From Open Farm Sunday to Country Shows: Your Summer Guide to the Countryside - Down in Dorset Episode 5

From Open Farm Sunday to Country Shows: Your Summer Guide to the Countryside - Down in Dorset Episode 5

Send Lizzie a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449215/fan_mail/new] Welcome back to Down in Dorset, a special series within the Second Nature podcast. I’m your host, Lizzie McLaughlin, and today I’m joined once again by my co-host and local eyes-and-ears on the ground, Tim, for a look at how Dorset is opening its farm gates to the public this summer. Tim has been absolutely running himself ragged across the county, catching up with the farmers, teachers, and organisers who are working tirelessly to connect town and country. From bustling spring shows to interactive farm visits, this episode is all about the magic that happens when the public gets a taste of real rural life. As someone who came into farming from a town myself, you all know this is a topic incredibly close to my heart! In This Episode: We hear from a fantastic lineup of local voices who are passionate about education, engagement, and top-tier Dorset produce: * Barbara (Love Local, Trust Local) & Steve (Steve’s Bees): Catching up in the demo theatre at the Spring Show to talk local honey, the power of social media, and why bees are vital to our survival. * George Hosford & Schoolteacher Jane: Pulling back the curtain on a brilliant on-farm classroom funded by the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme, welcoming year-one students from Portland. * George Strepfield (Coppet Hill & Melplash Show): Gearing up for Open Farm Sunday and sharing how the Discover Farming initiative is inspiring the next generation into countryside careers. * James Cox & the County Show Team: A massive shoutout to James, the powerhouse organiser behind the Spring Show and Dorset County Show.  What We Dig Into: * The Buzz About Bees: Steve explains his dream of creating a dedicated education hub on the farm where kids can suit up, get hands-on with the hives, and learn where real honey comes from. Plus, Tim and I talk about why local honey flies off the shelves- and I promise to send him a photo of me in my own beekeeping suit! * Chasing Farmers with Microphones: Barbara shares the secrets behind her successful social media channels, proving that sometimes it takes a farmer's wife chasing her husband across a field with a camera to finally get the public engaged online. * Soup, Tractors, and Turnips: We listen in on a bustling farm visit where school children get to ride in trailers, see beef herds up close, and learn how to use safety knives to chop home-grown potatoes and carrots into a massive farmhouse soup. * Open Farm Sunday: George Strepfield previews the upcoming, completely free national event organised by LEAF. We talk about what the general public can expect, from watching sheep shearing to seeing massive agricultural drones and regenerative direct-drills in action. * Interactive Learning at the Melplash Show: We look ahead to August and the incredible Discover Farming marquee-a completely interactive space where kids of all ages can try their hand at milking a dummy cow, grinding wheat, or making smoothies. Supporting Nature Recovery: A huge thank you to James and the County Show team for supporting this episode and helping us tell the stories of the people who work this land. Join the Conversation: Do you have a question for Tim or me about how to get involved with a farm visit near you? We want to hear from you! You can send us a message directly through the link in the show notes. Listen now to find out how you can explore the Dorset countryside this summer! Ready to Get Involved? Links & Resources: * Find an Open Farm Sunday Near You: Open Farm Sunday is happening on Sunday 7th June 2026! It is completely free to attend. Pop your postcode into the LEAF Open Farm Sunday Farm Finder [https://farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm] to see which local farms are unlocking their gates near you.  * Bring Farming into the Classroom: Tim mentions the incredible work the NFU does to link agriculture with school curriculums. Teachers can find free science packs, STEM resources, and live streaming opportunities at the NFU Education Portal [https://education.nfuonline.com/]. * Explore Countryside Careers & School Visits: Learn more about the incredible interactive marquee at the show and their year-round school programs over at the Melplash Agricultural Society Discover Farming Website [https://www.discoverfarming.co.uk/]. * Support Genuine Dorset Produce: Check out how local independent businesses are championing real food provenance at the Love Local Trust Local Website [https://www.lovelocaltrustlocal.co.uk/]. * Connect Your Group to a Farm: Teachers, parents, or community group leaders looking to organise a visit can find accredited farms and resources by heading to LEAF Education [https://leaf.eco/education/leaf-education]. Website: www.second-nature.co.uk [https://www.second-nature.co.uk/] Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk [https://www.instagram.com/second_natureuk/] Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac [https://www.instagram.com/lizziemuddyheelsmac/]

Dairy Farming in Dorset: More Than Just a Pint- Down in Dorset Episode 4

Send Lizzie a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449215/fan_mail/new] Welcome back to Down in Dorset, a special series within the Second Nature podcast. I’m your host, Lizzie McLaughlin, and today we are joined by my co-host and local farming expert, Tim, for a deep dive into one of West Dorset’s most iconic industries: Dairy Farming. The sun is finally shining over the rolling hills, the cows are out on grass, and while the winter slog is over, "farm busy" has taken on a whole new meaning. Before we head into the milking parlour, we take a moment to address some listener feedback regarding water abstraction and sewage in our chalk streams- reminding us all why transparency in our countryside is so vital. In This Episode: We are incredibly lucky to be joined by two powerhouse local farmers who represent the past, present, and future of Dorset agriculture: * James Bowditch: A fourth-generation dairy farmer at Bowden Farm, bringing over a century of family history and a "high-input, high-output" conventional perspective. * Tom Gregory: A first-generation success story running both organic and conventional herds near Forde Abbey. What We Dig Into: * Organic vs. Conventional: What does it actually mean? Tom and James break down the "Holy Grail" of organic farming versus the efficiency of conventional systems, discussing everything from antibiotic usage to the sheer acreage required to make it work. * The Vanishing Dairy Farm: Tim and our guests reflect on the staggering contraction of the industry. We explore how we went from 25 dairy farms in a single river catchment down to just six, and what that means for the "fabric" of our local communities. * The Supermarket Struggle: We pull back the curtain on the "Loss Leader"-why your four-pint bottle of milk is so cheap and how the shift from the Milk Marketing Board to retailer control has changed the game for farmers. * Global Cheddar & Local Pride: From the export power of Barber's Cheese to the international popularity of Dorset cheddar in Costco, we discuss how West Dorset feeds the world. * Health & Raw Milk: Is the secret to a hardy immune system found in the tank? We discuss the nutritional differences between pasteurised and raw milk and reminisce about the days of fighting for the cream on the doorstep. Stay tuned to hear James’s secret for escaping hay fever (it involves a boat and lobsters!) and Tom’s recommendation for the ultimate "Dorset" experience: the International Nettle Eating Competition. Supporting Nature Recovery: A huge thank you to Nature Recovery Dorset for supporting this series and helping us tell the stories of the people who work this land. Join the Conversation: Do you have a question for Tim or me? We want to hear from you! You can send us a message directly through the link in the show notes. "96% of the population still drinks cow's milk... there are more households with milk in the fridge than toilet roll by the toilet!" Listen now to hear the "real" story of Dorset dairy. This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset [https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/nature-recovery], 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 [https://www.second-nature.co.uk/] Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk [https://www.instagram.com/second_natureuk/] Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac [https://www.instagram.com/lizziemuddyheelsmac/]

The Diddly Squat Preview: Clarkson, Kaleb & Charlie’s Guide to Cereals

Send Lizzie a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449215/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.second-nature.co.uk/] Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk [https://www.instagram.com/second_natureuk/] Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac [https://www.instagram.com/lizziemuddyheelsmac/]

Dorset Waterways and its Pollution Problems - Down In Dorset Episode 3

Send Lizzie a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449215/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/nature-recovery], 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 [https://www.second-nature.co.uk/] Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk [https://www.instagram.com/second_natureuk/] Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac [https://www.instagram.com/lizziemuddyheelsmac/]

Spring Sunshine, New Life, and My First Ever Lambing! with Bizza Walters 🌷🐑

Send Lizzie a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449215/fan_mail/new] 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 info@second-nature.co.uk. * Follow the journey: See the video of me helping deliver the lamb over on Instagram @LizzyMuddyHeelsMac. Website: www.second-nature.co.uk [https://www.second-nature.co.uk/] Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk Social media: @second_natureuk [https://www.instagram.com/second_natureuk/] Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac [https://www.instagram.com/lizziemuddyheelsmac/]