Welcome to The White Shire Podcast, where I celebrate the makers, growers, and craftspeople who help keep Yorkshire’s heritage alive. I’m Michael, and each episode I take you behind the scenes of the small, hardworking businesses that give our county its character — the people who still believe in doing things properly, with care, craft, and a real connection to the land.

Today, I’m sharing the story of a family‑run business that’s become a personal favourite of mine. It’s rooted in the countryside, shaped by the seasons, and built on simple, honest values. This is Herd & Hive — and they’re a perfect example of what makes Yorkshire craft so special.

Welcome back to the podcast. I’m Michael from MP Landscape and Garden Design, and today I’m diving into one of my favourite topics in garden structure design — timber pergolas and garden arches. These features do far more than frame a view or hold up a climbing rose. When they’re designed properly, they shape the way you move through a garden, create atmosphere, and add real architectural presence to an outdoor space.In this episode, I’ll be talking through how I design pergolas and arches for my clients, the practical considerations that go into choosing the right timber, and the subtle design decisions that make these structures feel intentional rather than just “added on”. Whether you’re looking to create shade, define a route, or add a focal point that draws the eye, timber structures can completely transform the character of a back garden.So settle in — and let’s explore how pergolas and arches can bring structure, style, and a touch of craftsmanship to your outdoor living space.

Welcome to the MP Landscape & Garden Design podcast, where we talk about creating outdoor spaces that actually work for the way you live. Today we’re diving into one of our favourite topics — canopies. Not just the practical side, but how the right canopy can completely transform a back garden into a space you can enjoy all year round. From sheltering you from the Yorkshire rain to creating a cosy spot for cooking, relaxing, or entertaining, canopies are one of the most versatile features you can add to a garden. We’ll walk you through the options, the materials, the design choices, and a few real examples of how a well‑designed canopy can bring a garden to life.

Welcome to Food & Fire Outdoor Living, the podcast that brings the magic of outdoor cooking right to your ears. Join Michael as he explores the art and science behind wood fired, gas fired, and dual-fuel ovens, sharing personal stories, practical tips, and the unique atmosphere each cooking style creates. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your outdoor kitchen journey, this podcast is your go-to guide for transforming your garden into a vibrant space of flavour, connection, and memorable meals.

Welcome to the Food & Fire Outdoor Living Podcast. I’m Michael from MP Landscape & Garden Design, and this is where I share practical tips, inspiration, and stories about cooking and living outdoors. From wood‑fired ovens to fire pits, and from timeless tools to modern garden design, it’s all about making the back garden a place of flavour, warmth, and connection.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into two essentials that I rely on week after week: cast iron pans and Dutch ovens, and Pyrex bowls with lids. They might seem like very different tools, but together they open up a world of possibilities in outdoor cooking—whether it’s searing, roasting, baking, or slow‑cooking meals overnight.

Three years ago, outdoor cooking wasn’t even on the radar. But a client’s request for an outdoor kitchen — complete with a pizza oven — set off a chain of events that changed everything. In this episode, Michael shares the story of how a visit to the Harrogate Home Building Show led to discovering the versatility of wood‑fired ovens, designing a kitchen space with Lyn, and installing their very own Igneus pizza oven just in time for Christmas.

Since then, weekends at home have never been the same. Whatever the weather, cooking outdoors has become a way of life — from pizzas and breads to roasts and desserts. This is a story about design, discovery, and how one oven transformed everyday living into something extraordinary.

https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/foodandfireoutdoorliving

In this episode, Michael—founder of MP Landscape and Garden Design and co-creator of White Shire walks—takes listeners on a richly layered journey through Yorkshire’s historic waterways. Focusing on the rivers Aire and Calder, he explores how these vital channels shaped the region’s industrial rise, connected communities, and continue to offer scenic, heritage-rich walking routes today.

Listeners will discover how the Aire and Calder Navigation transformed trade and transport during the Industrial Revolution, linking inland towns to the port of Goole and fuelling Yorkshire’s economic growth. Michael shares insights into the engineering marvels of locks, weirs, and canals, and how towns like Castleford—where the Aire and Calder meet—grew around these lifelines.

The episode blends historical storytelling with practical inspiration, highlighting landmarks such as old mills, canal bridges, and towpaths that still echo the region’s industrial past. Michael also discusses the ecological and cultural revival of these waterways, now enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and local communities.

As a passionate advocate for regional exploration, Michael introduces White Shire walks—a growing collection of mapped Yorkshire routes available at whiteshire.co.uk. These walks include paths along the Aire and Calder, offering listeners a chance to experience the landscape firsthand, with history, nature, and local charm woven into every step.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful walk with purpose, this episode invites you to see Yorkshire’s rivers not just as watercourses, but as storytellers. Michael’s voice brings warmth, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land, encouraging listeners to explore, reflect, and support the communities that keep this heritage alive.

Tune in for a thoughtful, locally grounded episode that celebrates Yorkshire’s waterways—and find out how you can walk the story yourself.

Would you like a shorter version for platforms with tighter character limits, like Spotify or Apple Podcasts? I can also format this for your Whiteshire blog or embed it into your podcast page.

Join Michael and Lyn in the back garden as they slow‑cook a rustic carrot soup in the wood‑fired oven. From chopping carrots and parsnips to roasting with garlic and charred onion, this two‑day recipe builds flavour layer by layer. On day two, fresh ginger, oranges, and stock transform the roasted vegetables into a silky, golden soup. And because they never cook just one thing, the fire also brings to life a rich Bolognese with homemade bread, a hearty chicken stew, and a slow‑cooked pork stew. It’s a celebration of patience, flame, and the joy of cooking together. https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/foodandfireoutdoorliving