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"When you think of summer in the countryside, the iconic scene is always a combine harvester rolling through a golden field of wheat..."

It is the end of July; it is absolute sweltering heat here in Dorset, and harvest is in full swing! In this episode of Down in Dorset, Tim and I are diving headfirst into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of arable farming during one of the hottest, driest summers we've seen in years.

To kick things off, Tim headed out into the field to jump right into the cab of a 10-ton combine harvester with our fantastic guest, Nigel Friend. Nigel is a second-generation farmer managing 500 acres up on the Cranborne Chase in Northeast Dorset, and he gave Tim an amazing behind-the-scenes look at how these incredible machines actually work, from harvesting tiny clover seeds to bread-making wheat.

While they were up on the downlands taking in views where you can see Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and the Isle of Wight all from a single field, they talked through the reality of this year's heatwave: earlier harvest dates, low grain moisture, and the very real danger of field fires.

Afterwards, Nigel joined us in the studio to talk about the bigger picture of the British arable industry and what it’s really like farming in Dorset today.

In this episode, we cover:

• Life Inside the Combine Cab: Tim and Nigel break down the mechanics of harvesting- from sharp header knives and threshing drums to precision yield mapping on the go. 🌾⚙️
• The Harvest of 2026: Why crops are coming off weeks ahead of schedule, how the dry spell affects overall yields, and how farmers carefully cool hot grain once it's in the barn. ☀️🌡️
• Tinderbox Danger: The very real fire risks facing farmers in this weather, including a wild story about how a single dropped mobile phone sparked a field fire! 🚜🔥
• Dorset's Secret Powerhouse Crop: Why grass (and grass seed!) is actually our biggest crop, powering everything from local dairy herds to premier sports turf at Wembley and Wimbledon. 🏟️🌱
• Soil Health & Regenerative Tips: Why Nigel chops straw back into his fields to boost organic matter, protect soil moisture, and keep the earthworms thriving. 🪱🪨
• From Field to Pint: Where our crops go after leaving the farm- from winter wheat for our daily bread to spring barley for brewing beer, shipped from our local docks across Europe. 🍺🚢

Whether you’re a farmer yourself or just love watching the combines roll past on your countryside walks, this episode gives such a brilliant look into what it takes to bring the harvest home.

This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, 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

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

Hello, lovely listeners! Welcome back to Second Nature. Willow the corgi and I are coming to you after an absolute whirlwind couple of weeks. If you’ve been tracking the UK weather lately, you know we've been melting in a serious summer heatwave, but that hasn't slowed things down one bit.

I recently had the absolute joy of being an ambassador for the Great British Farm Fest alongside the Clarkson’s Farm crew- sharing the stage with Charlie Ireland, Harriet Cowen, and Countryfile’s Adam Henson to talk about my own journey from town girl to agriculture advocate. But hot on the heels of that, I packed my bags for BBC Gardeners’ World Live (in collaboration with the BBC Good Food Show).

It is a fantastic event for bridging that beautiful journey from field to fork, and while I was there, I caught up with five incredible minds to talk herbs, magic, kid-friendly gardening, and why nature is the ultimate reset button for our mental health.

• In this episode, we’re diving into four incredible chats:
  • 🌱 The Queen of Herbs, Jekka McVicar: Jekka completely blew my mind with a reality check about our spice racks. Did you know dried herbs only stay good for six months? We also talk about how to start your own herb journey, why you need to feed your potted herbs weekly, and a genius hack using rosemary water to boost your memory.
  • ✨ Folklore and Magic with Frances Tophill: Catching up with Frances is always like talking to a best friend. We dive into the "goth element" of her latest book, exploring the darker history and folklore of poisonous plants. She shares beautiful ways to bring magic into your space (from fairy gardens to miniature trains) and opens up about how nature provides the ultimate perspective shift when life and mental health get overwhelming.
  • 🍉 Small Spaces & Kettle-Boiled Eggheads with De-Graft Mensah & Lucy Chamberlain: I sat down with the BBC Newsround presenter and master horticulturist to tour their brilliant "Make a Metre Matter" border. Plus, DeGraft shares a hilarious behind-the-scenes story about hard-boiling display eggs in his hotel room kettle! 🥚🧼
  • 🍅 The Big Seed Search with Catrina Fenton: We round out the day with the Heritage Seed Library, chatting about how heirloom vegetables are being preserved and how you can get your hands on rare varieties to grow at home.

Whether you have acres of land, a rental balcony, or just a tiny kitchen windowsill, this episode is a beautiful reminder that every day is a school day in the garden, there is no "wrong" way to grow, and the seasons always keep turning.

Grab a cold drink, find some shade, and let’s get into it.

How to listen:
🎧 Search Second Nature on your favourite podcast platform.

📲 Get in touch: Have you checked your spice cupboard yet? Did you try the rosemary tea? Drop me a message right here in the caption to chat with me directly!

Website: www.second-nature.co.uk

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

This week, Tim and I are digging deep, quite literally, into the fascinating layers of the Dorset landscape. I caught up with Tim on a blazing hot summer afternoon while he was out in his tractor wrapping up fresh bales of haylage (or as I used to call them when I first joined farming: the giant cheese wheels in the field 🧀🚜).

Once we sorted out the geometry of square bales, we sat down for an absolutely mind-blowing episode all about Dorset's incredible geology and what it actually means for the food on our plates, the machinery in the fields, and the soil in our back gardens.

To help us break down the ground we walk on, we are joined by two incredible local experts: Sam Scriven, a geologist from Dorset Council who has spent twenty years protecting the world-famous Jurassic Coast, and Dougal Hosford, a brilliant second-generation tenant farmer managing 2,000 acres of diverse chalkland and clay near Blandford.

In this episode, we’re digging into:

• The Reality of the Clay Cap: Dougal explains the absolute nightmare of farming "clay with flints"- a tricky, ancient soil harder than steel that eats through tractor tyres and machinery metals in a flash. 🛠️💥
• A 50-Million-Year-Old Flat Horizon: Sam reveals why the tops of Dorset's highest hills are all perfectly flat, mapping out ancient rivers that used to flow all the way from Cornwall.
• From the Bahamas to West Dorset: How our famous chalk cliffs were formed by layers of microscopic plankton skeletons back when the whole of Europe was underwater. 🌊🦴
• Regenerative Farming & Direct Drilling: Why Dougal stopped ploughing his fields at the turn of the century, and how direct drilling is finally pushing the flint back down to let the topsoil heal.
• The Lifeline of Local Abattoirs: We take a quick detour into local food logistics, exploring Dougal’s high-welfare beef system and why supporting local small-scale abattoirs like C&S Meats keeps the whole Dorset farming fabric alive. 🥩🚚
• The Pure Power of Aquifers: The fascinating science behind the chalk aquifers that supply our drinking water, and how that intense lime scale plays havoc with farm plumbing! 🚰⚡

We also touch base with Michael French from the Grounded Community in Bournemouth to talk about growing vegetables on a smaller scale, because whether you’re managing thousands of acres or a tiny backyard patch, soil health is the absolute foundation of life.

I’ve been doing a lot of agronomy and vegetable growing courses myself recently, but listening to Sam and Dougal completely reframed how I look at our landscape.

Grab a cider, sit back, and get ready to look at the British countryside in a whole new way.

How to listen: 🎧 Search Second Nature on your favourite podcast app.

📲 Get in touch: Want to ask a question? Click "Send Lizzie a message" right here in the caption to chat with Tim and me directly!

A massive thank you to Nature Recovery Dorset for supporting this series and making these episodes possible.

This podcast mini-series has been produced with help from Nature Recovery Dorset, 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

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

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, 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

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

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

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

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, 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

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac

Send Lizzie a message!

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

Email us: info@second-nature.co.uk

Social media: @second_natureuk

Host: @lizziemuddyheelsmac