was a raw, emotional, and slightly slippery experience that I will never forget. From clearing airways with a bit of straw to that first "sneeze" of life, it was a beautiful reminder of the dedication that goes into every single animal you see in the fields.

Grab a cuppa, enjoy the sunshine, and join Bizza and me for a real taste of spring on the farm.

Love the show?

• Get your Farm Fest tickets: Use code LIZZIE for a discount!
• Join the conversation: Have you been lambing this year? I’d love to hear your stories! Message me using the link in the description or email [email protected].
• Follow the journey: See the video of me helping deliver the lamb over on Instagram @LizzyMuddyHeelsMac.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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It is officially March! 🌷 The sun has finally made an appearance (though my greenhouse plans are currently on hold thanks to the rain!), and I have been so excited to share this week’s episode with you.

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through social media and saw an incredible video of a rider on the set of the new Wuthering Heights movie. I went down a total rabbit hole researching his work on The Witcher and Bridgerton, and I just knew I had to get him on the show.

This week, I’m chatting with horse trainer and performer Freddy Steele. We’re talking about:

• Meeting Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi: What are they really like on set?
• Horse Makeup & Wigs: Yes, the horses have hair extensions too! 🐴💅
• The "Broken Eggs" Mystery: Freddie reveals the top-secret code name they used on set.
• The "Border Collie" of Horses: Why he’s obsessed with the Lusitano breed.

If you’re stuck inside hiding from the March rain like me, this is the perfect escape. It’s a fascinating look at what it actually takes to bring these massive stories to life. Grab a cuppa and dive into the wild world of the Wuthering Heights set on the Moors with us—listen to the episode now!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

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Following the incredible response to our launch, we are back with the second episode of our Down in Dorset mini-series! This month, I’m joined once again by my guest co-host, local farmer Tim Gelfs, for a deep dive into the wild side of the county.

In partnership with Nature Recovery Dorset, we are exploring the delicate balance between productive agriculture and thriving wildlife. From the "Big Five" mammals roaming our fields to the shifting tides of government farming policy, this episode gets to the heart of how Dorset is leading the way in conservation.

In This Episode: The Big Five & The New Frontier of Farming

We are joined by two fantastic guests who represent the two halves of the nature recovery puzzle:

• The Ecologist’s Lens: Ian Alexander, an ecologist with over 40 years of experience (Natural England, Dorset Wildlife Trust), shares his passion for species reintroduction—specifically his 20-year journey to bring Beavers back to our waterways.
• The Farmer’s Perspective: James Cousins, a fifth-generation farmer at Tarrant Rawston, manages a 2,000-acre mixed farm. James gives us a candid look at life on a working farm, from the joy of seeing Brown Hares box in the spring to the practical realities of managing deer populations.

Key Discussion Points:

• Dorset’s "Big Five": We talk through the status of Deer, Badgers, Foxes, Beavers, and Otters. Ian explains why the Sika deer is so abundant in Purbeck and why the tiny Muntjac is the new kid on the block.
• The Deer Management Debate: Why is culling necessary? James explains how deer management supports his local butchery with sustainable venison, while Ian discusses the impact of overpopulation on woodland regeneration.
• The Post-War Legacy: A look back at how the drive for food security after WWII shaped our landscape, and why we are now shifting toward "public money for public good."
• Farmer Cluster Groups: James highlights the power of "cluster groups"—where local farmers collaborate on carbon capture, soil health, and bird identification to create wildlife corridors across the county.
• Nature Recovery Success Stories: We hear from Tom Monroe (National Landscapes) and Imogen Davenport (Dorset Wildlife Trust) on how collaboration in areas like the Isle of Purbeck is successfully reversing decades of nature decline.

Down in Dorset episodes are available on the last Friday of every month. 

Which of Dorset’s "Big Five" is your favourite to spot in the wild? We’d love to hear your stories! Reach out at [email protected] or find us on social media.

This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, a Dorset Council led initiative helping communities, landowners and organisations work together to restore nature across Dorset. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be taken as representing Dorset Council.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains deeply personal discussions regarding mental health, depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. If you are currently struggling, please consider listening with a friend or reaching out to the resources listed below.

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Welcome back to your usual episode of Second Nature! I am still pinching myself after seeing us hit #11 on the Apple Podcasts Top 200 for Home and Garden following the release of the Down in Dorset mini-series last week. Honestly, thank you so much for the support—it means the world to Tim and me.

This episode is a bit of a whirlwind. I’m catching you up on my "2026 bingo card" moment, meeting Jeremy Clarkson at his new pub and my recent deep dives into agronomy and wheat nutrition. But more importantly, as we head into Mind Your Head week with Yellow Wellies, we’re opening up a conversation that is incredibly close to my heart.

A Personal Reflection

A year ago today, I was in a very different place. I’m sharing the story of the night I had to call a crisis line, the role my little Corgi, Willow, played in pulling me back to the present, and why I believe it is so vital that we show the "bad days" alongside the highlight reels. I hope that by sharing my own story, I can show that things do get better.

 In farming, we know better than anyone that seasons change—and your headspace can, too.

The Suffolk Farming Community Group

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Emily Whitmarsh and Ellis Blackmore. After losing a dear friend to suicide, they took action to ensure no one in their local agricultural community felt isolated. We chat about:

- Moving beyond Young Farmers and the "loneliness" of the tractor cab.

- The reality of current financial pressures and the recent inheritance tax changes.

- Why "pub yields" aren't always what they seem.

Their upcoming monthly meet-up on Friday February 27th at the Gardner’s Arms, Tostock.

You can follow Emily and Ellis on Instagram and Facebook at Suffolk Farming Community Group.

⚠️ Important Note

This episode contains honest discussions about mental health and suicide. If you are struggling, please don't suffer in silence. Help is available:

Samaritans: 116 123

FCN: 03000 111 999

R.A.B.I: 0800 188 4444

DPJ Foundation (Wales): 0800 587 4262

RSABI (Scotland): 0808 1234 555

N IRELAND: 0800 138 1678

Text Support: Text HAWKSTONE to 85258

Connect with the Campaign

Join the conversation next week using #MindYourHead, #Hope, and #SuicidePrevention. 

Find out more over on: https://www.yellowwellies.org/mind-your-head-9-13-february-2026/

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

Welcome to the very first episode of Down in Dorset, a brand-new mini-series brought to you by Second Nature! I am so excited to launch this special project in partnership with Nature Recovery Dorset, as we explore the vital work being done across the county to restore our landscapes and celebrate the incredible food produced right here on our doorstep.

Joining me as my guest co-host for this series is local farmer Tim Gelfs. Together, we’re heading out to meet the fantastic people doing incredible things for the local area.

Make sure to mark your calendars, as new episodes of this mini-series will be available on the last Friday of every month!

In This Episode:  From Dorset Fields To Dorset Plates

In our series premiere, we sit down with two experts who are dedicated to the connection between healthy land and healthy people.

• The Heritage of Watercress: We chat with Tom Amery, CEO of The Watercress Company, based at Waddock Farm, south of Dorchester. Truly a jewel in Dorset’s crown, Tom’s business is the largest of its kind in Europe, supplying all the major UK retailers. Tom shares the fascinating history of this "super-leaf"—from its Roman roots to how his team currently produces up to 45 tonnes a week for half a million customers across the UK.
• Pesticide-Free Pioneering: Tom discusses the massive shift they made 25 years ago to stop using pesticides entirely, turning their spring-fed gravel beds into thriving habitats for thousands of invertebrates. It’s a brilliant example of how commercial farming can work hand-in-hand with nature recovery.
• Reconnecting the Next Generation: Claire King, a former headteacher and founder of the Nutrition Advisory Team (NAT), joins us to talk about the vital importance of food education. We discuss her "NutriKit" and why it is so critical for children to understand food provenance—moving beyond the supermarket shelf to the water, soil, and the people who grow our food.
• Building Resilient Food Systems: We dive into the complexities of modern agriculture and the importance of shortening supply chains to support both the local economy and the environment.

Meet the Team:

• Lizzie McLaughlin: Your usual host
• Tim Gelfs: Guest co-host and local poultry farmer, bridging the gap between farming reality and consumer tables.
• Tom: A watercress champion managing a unique crop that provides nutrition to half a million customers weekly.
• Claire: An education specialist dedicated to teaching the nitty-gritty of health, provenance, and sustainability.

This series is all about how we can help nature recover while still producing world-class food. Whether you're a Dorset local or a food lover from further afield, there is so much to learn from these incredible guests.

What does "nature recovery" mean to you? Get in touch at [email protected] or find me on social media at @LizzieMuddyHeelsMac.

This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, a Dorset Council led initiative helping communities, landowners and organisations work together to restore nature across Dorset. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and should not be taken as representing Dorset Council.

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

Welcome back! With December in full swing, I'm getting into the festive spirit the best way I know how: talking food! This week, we're diving into the history of the classic British Christmas turkey and getting advice from two incredible, successful guests.

🥪 The Social Media King: Fraser of Sensational Sandwiches

I head down to London to celebrate the launch of my good friend Fraser's (Sensational Sandwiches) first-ever shop! Fraser has built a massive following (over 1 million on Instagram!) by making incredible, mouth-watering food content. He sits down with me to talk about:

• 🔑 The secret to making it big on social media and turning a creative passion into a real-life business.
• 🗣️ Why saying "YES" to opportunities is the only way to succeed.
• 🍗 Last year's unusual Christmas-time sandwich 

🦃 The Turkey Expert: Kate Martin from Treeway Farm

Next, I catch up with Kate Martin from Treeway Farm, first-generation farmers who supply thousands of turkeys for Christmas dinners across the UK. Kate shares the incredible, year-long process of raising these birds and the challenges the industry faces. Learn about:

• 🗓️ Why their Christmas prep starts all the way back in February.
• 🍳 The best way to cook your turkey (Kate shares the ultimate secret for a juicy bird, and yes, we talk about my disastrous defrosting methods!).
• 🦃 The 500-year history of turkey being the centerpiece of the British Christmas table.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, wherever you are and whatever you're eating! Let me know if you'll be having turkey on your dinner this year!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

Hello, hello! 👋 I hope you're very well! Can you believe it's already November? Where has the year gone?!

Things have been busy, but I've managed to clear the decks for a very exciting announcement: I'm launching a collaboration! 🥳

I'm partnering with the incredibly talented Annie Gray of Curly Wurly Creations to launch a brand new pattern celebrating the countryside, gardening, and my life at home! We've poured months into designing a beautiful pattern featuring everything from garden tools and homegrown veggies to my very own Corgi, Willow, riding in a wheelbarrow!

But the best part? We are doing this to raise money for a charity very close to our hearts: Yellow Wellies (The Farm Safety Foundation).

In this episode, you'll hear from Steph Berkeley, founder of Yellow Wellies, about the incredible work they do for the physical and mental well-being of the next generation of farmers. Plus, I sit down with Annie Gray to chat about:

• 🐑 Her deep farming roots and why lambing is her absolute favourite (and most intense!) time of year.
• 🎨 The inspiration behind Curly Wurly Creations, how her kids influence her designs, and the challenge of drawing different sheep breeds.
• 💖 The story behind our collaboration, why 50% of the profits will support Yellow Wellies, and where you can find this exclusive design on everything from aprons to tea towels!

I've had a difficult year with my own mental health, and I am so proud to be giving back to this amazing cause. We're doing a huge giveaway to celebrate the launch, so be sure to check my social media!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

Hey everyone, Lizzie here! 👋

It feels great to be back with a new episode, and this one is a special spooky-season celebration! I headed to Essex to catch up with my brilliant friend, the finalist for this year's British Farming Awards, Chloe from @chloe_at_the_farm!

Chloe is a former city girl (just like me!) who found her passion for farming and Highland cows during the pandemic. We meet her incredibly gentle, fluffy fold—including Murphy, Dally, and Beatrix—who are currently on a very special Halloween residency!

We're at Scotts of Southend Garden Centre's massive pumpkin patch, where Chloe's Highlands are stealing the show! I talk to Chloe about:

• 🐂 Her incredible journey from being a nurse to becoming a smallholder and farm worker of the year finalist.
• 🧠 How working with livestock has been vital for her mental health and helping her recover from burnout.
• 🌱 Her mission to bridge the gap between urban life and farming to help people understand where their food comes from.

I also catch up with Alice from Scotts of Southend to hear the inside scoop on how they built one of the UK's biggest and best pumpkin patches, including the logistics of growing 21,000 pumpkins, the challenges of putting a price tag on a farm experience, and how the Highland cow collaboration came to be.

It's a fantastic, fun chat with cows, pumpkins, and a lot of heart!

A Huge Well Done! P.S. I just want to shout out a massive congratulations again to Chloe! Neither of us won our British Farming Award categories, but being finalists in Farm Worker of the Year and Content Creator of the Year is a huge achievement we are both incredibly proud of! Well done, Chloe!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: [email protected]

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac