344. A thrilling night-time quest to experience the great spring toad migration

344. A thrilling night-time quest to experience the great spring toad migration

Author: Our Media March 31, 2026 Duration: 53:26
It's night in the woods deep in the Cotswold Hills. Plodcast host Fergus joins friend and environmental writer James Fair to see if they can witness the great spring toad migration, where toads leave their winter hideouts and head across land in huge numbers to find a pond or lake to breed in. Have the daring duo left it too late? What will they find on this nocturnal ramble?Our Facebook page is back! Search "BBC Countryfile Magazine - Plodcast Community" or join the discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/countryfilemagazineplodcast/?ref=shareThe BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Each week, The Plodcast offers a gentle, immersive journey into the landscapes and stories of rural Britain. Produced by Our Media, this series is more than just a guide; it’s a thoughtful audio companion that connects the science of natural phenomena with the deep cultural roots found in villages, coastlines, and rolling hills. You’ll hear from naturalists, historians, farmers, and artists whose lives are intertwined with the land, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives on place and society. The weekly episodes, released every Tuesday, delve into specific topics, from wildlife biology and conservation efforts to the social history embedded in ancient footpaths. Then, on Fridays, the pace shifts to a reflective Sound Escape-a chance to simply listen and unwind with the ambient noises of the outdoors. This podcast serves as a regular invitation to slow down and appreciate the complexities and simple wonders of the countryside, all through carefully crafted audio. It’s a blend of curious inquiry and peaceful respite, designed for anyone with an interest in travel, nature, and the quieter aspects of British life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 644

The Plodcast
Podcast Episodes
2. Go birdwatching in Somerset with Mike Dilger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:56
Head to Chew Valley Lake in north Somerset in the company of BBC naturalist and enthusiastic birder Mike Dilger in search of wildfowl and waders – and also meet his lovely Border Collie Bramble. Find out more about the w…
1. A quest to find the real Watership Down - in Hampshire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:24
You've seen the film and read the book, now explore the real landscapes of Watership Down. Escape with Countryfile Magazine editor Fergus Collins to the beautiful and mysterious hills of north Hampshire in search of wild…
Exploring Britain's most beautiful river – the River Dove [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:46
Take a stroll along a Peak District river in the company of Andrew Griffiths and meet local people with a passion for protecting their local – and very famous – waterway Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in…
Discover how a great Peak District river is being restored to life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:30
The Peak District's River Dove has been blighted by dozens of artificial weirs. Andrew Griffiths talks to local people about what can be done to bring the sparkle back to this famous trout stream Hosted on Acast. See aca…
Look for the first signs of spring in Silent Valley in South Wales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:13
Wander Silent Valley national nature reserve listening to spring birdsong and looking for other signs of the new season with Countryfile Magazine's Fergus Collins and Rebecca Ward from the Gwent Wildlife Trust Hosted on…
Why woodburning stoves are better than open fires [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:42
Woodsman Vincent Thurkettle reveals why wood burning stoves are so much more efficient then open fires when you want to heat your house. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your…
Which firewood is best to use in a domestic fire or stove? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
Forester and wood fire expert Vincent Thurkettle reveals the best wood species for using in a domestic fire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi…
TV naturalist Mike Dilger on his new book Nightingales In November [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:28
Naturalist and One Show regular Mike Dilger talks about his new book – and all things wild and beautiful – with Countryfile Magazine editor Fergus Collins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Lear…