Wild Tales | Nature Podcast

National Trust

Delve into intriguing stories from our weird, wonderful and utterly wild world.

You'll experience nature in a whole new way, from untangling the strange world of spider sex and digging up the greatest fossil finds, to meeting mysterious ocean giants and finding out why there’s no such thing as a seagull.

Join rangers Rosie Holdsworth and Ajay Tegala on adventures in the UK’s diverse habitats and uncover fascinating tales that connect us with wildlife.

New Wild Tales are released twice a month.

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Get in touch with feedback and your favourite topics on instagram www.instagram.com/wildtalesnt or by emailing podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

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This podcast is made by the National Trust, Europe’s biggest conservation charity. Looking after history, nature and beauty for everyone to enjoy.

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21 episodes
Updated Today

Episodes21

Newest first

Today · 26 min
Wild Voices | Nature and Belonging
Join National Trust ranger Ajay Tegala in a Wild Voices conversation with veterinary surgeon, conservationist and founder of the Ealing Wildlife Group, Dr Sean McCormack. Recorded live at the Global Bird Fair in Rutland, Sean shares the remarkable story of bringing beavers back to London for the first time in 400 years and explains why community-led rewilding is transforming urban landscapes. Together, Sean and Ajay explore what it means to reconnect people with nature, why access and belonging matter, and how local action could shape a wilder future for us all. Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production Host: Ajay Tegala Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris & Ajay Tegala Sound: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Dr Sean McCormack You can find out more about the Ealing Beaver Project here: The Ealing Beaver Project – Bringing Beavers Back to London And you can discover more about Dr Sean McCormack here: https://www.instagram.com/thatvetsean/ https://linktr.ee/thatvetsean Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
July 23 · 15 min
The Great Cuckoo Con
Every spring, the unmistakable call of the cuckoo echoes across Wicken Fen Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire. But behind that familiar sound lies one of nature's most extraordinary deceptions. Join ranger and naturalist Ajay Tegala as he uncovers the astonishing lengths a cuckoo will go to raise its young. Production Host : Ajay Tegala Narrator : Rosie Holdsworth Producer : Nikki Ruck Location Sound : Claire Hickinbotham Sound Design : Nikki Ruck If you would like to learn more about the habitat of Cuckoos and Reed Warbler we recorded this episode at Wicken Fen Nature reserve Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
July 9 · 20 min
Racing for Reefs | From Formula 1 to Coral Conservation
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth, yet climate change, pollution and overfishing are driving their rapid decline. In response, Formula One champions McLaren Racing and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation have joined forces, combining engineering, data analysis and marine science to help restore coral reefs before they are lost. National Trust ranger Ajay Tegala is joined by Anna Marsden and Kim Wilson to explore how this innovative partnership is accelerating reef restoration and what it could mean for the future of coral conservation. Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZT4mlDD6j8U Production Host: Ajay Tegala Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Kim Wilson, McLaren Racing Anna Marsden, Great Barrier Reef Foundation Image: Yongala Dive exploring an underwater wreck. Copyright credit: Tourism and Events Queensland Discover More: If you’d like to learn more about McLaren Racing’s Sustainability work, you can do so here: McLaren Racing - Committed to Sustainability You can learn more about The Great Barrier Reef Foundation and it’s work here: Restoring coral reefs - Great Barrier Reef Foundation McLaren Racing and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation fast‑tracking reef recovery - Great Barrier Reef Foundation And you can become a reef defender here: https://give.barrierreef.org/donate/reef-defender Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
June 25 · 19 min
Finding Cinnamon | A Capybara Gone Rogue
What do you do when a capybara escapes into the Shropshire countryside? In this episode, ranger Rosie Holdsworth joins Will Dorrell, co-founder of Hoo Zoo in Telford, to uncover the remarkable story of Cinnamon, the runaway capybara, and the efforts to bring her home. They also discover how Cinnamon’s adventure turned her into a global social media star. Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production Host: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Jesus Gomez Albiach Sound: Jesus Gomez Albiach Contributor: Will Dorrell For more info: Hoo Zoo is a fascinating wildlife park where your favourite animals are mixed alongside impressive life-sized dinosaurs in a unique and immersive setting. If you want to learn more about the park and its conservation and education projects, please visit https://www.hoo-zoo.com/ Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt Follow Hoo Zoo on Instagram @hoozooanddinosaurworld If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
June 11 · 19 min
Wembley Stadium | Football's Perfect Pitch
As the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup gets underway, we're heading to Wembley Stadium, the home of the England national team, to explore the crucial role the pitch plays in the beautiful game. With Wembley setting the benchmark that World Cup venues across North America are looking to emulate, Ranger Rosie Holdsworth joins Karl Standley, Head of Grounds and Surface Transitions, to uncover what it takes to maintain this world-famous playing surface. From UVC lights and surgically sharp mower blades to turf grown at secret locations, we discover the science, skill and precision behind one of football's most iconic pitches. Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube: https://youtu.be/RwmqQoFgUSk Production Host: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Karl Standley If you’d like to learn more about the pitch at Wembley Stadium, you can book onto a tour here: https://bookings.wembleytours.com/stadiumtours/home.htm Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
May 27 · 26 min
European Brown Bears | Where are you?
Deep in the forests of Transylvania, one of Europe’s largest populations of brown bears still roams freely, often surprisingly close to busy towns and cities. Join National Trust ranger Rosie Holdsworth and her family as they hunt for signs of bears in the forests near Brașov, Romania. There, they discover what it really means to share a landscape with Europe’s largest land predator. Production Presenter: Rosie Holdsworth and Hebe Producer : Nikki Ruck Sound design: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Csaba Domokos from the Milvus Group Discover More Find out more about conservation of the European Brown Bear in Romania https://milvus.ro/en/mammals/brown-bear-conservation-and-research-program-in-a-model-area-in-romania/ Follow us @wildtalesnt Instagram account If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
May 13 · 15 min
Operation Nutcracker | The Return of the Red Squirrel
Red Squirrels were once a common sight in woodlands around the Uk but now, they’re one of our rarest Mammals. In this episode of Wild Tales, we head to Plas Newydd on the island of Ynys Môn in Wales, where a remarkable effort to bring them back is underway. For the Welsh transcript of this episode please click here. Red squirrel, Anglesey, Wales ©National Trust Images/Rob Coleman Production Narration: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Nikki Ruck Sound Recordist: Marnie Woodmeade Sound Design: Jesus Gomez With thanks to Carol Thomas at Plas Newydd Find out more Visit the red squirrels at Plas Newydd: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-newydd-house-and-garden/red-squirrels-at-plas-newydd Learn more about Red Squirrel Conservation The Red Squirrels Trust Wales is working to protect red squirrel populations on Ynys Môn and across North Wales. If you would like to read more about some of the points raised in this episode, look here. https://www.redsquirrels.info/about/faq/ See red squirrels on Brownsea Island (Dorset): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/the-rare-red-squirrel-on-brownsea-island Listen to our episode on pine martens (Wallington, Northumberland): https://ntpodcasts.org/WT25 Follow us on Instagram @wildtalesnt If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
April 29 · 11 min
Crayfish Gladiator Battle
White-clawed crayfish were once common in Britain’s waterways. But thanks to a restaurant craze in the 1970’s, that brought the American signal crayfish to our shores, our only native freshwater crayfish is under threat from this invasive species. White-clawed crayfish are eco system engineers keeping rivers and streams clean and they also have amazing limb re growing superpowers. But they’re being outcompeted for food and habitat by the American signal crayfish and succumbing to a killer plague being spread by them. But, with a little help from Ranger Nick Allen and the team at Wallington estate in Northumberland, habitats are being created where white-clawed crayfish can thrive. Join Rosie and follow the story and the lives of the plucky little characters fighting for survival in England’s Northeast. Production: Host: Rosie Holdsworth Producers: Michelle Douglass and Katy Kelly Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Nick Allen Discover more: Find out more about Wallington and their work with the white-clawed crayfish: Saving the native white-clawed crayfish | National Trust Follow us @ wildtales Instagram account If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or a story idea, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
April 15 · 25 min
The Dinosaur in the Cliff
Ever hunted for fossils on a beach and felt like you might actually find something? Rosie heads to the Isle of Wight to the scene of the most complete dinosaur discovery in the UK in a hundred years. She’s joined by Dr Jeremy Lockwood, part of the original dig team and now casually known as a “namer of dinosaurs,” as they retrace how this once‑buried giant came back into the light. Production: Host: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Claire Hickinbotham Sound Recordist: Nikki Ruck Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez With thanks to Dr Jeremy Lockwood Rosie and Jeremy went for the dinosaur walk at Compton Bay and Downs | Isle of Wight | National Trust They parked at Compton car parking information | National Trust You can see Comptonatus Chasei at the Dinosaur Isle Museum on the Isle of Wight. Welcome to Dinosaur Isle - Dinosaur Isle Museum If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
April 1 · 15 min
Toad Patrol | The Perilous Path
As winter turns to spring , toads, frogs and newts across Britain begin their annual journey, making their way back to the ponds where they breed. For many, that journey means crossing busy roads and not all of them make it to the other side. In this episode of Wild Tales, we spend the night with the Charlcombe Lane Toad Patrol, discovering the dedication and determination it takes to give these remarkable animals a fighting chance. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production: Narrator: Rosie Holdsworth Producer and sound designer: Nikki Ruck photo courtesy : Charlcombe Toad Rescue Group With thanks to Mike Collins, Sheila Gundry, Lance, Lucy and Angela from the Charlcombe Lane Toad Group Discover more: https://www.froglife.org/what-we-do/toads-on-roads/how-to-become-a-toad-patroller/
March 18 · 23 min
Finding the Tundra Swan
The Bewick’s or ‘Tundra’ swan has eluded ranger Ajay Tegala for years. It's hardly surprising: the swan’s epic migration is under pressure, and their numbers are dwindling. Can Ajay find them at their winter retreat of WWT Welney? Ajay speaks to fellow swan lover, artist and zoologist Dafila Scott and site manager Lizzie Bruce to aid his search for these hardworking swans. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production: Host and Co-producer: Ajay Tegala Producer: Marnie Woodmeade Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez Music: Swan Song by Charlotte Eve With thanks to: Dafila Scott, Lizzie Bruce and the staff and volunteers at WWT Welney Discover more: Visit WWT Welney: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney Visit Wicken Fen: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wicken-fen-national-nature-reserve Learn more about wetland swans: https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/wetland-wildlife/meet-the-family/swans-found-in-uk-wetlands
March 4 · 17 min
You Might Like: Nature Fix | Stargazing in the City
This week we’re sharing another of our podcasts we think you’ll enjoy. Nature Fix takes you on adventures with people whose lives have been shaped by the outdoors. In this episode, wrap up warm and turn your eyes to the skies for a stargazing tour from the middle of Manchester. Nature Fix Host Claire Hickinbotham joins astronomer and adventure enthusiast Nazanin Jahanshahi, to discover how there’s lots to see in the night sky wherever you live. On this awe-inspiring city celestial voyage, you'll be wowed by a rare planetary parade, learn how to start navigating the stars, and hear top tips for hunting the northern lights. Production Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound Designer: Nikki Ruck Contributor: Nazanin Jahanshahi Get your Nature Fix Follow Nature Fix on your favourite podcast app: https://podfollow.com/nature-fix Discover the best National Trust spots for stargazing: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/outdoor-activities/top-spots-for-stargazing Learn about night sky locations and activities: https://gostargazing.co.uk/
February 18 · 15 min
The Island of Secret Seals
Orford Ness is well practiced at keeping secrets; in the 1940s it was classified military research, but now it is a brand new colony of grey seals. Countryside Manager Matt Wilson guides us around the bomb craters to try and find the newest and blubbery-est residences. We find out how they came to be on this moon-like beach and how they’re faring on this remote site. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production: Producer: Marnie Woodmeade Hosts: Rosie Holdsworth Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez With thanks to: Matt Wilson and the staff at Orford Ness Image © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman Discover more: Visit Orford Ness, looked after by the National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve Find out more about the seals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6ti7BaNKpU&t=523s
February 4 · 19 min
Pine Martens’ Return
Pine martens were once common in Britain but now, they're one of our rarest carnivores. These slinky, tree-dwelling predators had virtually disappeared in England and Wales by the turn of the 20th Century. But pine martens are making a comeback. We follow Ranger Dan Iceton at Wallington estate in Northumberland, as he tries to encourage pine martens to make these woodlands their forever home. And we discover conservation success in other parts of Britain where the animals have returned. Follow the story and secret lives of the mysterious mammal making a comeback in our forests. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production: Producer: Michelle Douglass Hosts: Rosie Holdsworth and Dan Iceton Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez With thanks to: Dr Stephanie Johnstone and Vincent Wildlife Trust Image © Caroline Legg Discover more: Visit Wallington, looked after by the National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington Find out more about pine martens with Vincent Wildlife Trust: https://www.vwt.org.uk/species/pine-marten-2 Read about Martens on the Move: https://pinemartens.uk/ Report your sighting and help citizen science: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a8c5d8e084dc4ecb9b92c57c42769d1f
January 21 · 12 min
Arctic Terns | Globetrotting Dive-bombers
The Farne Islands in the North Sea, off the coast of Northumberland, have a very special species of seabird during the summer that fiercely protects its young with its dive-bombing technique. However, it’s the Arctic Terns’ ability to fly thousands of miles during their migration from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle that really sets them apart. Join Rosie and Rangers Dan Iceton and Tom Hendry on Inner Farne as they spend time with the Arctic Terns and experience their dive-bombing tactics first-hand. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production: Hosts: Rosie Holdsworth and Dan Iceton Producer: Katy Kelly Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Tom Hendry Discover More: Find out more about The Farne Islands: Our work at Farne Islands | Northumberland | National Trust Follow us @wildtales Instagram account If you’d like to get in touch with feedback or a story idea you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
January 7 · 19 min
The Man, The Book and The Mountains
Just outside Belfast, lie the Mourne Mountains - a land of granite peaks and wide skies, but also a place of witches, fawns and lions. Protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a UNESCO Global Geopark, this remarkable landscape is also a doorway to imagination. Join National Trust ranger Kate Martin as she journeys from the streets of Belfast to the Mourne Mountains, exploring the places that shaped C.S. Lewis’s childhood and inspired his creation of Narnia. Discover how city, story and landscape came together to form one of the most beloved worlds in children’s literature. (AD) Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_Smzdtsh_tM Production Presenter: Kate Martin Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez Contributors: Dr Sarah Waters, Director of the Sterling College C.S. Lewis Center Lolly Spence, Blue Badge Tourist Guide and historian James Fisher, Lead Ranger NI Castle Ward Actor: Ethan Hughes courtesy of Prime Theatre Thank you to The CS Lewis Company Ltd for permissions to use quotes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis © copyright CS Lewis Pte Ltd 1950, in this episode. Discover More If you’d like to know more about visiting The Mournes, please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/the-mournes You can listen to more of Kate’s Northern Ireland adventures here: Northern Ireland Adventure | Beyond the Bridge - Wild Tales | Nature Podcast | Podcast on Spotify Northern Ireland Adventure | Sea Safari at Rathlin Island - Wild Tales | Nature Podcast | Podcast on Spotify If you'd like to book a tour with Lolly Spence you can here: www.hiddenulstertours.com If you’d like to read Dr Sarah Waters’ work on C.S. Lewis, you can do so here: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9681-3361 And you can learn more about the Sterling College C.S. Lewis Center here: https://www.sterling.edu/academics/cs-lewis-center If you’d like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
Dec 24, 2025 · 20 min
The Climbers of Eryri | A Story of Ice and Flowers
The rock faces of Cwm Idwal are cold, dark and uninhabitable; unless what you love is to dangle off the frozen cliffs. Ice climbing takes you into a winter playground, but as the climate crisis thins the ice, how can climbers and conservationists work together to save one of the UK’s rarest flowers? Join ecologist and botanist Barbara Jones and ice climber Tom Carrick to scale one of Wales' most dramatic mountains and discover how the precious Lili'r Wyddfa (Snowdon Lily) can survive in this isolated location. For the Welsh transcript of this episode please click here Or copy this link: https://audioboom.com/posts/8820822-dringwyr-eryri-stori-am-ia-a-blodau/transcript [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Production Presenter: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Marnie Woodmeade Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez Contributors Barbara Jones Tom Carrick Image credit: ©National Trust Images/John Millar Discover more If you want to visit Cwm Idwal you can find out more at the National Trusts website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/carneddau-and-glyderau/cwm-idwal-walk To see the temperature sensors, you can find them at the BMC website https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/cwm-idwal-welsh-winter-monitoring-system-live-and-upgraded You can also find the white guide and more winter mountaineering information here: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/mountaineering-resources For more on arctic alpines, here are some resources: Plants on the Edge: Arctic Alpines in Wales / Ar y dibyn: Planhigion Arctig Alpaidd yng Ngymru https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/mountain_plants_in_the_uk__undervalued_and_under_threat-13605 Follow us @wildtalesnt Instagram account If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
Dec 10, 2025 · 13 min
A Robin is not just for Christmas
As the festive season unfolds, one familiar face keeps appearing – the little robin. But behind its cheerful presence, is there more to this charming bird’s story? National Trust ranger Rosie Holdsworth chats to garden wildlife specialist Sean McMenemy about the remarkable life of robins, revealing their fascinating year-round behaviour and why this beloved bird deserves to be celebrated all year long. (AD) Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production Presenter: Rosie Holdsworth Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez Contributor: Sean McMenemy Discover more You can read Sean’s garden wildlife blog here: Sean McMenemy Wildlife Blog Follow us on our @wildtalesnt Instagram account If you’d like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
Nov 26, 2025 · 25 min
Golf Course to Nature Reserve | Just Add Water?
How can a golf course become a place for nature and people to thrive? Ajay Tegala visits Sandilands in Lincolnshire over its first year as the once manicured lawns transform into a wetland habitat. But with one of the driest springs on record, can Sandilands go from one birdie to another? Will there be enough water for wading birds return? [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more. Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production Presenter: Ajay Tegala Producer: Marnie Woodmeade Sound designer: Jesus Gomez Contributors Carl Hawke Kirsty James Dave Miller Special Credit: A big thanks to Jannis Bonner, composer student at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, for their collaboration to this episode with the track "Breath of the Canopy". Eurasian booming bittern sfx: Author: Niels Krable Link: https://xeno-canto.org/100296 Discover more If you want to visit Sandilands or keep up to date with their progress you can find them here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/sandilands Follow us @wildtalesnt Instagram account Image credit: ©National Trust Images/Rob Coleman If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
Nov 11, 2025 · 21 min
Warrior the War Horse | Survival Against the Odds
What happened to the animals who served in the First World War? Uncover the extraordinary story of Warrior the war horse who survived the Western Front. General Jack Seely's horse, Warrior, was anything but ordinary. He carried his master through some of World War One's most brutal battles, including the Somme, Ypres and Passchendaele. Despite more than eight million horses, donkeys and mules losing their lives during the war, Warrior somehow survived. Join General Jack Seely's grandson and broadcaster, Brough Scott and historian, James Grasby, to retrace Warrior's incredible journey. [Ad] Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, your outside retailer and epic guides to adventure. Quick breathers, calming walks or heart-pounding hikes. We feel better when we get out more.Find quality kit and 50 years of outdoor wisdom. Plus, supporters save 15% in-store and online. Feel in your element, in the elements, at Cotswold Outdoor. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production Host : James Grasby Producer and sound designer: Nikki Ruck Contributors Brough Scott Discover more To visit Mottistone Mottistone To find out more about Warrior Warrior The War Horse If you would like to follow in the footsteps of warrior check out the Warrior Trail Follow us @wildtales Instagram account If you’d like to get in touch with feedback or a story idea you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk