The Ramblers Podcast

The Ramblers Podcast

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The Ramblers Podcast episodes

  • Martin Green: Iron Age to Medieval, Metal Detecting and the Dorset Coast (Pt 2)

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    Part two of our conversation with archaeologist Martin Green. We range from Iron Age and Roman finds through to medieval history and Saxon artefacts, talk about what metal detecting has turned up over the years, and take a detour into the geology and fossils of the Dorset coast. Missed part one? Start with Episode 10.

    In this episode

    • Iron Age and Roman archaeology on the land
    • Medieval history and the Declares family
    • Saxon artefacts and their significance
    • The role of metal detecting in archaeology
    • Geology and fossils of the Dorset coast
    • A personal connection to the land and its history

      • Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Cranborne Chase National Landscape

      01:41 Exploring Iron Age and Roman archaeology
      05:13 Medieval history and the Declares family
      10:28 Saxon artefacts and their significance
      15:45 The role of metal detecting in archaeology
      20:29 Geology and fossils of the Dorset coast
      25:55 Personal journey and connection to the land

      Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

      Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

      The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

      Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

      Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

      Artwork for Podcast
      created by Claire Atkinson

      36 min
    • Martin Green: Flint, Cursus Monuments and a Lifetime of Digging (Pt 1)

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      Part one of four with archaeologist Martin Green, who has spent a lifetime excavating his own farmland in Cranborne Chase. We tour his museum of finds, talk through the Stone Age and the Dorset Cursus, get a lesson in flint knapping, and hear how his farm's move to biodynamic methods has gone hand in hand with the archaeology. Part two picks up in Episode 11.

      In this episode

      • A tour of Martin Green's museum of local finds
      • The Stone Age and Cranborne Chase's archaeological landscape
      • The Dorset Cursus and what the monuments were for
      • Flint knapping, and the craft behind the artefacts
      • The move to biodynamic farming alongside the digging
      • Layers of history still turning up in the fields

        • Chapters

        00:00 Introduction to The Ramblers Podcast

        01:47 Exploring Martin Green's archaeological journey
        02:42 The museum tour begins
        04:52 Local archaeological finds
        08:47 Understanding the Stone Age and its context
        11:14 Cranborne Chase: a landscape of archaeology
        13:13 Excavation insights and discoveries
        14:54 The purpose of cursus monuments
        17:36 Celebration and rituals in Neolithic times
        18:21 Unique flint artefacts and their significance
        22:53 Personal connections to archaeology
        25:57 The craft of flint knapping
        28:00 The transition to biodynamic farming
        32:58 Exploring archaeological discoveries
        40:32 Layers of history in farming
        48:06 Connections to the past through artefacts

        Links mentioned

        The Monkton-up-Wimborne Neolithic complex
        Dorset Heritage record
        Martin Green's research profile
        Dorset Historic Environment Record entry
        Casting back to Iron Age Chettle, with Martin Green
        David Abram

        Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

        Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

        The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

        Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

        Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

        Artwork for Podcast
        created by Claire Atkinson

        1 hr 1 min
      • Looking Ahead: A Message from "The Ramblers”

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         In this short message from The Ramblers, Nigel and Iain check in with listeners to share what's ahead for the podcast. While July passed without a new episode—thanks to Iain's travels in Australia—August brings the start of a three-part mini-series featuring Dr. Martin Green, an award-winning but self-taught archaeologist from Cranborne Chase.

        Known intimately by those in his field yet largely invisible to the wider public, Martin has spent a lifetime uncovering the stories of the land he loves. These upcoming episodes will not only document his archaeological contributions but also spotlight the man behind the work—a local hero whose "amateur" status is worn as a badge of honour.

        The Ramblers invite listeners to tune in, subscribe, and share their thoughts as they celebrate Martin’s enduring legacy.

        Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland
        License code: LTOXU4BNX9QWUMAS

        The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

        Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

        Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

        Artwork for Podcast
        created by Claire Atkinson

        3 min
      • Clive Whitbourn: A Day in the Life of a National Trust Ranger

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        Nigel sits down with Clive Whitbourn, an Area Ranger for the National Trust in North Dorset. We talk through his journey into conservation, the challenges of modern land management, and how grazing and juniper regeneration projects are helping manage biodiversity. Clive shares what's changed with climate change, how technology has shifted the job, and what keeps volunteers coming back.

        In this episode

        • Clive's journey into conservation, and a day in the life of a Ranger
        • Balancing nature conservation with heritage
        • Grazing and biodiversity management, including the Juniper Regeneration Project
        • Climate change and project prioritisation
        • The role of volunteers, and how to become a Ranger
        • How technology has changed conservation work

          • Chapters

          00:00 Introduction to The Ramblers Podcast

          01:12 Meet the Area Ranger: Clive's journey
          04:08 A day in the life of a Ranger
          06:27 Challenges in modern conservation
          08:50 Success stories in conservation
          10:15 Balancing nature and heritage
          12:37 Grazing and biodiversity management
          14:30 Addressing climate change threats
          15:58 Project prioritisation in conservation
          16:53 The Juniper Regeneration Project
          19:50 The role of volunteers in conservation
          22:47 Technology in conservation work
          26:08 Collaboration and support in conservation
          28:30 Impact of climate change on landscapes
          31:52 The importance of trees and biodiversity
          34:14 Historical significance of conservation areas
          36:10 Balancing preservation and environmental protection
          39:02 Passion for conservation and nature
          42:23 Future of conservation in Dorset
          45:43 Advice for aspiring Rangers

          Links mentioned

          National Trust volunteering
          National Trust climate change adaptation guidance

          Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland

          License code: NME1LSOFA840ZEWG

          The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

          Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

          Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

          Artwork for Podcast
          created by Claire Atkinson

          53 min
        • Bishopstone and the Meadows: Watercress, a Clapper Bridge and a Historic Church (W15)

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          Nigel and Iain walk route W15 around Bishopstone, taking in the old watercress beds and local geography, a chat with a local called Roger about Folston House, and a clapper bridge on the way to a historic church with some genuinely striking stone carvings and bell history. Plus the usual run-ins with fellow walkers along the way.

          In this episode

          • Walking route W15: Bishopstone and the meadows
          • Watercress farming and the local geography
          • Meeting locals and the story of Folston House
          • The clapper bridge and views to the church
          • Inside the historic church: art, bells and stone carvings
          • Planning the next adventure

            • Chapters

            00:00 Introduction to The Ramblers Podcast

            02:56 Exploring Bishopstone and the walk details
            06:03 Historical insights on watercress and local geography
            08:58 Navigating the walk: challenges and observations
            12:01 Meeting locals and sharing stories
            14:47 The significance of Folston House
            18:02 Reflections on the journey and connections made
            21:00 Nature and landscape observations
            23:58 Discovering the clapper bridge and church views
            29:04 Exploring the historic church
            32:14 Inside the church: art and architecture
            34:41 The church's bells and their history
            35:42 Stone carvings and historical significance
            39:10 The altar and its unique features
            40:44 Renovations and upkeep of the church
            41:51 Navigating the surrounding area
            45:18 Encounters with fellow walkers
            51:03 Reflections on the walk experience
            53:41 Planning the next adventure

            Walk the route yourself

            Bishopstone and Meadows (W15).
            Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/in-and-around-bishopstone/
            More on the village: https://www.bishopstone-salisbury.co.uk/

            After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/

            Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland

            License code: VWFSH9MMXMSJEHZR

            Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

            Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

            The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

            Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

            Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

            Artwork for Podcast
            created by Claire Atkinson

            55 min
          • Dinton Park and Philipps House: Daffodils, History and an Easy Access Walk (W3)

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            Nigel and Iain take on the easy access walk around Dinton, route W3 — spring daffodils, St Mary's Church, and a wander through Dinton Park past Philipps House. We talk conservation, accessibility, and why this one's a good choice if you want the history without the hills.

            In this episode

            • Walking route W3: the Dinton Park easy access walk
            • St Mary's Church and its history
            • Spring daffodils and local flora
            • Philipps House: architecture and heritage
            • Trees, wildlife and conservation on the estate
            • How accessible the walk actually is

              • Chapters

              00:00 Exploring Dinton: a spring awakening

              03:00 Historical insights: St Mary's Church and its significance
              05:57 The beauty of nature: daffodils and local flora
              08:56 Dinton Park: a walk through history
              12:06 Philipps House: architectural marvels and heritage
              15:05 The natural landscape: trees, wildlife and conservation
              18:05 Reflections on the walk: accessibility and experience
              20:59 Future adventures: planning the next walk
              23:59 Closing thoughts: pie, coffee and community

              Walk the route yourself

              Dinton Park Easy Access Walk (W3).
              Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/dinton-park-easy-access-walk/
              Dinton Park & Philipps House, National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/dinton-park-and-philipps-house

              After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/

              Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland

              License code: KCZ1C17MC3KJJGC7

              Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

              Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

              The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

              Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

              Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

              Artwork for Podcast
              created by Claire Atkinson

              34 min
            • Chettle & Tarrant Hinton Down: Smugglers, a Long Barrow and Our Home Turf (W35)

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              Route W35 takes us through Chettle village itself — home turf, given it's where our HQ, the Chettle Village Store, lives. We talk Chettle House, the legacy of local smuggler Isaac Gulliver, the Long Barrow and its archaeology, and spend a fair bit of time on the estate's farm buildings and wildlife before wrapping up with the walk's culinary highlights.

              In this episode

              • Walking route W35: Chettle and Tarrant Hinton Down
              • Chettle House and the village's history
              • Isaac Gulliver, Dorset's smuggler king
              • The Long Barrow and archaeological insights
              • Farm buildings, wildlife and estate life
              • Culinary delights and local specialities

                • Chapters

                00:00 Introduction and setup

                03:03 Exploring Chettle village and its history
                05:59 The significance of Chettle House
                09:00 The legacy of Isaac Gulliver
                11:58 The landscape and conservation efforts
                14:49 Wildlife observations and nature appreciation
                18:04 The Long Barrow and archaeological insights
                26:20 Exploring the estate and farm buildings
                29:10 Nostalgia and memories of farm life
                32:39 Wildlife observations and nature's beauty
                35:52 Reflections on the walk and terrain
                39:01 Historical insights on the church and surroundings
                42:04 Culinary delights and local specialities
                46:10 Wrap-up and future plans for walking adventures

                Walk the route yourself

                Chettle & Tarrant Hinton Down (W35).
                Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/chettle-tarrant-hinton-down-w35/
                More on Isaac Gulliver: https://dorset-ancestors.com/isaac-gulliver-dorsets-smuggler-king/

                After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/

                Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland

                License code: C1P05X6Z59HGCVGZ

                Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

                Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

                The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

                Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

                Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

                Artwork for Podcast
                created by Claire Atkinson

                50 min
              • Bill Meaden: From Brewing to Cider Making at Cranborne Chase Cider

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                Bill Meaden talks us through his move from brewing to cider making, and how Cranborne Chase Cider grew out of a simple idea — using the fallen apples that would otherwise go to waste. We cover harvesting and orchard management, the production process from apple to bottle, and where the business is headed next.

                In this episode

                • Bill's journey from brewing to cider making
                • How Cranborne Chase Cider got started
                • Harvesting techniques and orchard management
                • The production process, from orchard to bottle
                • Innovations in equipment and future plans

                  • Key takeaways

                  • The natural cycle of apple growth is captivating
                  • Cider production is a slower, more natural process than brewing
                  • Cranborne Chase Cider started from a desire to use fallen apples
                  • Harvesting technique matters as much as the apples themselves
                  • Different apple varieties contribute unique flavours to the cider
                  • Sustainable practices are essential in orchard management
                  • Blending apple varieties carefully shapes the final cider
                  • Fermentation varies depending on how ripe the apples are
                  • New equipment is improving cider production efficiency
                  • Future plans include educational courses on cider making

                    • Chapters

                    00:00 The journey from brewing to cider making

                    01:59 Cranborne Chase Cider: origins and growth
                    10:01 Harvesting techniques and orchard management
                    20:10 Cider production process: from orchard to bottle
                    29:48 Innovations in cider making and future plans

                    Links mentioned

                    Cranborne Chase Cider
                    Adam's Apple Trees

                    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland

                    License code: HQQWMNDU5I4ZYIJP

                    Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

                    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

                    The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

                    Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

                    Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

                    Artwork for Podcast
                    created by Claire Atkinson

                    56 min
                  • Martin Down and Pentridge Loop: Bokerley Dyke, Dew Ponds and Birds of Prey (W21)

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                    Nigel and Iain walk route W21, the Martin Down and Pentridge Loop — flint and archaeological finds, the ancient earthwork of Bokerley Dyke, dew ponds, trig points and a Roman road, plus a few birds of prey reintroduction success stories along the way. A long one, and a rich one.

                    In this episode

                    • Walking route W21: the Martin Down and Pentridge Loop
                    • Flint and archaeological discoveries on the route
                    • Bokerley Dyke and its history
                    • Dew ponds, trig points and Roman roads
                    • Birds of prey and reintroduction success stories
                    • Prehistoric population and settlement patterns in the area

                      • Chapters

                      00:00 Introduction and random route selection

                      03:10 Exploring Cranborne Chase National Landscape
                      06:06 Historical insights of the walk
                      09:04 Flint and archaeological discoveries
                      12:12 Wildlife and environmental changes
                      15:08 Navigating with technology
                      18:02 Local knowledge and community engagement
                      20:59 The journey continues: scenic views and reflections
                      33:51 The majesty of birds of prey
                      34:20 Reintroduction success stories
                      34:48 Historical landmarks and their significance
                      36:08 Understanding trig points and their purpose
                      40:15 Population and settlement patterns in prehistory
                      43:12 The richness of Cranborne Chase
                      46:03 Dew ponds: nature's water reservoirs
                      51:55 Exploring local flora and fauna
                      56:02 Roman roads and historical navigation
                      01:01:30 Reflections on the walk and future plans

                      Walk the route yourself

                      Martin Down & Pentridge Loop (W21).
                      Route map: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/explore/w21-martin-down-pentridge-loop/
                      Download the GPX file
                      Download the detailed guide and OS map

                      Further reading: The Archaeology of Bokerley Dyke, by H.C. Bowen.

                      Got a walk you'd like us to try? Write to us: [email protected]

                      After every walk: coffee and pie at our HQ, Chettle Village Store: https://www.chettlevillagestore.co.uk/

                      Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland

                      License code: FYICUCUFXCEWR29K

                      Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

                      Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

                      The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

                      Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

                      Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

                      Artwork for Podcast
                      created by Claire Atkinson

                      1 hr 4 min
                    • Steve Tonkin: Dark Skies, Light Pollution and the Hunt for the Andromeda Galaxy

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                      Steve Tonkin, Dark Sky Advisor for Cranborne Chase National Landscape, joins Nigel and Iain to talk stargazing. We cover why Cranborne Chase is an International Dark Sky Reserve, what light pollution does to wildlife and human health, practical tips for getting started in astronomy, the mythology behind the constellations, and why astrology and astronomy aren't the same thing at all.

                      In this episode

                      • Steve's journey into astronomy
                      • Cranborne Chase as an International Dark Sky Reserve
                      • Light pollution's impact on wildlife and human health
                      • Getting started in astronomy, and the mythology of constellations
                      • Astrology vs. astronomy
                      • The Andromeda Galaxy, and upcoming Dark Sky Reserve events

                        • Chapters

                        00:00 Introduction to The Ramblers Podcast

                        01:00 Steve Tonkin: journey into astronomy
                        03:52 The importance of stargazing events
                        05:45 Getting started in astronomy
                        09:31 Understanding the night sky
                        13:37 Mythology and constellations
                        17:20 Cranborne Chase: an International Dark Sky Reserve
                        19:08 Impact of light pollution on wildlife
                        23:08 Strategies for reducing light pollution
                        28:44 The broader implications of light pollution
                        34:38 Conclusion and future directions
                        36:56 Understanding light pollution contributions
                        37:48 Innovative street lighting solutions
                        38:47 Balancing lighting needs and dark sky criteria
                        40:41 Community involvement in light monitoring
                        43:04 Exploring light measurement technologies
                        45:30 Astrology vs. astronomy: a fun discussion
                        49:33 The Andromeda Galaxy: a celestial wonder
                        52:30 UFOs and the search for extraterrestrial life
                        55:42 Regulating lighting for environmental protection
                        57:05 Experiencing the Milky Way: a personal journey
                        59:56 Upcoming events in the Dark Sky Reserve

                        Links mentioned

                        Fordingbridge Astronomers
                        Wessex Astronomical Society
                        Cranborne Chase Astronomy Club
                        Steve Tonkin, Cranborne Chase National Landscape

                        Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/grassland

                        License code: UKZH6JCGAT2ETG8R

                        Cranborne Chase National Landscape: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

                        Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ramblerspodcast/

                        The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – thank you to lottery players for making this possible.

                        Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Cranborne Chase is a ‘protected landscape’, legally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

                        Unless a different track is credited above, all music is an original composition by Nigel Timms.

                        Artwork for Podcast
                        created by Claire Atkinson

                        1 hr 11 min

                      About The Ramblers Podcast

                      From the publisher's feed

                      A podcast exploring assorted topics, including interviews and walks across the Cranborne Chase National Landscape catchment area. Our goal is to create a platform that educates, inspires all.