Get Birding

In this episode, we’re following the vast, invisible highways that birds carve across our skies each spring, and the extraordinary journeys that bring them back to us.

We’ll learn how birds navigate thousands of miles using scent, memory and instinct—and what these epic journeys reveal about survival in a rapidly changing world.

Along the way, Sean is joined by actor and RSPB ambassador Samuel West, broadcaster Johnny Vaughan on the thrill of a fleeting kingfisher sighting, and Chris Hewson from the British Trust for Ornithology tracking cuckoos across continents.

Plus, Dr Mya-Rose Craig answers your birding questions and Zoologist Megan McCubbin shares important new advice on feeding birds safely as seasons change.

Beyond the birds themselves, conservationist Nadia Shaikh and birding instructor George Joseph dig into the deeper story—how our relationship with land shapes who gets to experience nature, and why reclaiming that connection could be key to protecting it.

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.
This is a Get Birding Production.

BTO Cuckoo Tracking Project
https://www.bto.org/get-involved/volunteer/projects/cuckoo-tracking

Right to Roam
https://www.righttoroam.org.uk/

Decolonising Birding
https://goldengatebirdalliance.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/goldengatebirdalliance/event.jsp?event=14193

The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we’re turning our ears—and our attention—to birds in danger, and the thinning of our skies.

From the unmistakable, haunting call of the curlew to the growing gaps where birdsong used to be, we explore the story behind one of the UK’s most threatened species, and why World Curlew Day matters now more than ever.

Along the way, we’ll be exploring how art, music and storytelling can help us reconnect with the natural world—and maybe even change the way we care for it.

Sean will be joined by artist and big time birder, Jim Moir, ornithologist Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Singer David Gray, Founder of World Curlew Day, Mary Colwell and the writer Robert Macfarlane.

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.
This is a Get Birding Production.

Curlew Recovery Partnership
www.curlewrecovery.org

Curlew Action
https://www.curlewaction.org/

The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Bean’s love of birding began when he was a lad growing up on an estate in Sheffield. Long before he was an actor, he was a boy fascinated by books on dinosaurs and Sunday nights watching The World About Us with his Dad.

From discussing the magic of the iconic film Kes to debunking myths about helping fledglings, this episode explores how a childhood connection to nature stays with you for a lifetime.

Sean is joined by a flock of guests who discovered their passion at a young age: TV and Radio Presenter, Johnny Vaughn, Wildlife Biologist and Broadcaster, Dan O’Neill, Ornithologist and Environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig, ​​12 year old, artist, naturalist and member of the Youth Council, Benji Fallow and our resident beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh,

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.
This is a Get Birding Production.

The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As spring arrives, the skies begin to shift. Birds are on the move—and their journeys tell us what’s changing around us.

To take a closer look (and listen) Sean is joined in his garden by artist, comedian and keen birder, Jim Moir and ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig.

From the return of the chiffchaff to deeper conversations around conservation, this episode explores the ties between birds, the places they pass through, and the people who care for them including our resident beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh, zoologist and conservationist Megan McCubbin and nature writer Lucy Lapwing, author of Love Is a Toad.

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.
This is a Get Birding Production.

“Love Is A Toad: Exploring our relationship with nature” by Lucy Lapwing is available for pre-order now.

The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spring’s on the turn, and the birds are getting busy.

From the surprisingly wild love life of the dunnock to bowing and puffed-up chests on city balconies — we explore what courtship really looks like in the bird world.

We’ll also get practical about nestboxes — where to put them, who they’re for, and how even a balcony can help the next generation fledge. With expert advice from the RSPB, we look at the small changes that can make a real difference as breeding season begins.

Sean will be joined by ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig with guests including Lucy Lapwing on her coastal patch, City Girl in Nature in South East London, comedian Toussaint Douglass making the case for our feathered city-dwelling friends, and Jason Singh on the unmistakable rhythm of the wood pigeon.

Produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.
This is a Get Birding Production.

The RSPB Guide to Nestboxes

Toussaint Douglass: Accessible Pigeon Material runs from Thu 26 – Sat 28 Mar 26 at the Soho Theatre, London.

“Love Is A Toad: Exploring our relationship with nature” by Lucy Lapwing is available for pre-order now.

The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.