Seasonal Sensations Podcast
By Holly Booker and Andy Shipley
Each episode will contain:
Seasonal Observations - We will talk about what we have noticed in nature over the last couple of weeks. There may be special guests or listener messages.
Mindful Moment - A 5-minute guided mindfulness meditation, each one tailored to the subject of the podcast throughout the changing seasons.
Noticing Nature - A suggested activity for you to try, that will help you connect to nature using your different senses.
Seasonal Sensations PodcastDec 19, 2021
Episode 8 - Winter Solstice
Welcome to our winter solstice edition of the Seasonal Sensations Podcast.
We welcome back Rachel DeSumma from Australia to talk about what is happening where she is, as they head towards midsummer's day on the other side of the world. Discussions involve everything from Christmas trees to tapdancing squirrel-gliders, and spider-eating potter-wasps to long-necked turtles!
Of course we also have our Seasonal Observations - what we've been noticing in nature since our last podcast - as well as What to look out for between now and our next episode.
The Mindful Moment is brought to you this time by Rachel - it is 5 minutes of guided meditation for you to enjoy!
In our Fascinating Facts section, Andy explains the significance of the white mistletoe berries and the red holly ones, and why evergreen plants were used in many ancient traditions.
So, take some time out for yourself and give it a listen!
Audio credits
The following audio clips are used under the Creative Commons Attribution License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Sound effects from https://freesound.org/
175002__billox30__close-micd-snow-steps
234889__nebulousflynn__dawn-chorus-birdsong-london-uk
265458__gowlermusic__sleigh-bells-sound-effect
483479__astounded__wind-blowing-gusting-through-french-castle-tower
Bird songs and calls, all from https://www.xeno-canto.org/
XC134246 - White-plumed Honeyeater - Ptilotula penicillata - Marc Anderson
XC200384 - White-winged Chough - Corcorax melanorhamphos - Marc Anderson
XC314200 - Common Starling - Sturnus vulgaris - iSpiny
XC329735 - European Robin - Erithacus rubecula - David M
XC579727 - Red Kite - Milvus milvus - Ed Stubbs
XC634853 - Common Blackbird - Turdus merula - Susanne Kuijpers
XC635431 - House Sparrow - Passer domesticus domesticus - András Schmidt
XC656392 - Song Thrush - Turdus philomelos philomelos - Guy Kirwan
Episode 7 - Spooky Sensations
Welcome to our Halloween episode!
In this podcast, we chat about some of the more sinister goings on in nature at this time of year, as well as some Halloween -y fascinating facts.
We also share our tips on things to look out for in the natural world at this time of year.
Of course there's the usual 'Mindful Moment' - our guided meditation to encourage you to take some time out for yourself - and we have a Halloween dare for you to try this time.
Let's get spooky!
Sound effects from www.freesound.org
27816__dobroide__20061224-wind-canaveral
104580__dobroide__201009-deer-roar-01
133974__mrpokephile__horrific-zombie-growl
164285__billy-storm__ghostly-moan
254836__waxsocks__fireworks-display-2
383183__chrisreierson__chattering-teeth-fast-speed
397655__gadzooks__fox-barking Freesound.org
402809__straget__birds-in-the-forest
498058__iliasflou__bat-house
Bird sounds from www.xeno-canto.org
XC445246 - Redwing - Turdus iliacus by Dominic Garcia-Hall
XC526683 - Pink-footed Goose - Anser brachyrhynchus by david m
XC656143 - Tawny Owl - Strix aluco by MERCIER Christophe
XC668086 - Western Barn Owl - Tyto alba by Lars Mogensen
Episode 6 - Autumn Equinox
Welcome back to the Seasonal Sensations podcast!
In this episode we talk about the changes that are happening in nature at this time of year, what's been happening over the summer and what to look out for over the coming weeks.
The different sections are as follows:
- Seasonal Observations.
- Mindful Moment - guided 5 minute meditation.
- What to look out for.
- Fascinating Facts.
- Our invitation to you - a suggested activity for you to try before the next podcast.
Links
Sun Serpent at Chichen Itza in Mexico Chichen Itza: El Castillo, Pyramid of Kukulkan | Chichen itza, Pyramids, Rare historical photos (pinterest.co.uk)
Poplar Hawkmoth Poplar Hawk-moth (butterfly-conservation.org)
Audio credits
All audio clips are used under the Creative Commons Attribution License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Bird songs and calls, all from https://www.xeno-canto.org/
XC314200 - Common Starling - Sturnus vulgaris by iSpiny
XC329735 - European Robin - Erithacus rubecula by David M
XC445246 - Redwing - Turdus iliacus by Dominic Garcia-Hall
XC526683 - Pink-footed Goose - Anser brachyrhynchus by David M
XC575274 - Fieldfare - Turdus pilaris by Stanislas Wroza
XC670205 - Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica by Domagoj TomiÄić;
Episode 5 - Midsummer
In this episode we talk about the Equinox - the start of summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere.
Rachel DeSumma joins us again from Australia as we compare the differences between what's going on in the UK and down under. There are also bird and squirrel impressions to be heard!
Of course there is our usual 'Mindful Moment' - a short guided mindfulness meditation - to help you be more present in the moment and think about your connection to the rest of nature.
There's also lots more fascinating facts and nature chat!
Get in touch with us:
Facebook: (5) Natural Inclusion | Facebook
Email: andy@natural-inclusion.org
Voice message: Seasonal Sensations Podcast • A podcast on Anchor
Bird songs and calls, all from https://www.xeno-canto.org/
Short clip of birdsong in between sections - Dawn chorus birdsong - 234889__nebulousflynn__dawn-chorus-birdsong-london-uk https://freesound.org/
Information from Rachel about some of the things she mentioned in the podcast:
Here are some resources about the stone formations tracking the winter and summer solstice at Wurdi Youang
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-15098959
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-12/aboriginal-astronomy-provides-clues-to-ancient-life/7925024
Here's a more technical research paper http://www.aboriginalastronomy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Hamacher-2012-Wurdi-Youang.pdf
Information about Antechinus
https://blog.publish.csiro.au/carnivorous-marsupials/
Information about flowering plants
So many different types of hakea. This is one of my favourites. Bright red balls with spikey white/ yellow bits https://www.australianplants.com/plants.aspx?id=1096
Correa upside down bell shaped flowers a bit like a native hibiscus. there are a few varieties. I think I saw a correa glabra
https://nativeplantproject.com.au/product/rock-correa/
or a correa backhousea
https://vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/flora/taxon/c2772b45-170f-47e2-a617-573127cfe7f2
Pigface https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2005/carpobrotus-glaucescens.html
Episode 4 - Marvellous May
In this episode, we discuss some strange noises, plastic grass and hawthorn brandy!
There is also our regular Mindful Moment and this time we're thinking about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how we can use them to look after our mental health. It is Mental Health Awareness week from Monday 10th of May and you can find out more about that here - Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 - Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
We mention wood sorrel and garlic mustard as a couple of plants that can be foraged at this time of year, and a really good site to know what to forage is the Woodland Trust - Foraging Guide - Month by Month - Woodland Trust
Get in touch with us:
Facebook: (5) Natural Inclusion | Facebook
Email: andy@natural-inclusion.org
Voice message: Seasonal Sensations Podcast • A podcast on Anchor
Audio credits:
All audio clips are used under the Creative Commons Attribution License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Dawn chorus birdsong - 234889__nebulousflynn__dawn-chorus-birdsong-london-uk https://freesound.org/
Dawn chorus 2 - 443272__einton__dawn-chorus-1986 https://freesound.org/
239909__odilonmarcenaro__bees-and-bumblebees-foraging https://freesound.org/
Bird songs and calls, all from https://www.xeno-canto.org/
XC638778 - European Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis by Stephan Risch
XC637715 - Dunnock - Prunella modularis by Peter Boesman
XC642885 - Common Wood Pigeon - Columba palumbus by Sven Kransel
XC621402 - Eurasian Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto by Irish Wildlife Sounds
XC629943 - Mistle Thrush - Turdus viscivorus viscivorus by Peter Stronach
XC635431 - House Sparrow - Passer domesticus domesticus by AndrAjs Schmidt
XC602323 - European Pied Flycatcher - Ficedula hypoleuca by Micha Luhn
XC575177 - Common Swift - Apus apus by Pierre Michel
XC641926 - Eurasian Woodcock - Scolopax rusticola by Uka Paal
XC57906 Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago faeroeensis by Ruud van Beusekom
XC643565 - Common Nightingale - Luscinia megarhynchos by Peter Boesman
Episode 3 - Earth Day
In this special extended episode in honour of Earth Day, we talk to Rachel DeSumma from Victoria, Australia. Rachel is a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in the Dandenong Ranges and shares with us some Seasonal Observations from down under! There is bird mimicry and fungi that look like olives, so prepared to be amazed!
Take 5 minutes to feel your connection to our Earth with the Mindful Moment.
Our Noticing Nature activity this time is to join in with Earth Day activities on Tuesday 22nd April. This could be something you do yourself, like plant some flowers for bees in your garden or flower box, build a bug hotel or go on a litter pick. If you need some inspiration, visit Event Map — Digital Earth Day (arcgis.com) to find organised events around the world.
Let us know what you have noticed, and also if you know the reason that red foxes bark at night around this time of year in the UK.
Facebook: (5) Natural Inclusion | Facebook
Email: andy@natural-inclusion.org
Voice message: Seasonal Sensations Podcast • A podcast on Anchor
Audio credits:
All audio clips are used under the Creative Commons Attribution License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Dawn chorus birdsong - 234889__nebulousflynn__dawn-chorus-birdsong-london-uk https://freesound.org/
Red fox barking - 537587__craig-cerinocraigsays__red-fox-screeching https://freesound.org/
Bird songs and calls, all from https://www.xeno-canto.org/
UK species:
XC607768 - Eurasian Blackcap song - Sylvia atricapilla atricapilla. Jarek Matusiak
XC597437 - Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita. Alexander Henderson
XC634621 - Eurasian Treecreeper - Certhia familiaris. Jerome Fischer
XC603742 - Common Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus. Peter Ward and Ken Hall
XC634853 - Common Blackbird - Turdus merula. Susanne Kuijpers
XC636347 - Great Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos major. Eduardo Realinho
XC637874 - European Greenfinch - Chloris chloris. Agris Celmins
XC637823 - Rook - Corvus frugilegus. Irish Wildlife Sounds
XC560815 - Common Cuckoo - Cuculus canorus. Ireneusz Oleksik
XC631742 - Eurasian Nuthatch - Sitta europaea. Neils Van Doninck
XC635230 - Willow Warbler - Phylloscopus trochilus. Stanislas Wroza
Australian species:
XC172223 - Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo - Calyptorhynchus funereus. Marc Anderson
XC283571 - Grey Shrikethrush - Colluricincla harmonica harmonica. Nick Talbot
XC204398 - Grey Fantail - Rhipidura albiscapa albiscapa. Marc Anderson
XC407944 - Superb Fairywren - Malurus cyaneus cyaneus. Frank Lambert
XC460806 - Superb Lyrebird - Menura novaehollandiae novaehollandiae. Marc Anderson
Episode 2 - Easter Encounters
In this episode, we will be talking about Easter, why it moves each year and some of the ancient traditions that help to explain some of the customs we still practice today.
As usual we will have our Seasonal Observations, where we chat about what we have encountered in nature over the last couple of weeks. There will also be another Mindful Moment - a 5-minute guided mindfulness meditation to help you connect with nature and your inner self.
As this is the time we celebrate fertility and new growth, the Noticing Nature activity this time is to plant some seeds. These can be plant seeds or intentions or personal goals. If you decide to plant actual plant seeds have a think about what you’d love to see grow: Beautiful flowers, cooking herbs, delicious vegetables or a tree that you can nurture over the years.
If it's intentions or personal goals you're planting, think carefully about what you want to bring to life this year or for the longer term. You might want to adopt a new habit, like spending more time in nature or keep a journal. You might want to get some training in something you’ve long wanted to do, find a new job or start a brand new hobby.
Remember whether you plant seeds or something in your life, what you’ve planted will grow, if you nurture it, so make sure it is something you want to see blossom.
Enjoy!
Andy and Holly
Let us know what you have noticed!
Facebook: (5) Natural Inclusion | Facebook
Email: andy@natural-inclusion.org
Voice message: Seasonal Sensations Podcast • A podcast on Anchor
Audio credits:
All audio clips are used under the Creative Commons Attribution License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Dawn chorus birdsong - 234889__nebulousflynn__dawn-chorus-birdsong-london-uk https://freesound.org/
Sheep bleat - 321967__n-audioman__sheep-bleat https://freesound.org/
Lawnmower - 7322__mystiscool__lawnmower https://freesound.org/
Bird songs and calls, all from https://www.xeno-canto.org/
Swallow song - XC598651 - Barn Swallow song - Hirundo rustica. Simon Elliott
Swallow call - XC343873 - Barn Swallow call - Hirundo rustica. Patrik Ã…berg
Blackcap song - XC607768 - Eurasian Blackcap song - Sylvia atricapilla atricapilla. Jarek Matusiak
Blackcap call - XC599016 - Eurasian Blackcap call - Sylvia atricapilla atlantis. Peter Stronach
Goldcrest song - XC570588 - Goldcrest - Regulus regulus regulus. Paul Holt
Green woodpecker - XC541537 - European Green Woodpecker - Picus viridis. Stanislas Wroza
Chiffchaff - XC597437 - Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita. Alexander Henderson
Wren - XC628922 - Eurasian Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes (1). Bernard Collet
Episode 1 - Welcoming the light
In this inaugural episode, we will be talking about the spring equinox and the new light and new life that brings.
There will be a 5-minute guided mindfulness meditation as well as suggested activities for you to try.
Enjoy!
Andy and Holly
Here are the suggested activities from the Noticing Nature section:
When you are outside, or if you can look out into a garden from your window, notice the effects that the sunlight is having on the plants and animals around us. Look for spring flowers in particularly sunny places, notice how the trees and bushes have bursting buds on them. Listen for those newly-arrived migratory birds. Notice how the temperature changes from sunny places to shady places, and the effect this has on the plants that might be growing there.
On a sunny day, go outside or position yourself near a window where the sun is shining in. Imagine you are a spring flower or a new seedling growing in the ground. First, close your eyes, then turn your face up towards the sun and see if you can angle your face so that you are directly facing the sun. Spend a few moments noticing its warmth and light. Absorb the energy from the sun like a solar panel. Then take this energy with you into the rest of your day.
Let us know what you have noticed!
Facebook: (5) Natural Inclusion | Facebook
Email: andy@natural-inclusion.org
Voice message: Seasonal Sensations Podcast • A podcast on Anchor
Audio clips:
All audio clips are used under the Creative Commons Attribution License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Dawn chorus birdsong - 234889__nebulousflynn__dawn-chorus-birdsong-london-uk https://freesound.org/
Popping cork - Pop Cork-SoundBible.com-151671390 https://soundbible.com
Fizz - Fizzing-SoundBible.com-1047753462 https://soundbible.com
Small crowd - SMALL_CROWD_APPLAUSE-Yannick_Lemieux-1268806408 https://soundbible.com
Boing - sfx-boing4 https://www.fiftysounds.com
Skylark - XC610668 - Eurasian Skylark - Alauda arvensis arvensis https://www.xeno-canto.org/
Canada geese - XC505284 - Canada Goose - Branta canadensis https://www.xeno-canto.org/
Rain and wind - Rain_Background-Mike_Koenig-1681389445 https://soundbible.com
Cat - sfx-animal-cat3 https://www.fiftysounds.com
Chiffchaff - XC597437 - Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita https://www.xeno-canto.org/
Wasp - Wasp-SoundBible.com-863699866 https://soundbible.com
Seasonal Sensations Podcast Trailer
This is a trailer for the Seasonal Sensations podcast, giving you an introduction to the presenters, details of where and when to listen to the first episode and an easy peasy activity idea to help you feel closer to nature :)
This podcast is brought to you by Andy Shipley of Natural Inclusion - Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org)
and Holly Booker of Nature for Life - (2) Nature for Life | Facebook
Details of birdsong recording - Nebulousflynn dawn-chorus-birdsong-london-uk. https://freesound.org/people/nebulousflynn/sounds/234889/ Creative Commons Attribution License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/