National Trust Podcast

Many of us grew up reading about Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle, but how much do you know about the woman behind the stories?  In this episode we explore the lesser-known sides of Beatrix Potter. Discover how her love of natural science, fascination with fungi and knack for sheep farming formed the author we know and love. From a young age, she loved animals and nature. So she started writing and drawing to share that passion.  Do you have an exciting idea but not enough time and space to make it a reality? If you’re aged 16–25, we’d like to hear your big idea and give you the chance to bring it to life at Isaac Newton’s home, the world’s centre of gravity. Find out more about the competition: nationaltrust.org.uk/time-and-space Listen to more episodes of the National Trust Podcast and other audio series at nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts  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 

Just beneath our feet lies a hidden world of ancient curiosities and undiscovered treasures.  But laying your hands on them and figuring out exactly what they are requires some extra special underfloor sleuthing to sort the rubbish from the rarities. An archaeological adventure awaits in the story of the Dust Detectives… Thank you to Anna Forrest, Matthew Champion, and Dr David Skinner DPhil (Oxon) for contributions to this episode. Among the music featured is a performance of early Tudor Choral song by Dr Skinner’s Choir ‘Alamire’. For more episodes and information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts  To find out about Oxburgh Hall please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall 

There’s a midnight party happening deep in the woods. Meet the ravers, movers and shakers as they emerge from slumber to rule nature’s nightclub. To explore Cragside by daylight listen to Episode 110: The Inventor's Playground.  Find out more about staying overnight at a National Trust place here: nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays  Browse all our podcast series here: nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts   With extra thanks to Bat Conservation Trust; Kosta Manser from the University of Bristol; Dave Chesmore from the University of York.

Buckle up for a safari through a land where nothing is at it seems, and uncover the story of an audacious Victorian inventor known as the Magician of the North. To explore Cragside after dark listen to Episode 111: A Wild Night Out. Discover all the National Trust's audio series here: nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts Read about Cragside's Douglas firs and more in 50 Great Trees of the National Trust

If historic houses are the treasure boxes that keep the jewels within them safe, what happens when the box starts to fall apart? Find out how one precious item was left hanging when the walls around it crumbled, until conservators devised a rescue plan.  A contribution from the sale of every roll of Little Greene wallpaper will be made in support of the National Trust’s conservation work. See their heritage wallpaper designs here: littlegreene.com/wallpaper/collections/national-trust-papers-ii 

Hiking, running, and cycling can be great ways to get from A to B for the environmentally conscious traveller. But for a truly alternative mode of transport why not embrace the power of the paddle? Discover more about paddlesports at National Trust places here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/best-places-to-kayak-and-canoe  Some National Trust locations which are accessible by water may not be featured on this list. Please check with individual properties about their facilities.  We hope this episode has inspired you to begin your own paddleboarding adventure. However, this podcast is not a comprehensive guide.  It’s important to research dos and don’ts to stay safe when you take to the water. Here are some useful resources to get you started:  https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2021/sup-safety-week-all-you-need-to-know-to-stay-safe-on-the-water  https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding  For further inspiration, National Trust book Slow Adventures features

Mae'r Gymraeg yn un o ieithoedd byw hynaf Ewrop, ond pa ran chwaraeodd ffermdy bychan ger Penmachno yng ngoroesiad yr iaith hyd heddiw? Ymunwch a Betsan Powys wrth iddi fynd ar siwrne i Dŷ Mawr Wybrnant i ddysgu mwy am Esgob William Morgan, un o gewri'r genedl sy'n cael ei adnabod gan lawer fel gwaredwr yr iaith Gymraeg. Click here to hear this story in English

Speaking and reading the language of your country of origin is something many people take for granted. But for many in the country of Wales, being able to engage with these elements of Welsh heritage takes on a much greater significance. That's because if it wasn’t from a very special man and a very special book, these elements of Wales' culture could have been lost to the sands of time.  Click here to hear this story in Welsh

At Knole house in Kent, there’s an endangered red list species lurking amid the antique furniture. And after remaining at the property for hundreds of years, the house team are doing all they can to ensure its survival for the future. To find out more about Annabel Westman's book, Fringe, Frog and Tassel you can click here 

After 5 years of climate change and fluctuating weather, we catch up with the highs and lows of our fluttery friends.

If you stumble upon 20 Forthlin Road, without knowing its history, you may assume it’s an unremarkable house, on an unremarkable suburban street. But it’s when you meet its former resident you realise, there’s much to this house than meets the eye.   Four teenagers from Liverpool started meeting up to make music together. They went on to become the Beatles. Do you have an exciting idea but not enough time and space to make it a reality? If you’re aged 16–25, we’d like to hear your big idea and give you the chance to bring it to life at Isaac Newton’s home, the world’s centre of gravity. Find out more about the competition: nationaltrust.org.uk/time-and-space For more podcasts from the National Trust please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts To find out about visiting Forthlin Road head to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/the-beatles-childhood-homes

What started as a family trip out took a surprising turn when a mysterious encounter changed the course of National Trust member Sally’s life.   To discover more audio from the National Trust go to nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts

As a Black Brit from London, for Sean going out for a hike used to feel like an alien concept. However, after 4 years working at the Trust, he’s now developed a love for all things Wilderness. His sister, like many others, has never been for a hike in her life. Can Sean convince her to embrace the outdoors on her first ever hike or will she be on the first train back to London? If this podcast has inspired you to venture into the great outdoors, you may find this list of walking groups and outdoor resources helpful https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blackhiking

Jo and Katherine continue their bikepacking adventure along the Cornish and Devon coast. This time, they’re given some unexpected assistance, come face to face with some curious creatures and visit one of the Trust’s most Quirky properties. You can find terms and conditions for our our bikepacking competition here:https://nationaltrust.org.uk/ntp100

You’ve probably heard of backpacking and/or bike touring, but BikePacking is a combination of the two that makes for an exciting and exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors. In this episode join Jo Dyson on her two day bikepacking adventure along the North Cornish Coast.

Three years after her first visit to Wicken Fen, Ranger Kate Martin catches up with wildlife photographer Richard Nicoll, for whom lockdown has presented some unique photographic opportunities.

In this episode we catch up with Shaw’s Corner, a  property we visited in Season 2, to find out how things have changed since we were last there and how the house team have being tackling the challenge of Covid 19.

Exmoor National Park is known for its rolling hills, green pastures and flowing rivers, but these natural features also pose an ecological threat. To engineer a solution, our area rangers have sought the help of a rather mischievous workforce.   To discover more audio from the National Trust go to nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts

Try to think of the most idyllic woodland your mind can imagine; the dappled sunlight, chirping birds and babbling brooks. Now image you could visit this paradise, without ever leaving your home. Imagine no more, welcome to Wellbeing Walks!   To discover more audio from the National Trust go to nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts.