Get Birding Podcast

In Sean Bean’s first episode hosting the fortnightly podcast, he dusts off his binoculars and invites listeners to slow down, look up, and take part in the UK’s biggest citizen science event, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. He is joined by NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan, fellow birder, Elbow frontman and BBC 6 Music DJ Guy Garvey; ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig; YouTuber City Girl in Nature; and beatboxer and sound artist Jason Singh. The Big Garden Birdwatch runs from 23–25 January.

Get Birding celebrates this annual citizen science event, with host Hamza Yassin encouraging anyone in the UK to spend an hour spotting birds over one weekend. Nature legend Chris Packham explains how to take part and reveals the data gathered is vital for bird conservation whilst folk artist Sam Lee, Afro Celt Soundsystem’s Simon Emmerson, Sea Power’s Martin Noble and nature beatboxer Jason Singh suggest music playlists to get you into the mood for nature.

Birdsong is all around us but can we recognise the birds we’re hearing?  Mya-Rose Craig explores how to identify different birds, from robins to wrens to blackbirds; why birds sing; what a dawn chorus is all about; and how birdsong makes us feel.  Actor and keen twitcher Samuel West takes time out from filming All Creatures Great and Small to give top tips on how to learn birdsong, with his very own patch diary from Yorkshire.

Mya-Rose Craig speaks to presenter, comedian and avid birder Susan Calman about her life changing obsession with her garden bird feeder, and how her feathered friends have brought her calm and relaxation.  To mark National Nest Box Week, TV doctor and nature ambassador Dr Amir Khan offers practical tips on where to place your nest box, and our Get Birding listeners share advice on how to encourage birds into your garden.