Episodes

  • The Secret Story of Trees with Levison Wood

    The Secret Story of Trees with Levison Wood
    Aug 28 2025
    Explorer and broadcaster Levison Wood is taking us deep into the UK’s ancient temperate rainforest to uncover the secret stories of trees.
    In this month’s Nature Fix Levison tells host Jo Dyson how his military training and thirst for adventure led him to a career in extreme environments, from walking the length of the River Nile, to exploring the Amazon Rainforest and trekking the Himalayas.

    But there’s nowhere quite like home and on this journey we’re taking a summer hike through the lush oak forests of Hembury and Holne Woods in Dartmoor National Park.

    We explore the stories from Celtic lore held in these centuries-old woods and reflect on the amazing environmental and health benefits of trees.
    Explore the ancient wonder of trees in this woodland adventure.

    Levison Wood’s book The Great Tree Story is out now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Tree-Story-Forests-Shaped/dp/1856755614

    [Ad] Heading out for adventure? Discover Craghopper’s National Trust range of clothing and accessories.

    Inspired by nature and designed to last, each item in the collection comes with a guarantee for life.

    And with every purchase, you’re helping to support the Trust’s vital work restoring our natural landscapes.
    Get ready for your journey outdoors https://www.craghoppers.com/

    Presenters: Jo Dyson and Claire Hickinbotham
    Producer: Michelle Douglass
    Sound Design: Nikki Ruck

    Contributor: Levison Wood

    Tips for your Nature Fix


    Find out more about Levison Wood’s adventures, books and TV shows and follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/levison.wood/?hl=en

    Explore Hembury and Holne Woods in Devon, looked after by the National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/fingle-bridge/things-to-do-at-hembury-and-holne-woods

    Discover more amazing trails in Dartmoor National Park including Wistman’s Wood National Nature Reserve

    https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/places/wistmans-wood

    Follow us on your favourite podcast app or on Instagram @wildtalesnt

    If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a Nature Fix idea you’re like to hear, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

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    19 mins
  • Queer Ecology and the Joy of Rotting Wood

    Queer Ecology and the Joy of Rotting Wood
    Jul 31 2025
    Come on a fascinating queer ecology walk with ecologist Connor Butler as he shares his joy at flipping logs for fun and challenging perceptions or what’s considered natural in nature.

    Connor takes host Claire Hickinbotham around Osterley Park in the heart of west London, where he explains why wildlife is undeniably queer.

    From trees that change sex to the humble woodlouse that only gives birth to females you’ll come away with a whole new take on your next walk.

    [Ad] Heading out for adventure? Discover Craghopper’s National Trust range of clothing and accessories.

    Inspired by nature and designed to last, each item in the collection comes with a guarantee for life.

    And with every purchase, you’re helping to support the Trust’s vital work restoring our natural landscapes.
    Get ready for your journey outdoors atcraghoppers.com/national-trust

    Presenter: Claire Hickinbotham
    Producers: Marnie Woodmeade and Claire Hickinbotham
    Sound Design: Nikki Ruck

    Tips for your Nature Fix
    You can read more about Connor on his website connorbutler.co.uk, and check out his walks in the Upcoming Events section.
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    23 mins
  • Rockpool Safari

    Rockpool Safari
    Jun 26 2025
    Join us as we go on a rockpool safari on the Isle of Wight with marine biologist Theo Vickers, to hear how he took a childhood hobby and turned it into a career.
    While many of his friends left the island to find jobs, Theo knew his heart was on the beach, and now he’s sharing his passion for underwater life with visitors and islanders.
    He takes Claire Hickinbotham on one of his rock pool safaris at Compton Bay.

    [Ad] Heading out for adventure? Discover Craghopper’s National Trust range of clothing and accessories.
    Inspired by nature anddesigned to last, each item in the collection comes with a guarantee for life.
    And with every purchase, you’re helping to support the Trust’s vital work restoring our natural landscapes.
    Get ready for your journey outdoors at https://www.craghoppers.com/national-trust/
    Producer/Presenter: Claire Hickinbotham
    Editor/Sound Design: Nikki Ruck
    Tips for your nature fix
    We went out on one of Theo’s Rockpool Safaris at Compton Bay and Downs | Isle of Wight | National Trust
    As we discovered, rock pooling isn’t just for kids, but it is one of our 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ Explore a rock pool │50 things to do | National Trust
    If you’re not on the Isle of Wight you can get a boat across for a day trip, or you could stay a little longer
    Holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight | National Trust

    If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story idea you'd love to hear, contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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    20 mins
  • Welsh Myths and Waterfalls Walk

    Welsh Myths and Waterfalls Walk
    May 29 2025
    Join a walk to a lake in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) to hear how Ranger Emma Kolano-Rogers made the brave decision to step away from a career she’d trained for at university but was causing her anxiety.
    A few years later she’s knee deep in mud, falling over in bogs and learning how to snot rocket, and she’s happier than ever.
    She takes host Claire Hickinbotham to find the ‘Lady of the Lake’ and shares some Welsh folklore tales on the short but steep walk.

    For the Welsh transcript of this episode please click here.
    Or copy this link:
    https://audioboom.com/posts/8735669-taith-chwedlau-a-rhaeadrau-cymru

    [Ad] Heading out for adventure? Discover Craghopper’s National Trust range of clothing and accessories.
    Inspired by nature anddesigned to last, each item in the collection comes with a guarantee for life.
    And with every purchase, you’re helping to support the Trust’s vital work restoring our natural landscapes.
    Get ready for your journey outdoors at www.craghoppers.com/national-trust

    Producer/Presenter: Claire Hickinbotham
    Editor/Sound Design: Nikki Ruck

    Tips for your Nature Fix
    Claire met Emma at Llyn y Fan Fach Car Park - Google Maps and the walk followed a track up to the lake.
    There was one tight spot past a locked gate that makes this walk unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
    And if you fancy a little bit of what Emma’s getting, have a look at this, Walking in nature for wellbeing | National Trust, or this National Trust Jobs :: Countryside

    If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
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    18 mins
  • Introducing Nature Fix

    Introducing Nature Fix
    May 26 2025
    Struggling to get your Nature Fix? We got you.
    Join host Claire Hickinbotham on monthly adventures with people whose lives have been changed by the outdoors.
    Each month, you’ll get a new uplifting story that takes you out into the fresh air and give you ideas on how to get a dose of the great outdoors.
    Come and stargaze in the city, explore top walks for your wellbeing, spot wildlife in a cemetery, and take strolls steeped in folklore.
    Wherever you are and however much time you have, you’ll come away with ideas on how to get your own Nature Fix.
    Launching 29 May, you'll get a new Nature Fix every month. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.
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    1 min