Rights of Passage with Samuel West

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1. 

   S4 · E13 · 8 Jul 2026 · 28 min

   The Boom of the Bittern with Jeremy Vine

   In this episode, we're exploring the reed beds of RSPB Ham Wall, where decades of habitat restoration have helped some of the UK's most spectacular wetland birds make a remarkable comeback. Host Sean Bean is joined by broadcaster Jeremy Vine, who proves you don't need to know your sparrows from your sparrowhawks to enjoy birdwatching. Sean also meets Stephen Couch from the RSPB to learn more about the wetlands and their inhabitants, and is introduced to a new friend of the show, lifelong birder Jeff Holmes, whose decades of watching—and listening to—the Somerset Levels have given him a…

2. 

   S4 · E12 · 24 Jun 2026 · 32 min

   Learning to Fly with Dr Mya-Rose Craig

   In this episode, we're following a new generation — from fledgling birds leaving the nest for the first time to young people discovering the natural world for themselves. Host Sean Bean is joined by conservationist and author Dr Mya-Rose Craig, who explores the rapid rise of birding among Gen Z, how spending time with nature can support mental wellbeing, and why making the outdoors accessible to everyone is more important than ever. Jenny Shelton from the Wildlife Trusts reveals the remarkable journeys young birds take as they prepare for their first flight, from branching owls to…

3. 

   S4 · E11 · 10 Jun 2026 · 30 min

   Singing with Nightingales

   In this special episode, our resident birder, composer and nature beatboxer Jason Singh heads into the Sussex woods after dark for Singing with Nightingales — a unique experience that draws guests and musicians back year after year to witness one of nature’s most enchanting performances. For a brief period between mid-April and the end of May, around five thousand pairs of nightingales migrate from Sub-Saharan Africa to southern England, where males fill the night air with their remarkable courtship songs. Alongside folk singer, nature activist and founder of Singing with Nightingales, Sam…

4. 

   S4 · E10 · 27 May 2026 · 26 min

   Birding for Mental Health

   In this episode, we’re exploring the connection between birds, nature and mental wellbeing — and why spending time outdoors can help us feel calmer and more connected. Host Sean Bean is joined by singer and actor Will Young, who reflects on rediscovering nature, gardening and the comfort birds have brought him through difficult times. Nature beatboxer and composer Jason Singh shares how birdsong creates a living symphony, while Kings College Professor Andrea Mechelli explains the science behind nature’s positive impact on stress, mood and loneliness. Plus, Dr Mya-Rose Craig answers your…

5. 

   S4 · E9 · 13 May 2026 · 32 min

   The Dawn Chorus with Will Young

   Join The Flock for exclusive content: https://getbird.ing/starling-payment-form/ In this episode, we’re tuning into one of nature’s greatest performances—the Dawn Chorus—and the remarkable reasons birds fill the early morning with song. Along the way, host Sean Bean is joined by singer and actor Will Young, who reflects on rediscovering his love of birds, and sound artist Alice Boyd on finding inspiration in listening closely to the natural world. Plus, Dr Mya-Rose Craig answers your birding questions, and Jenny Shelton from the Wildlife Trusts shares how changing landscapes are reshaping…

6. 

   S4 · E7 · 15 Apr 2026 · 31 min

   Birds in Danger with David Gray

   In this episode we’re turning our ears—and our attention—to birds in danger, and the thinning of our skies. From the unmistakable, haunting call of the curlew to the growing gaps where birdsong used to be, we explore the story behind one of the UK’s most threatened species, and why World Curlew Day matters now more than ever. Along the way, we’ll be exploring how art, music and storytelling can help us reconnect with the natural world—and maybe even change the way we care for it. Sean will be joined by artist and big time birder, Jim Moir, ornithologist Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Singer David Gray,…

7. 

   S4 · E6 · 1 Apr 2026 · 29 min

   Early Birders with Johnny Vaughan

   Sean Bean’s love of birding began when he was a lad growing up on an estate in Sheffield. Long before he was an actor, he was a boy fascinated by books on dinosaurs and Sunday nights watching The World About Us with his Dad. From discussing the magic of the iconic film Kes to debunking myths about helping fledglings, this episode explores how a childhood connection to nature stays with you for a lifetime. Sean is joined by a flock of guests who discovered their passion at a young age: TV and Radio Presenter, Johnny Vaughn, Wildlife Biologist and Broadcaster, Dan O’Neill, Ornithologist and…

8. 

   S4 · E5 · 19 Mar 2026 · 30 min

   Changing Skies with Jim Moir

   As spring arrives, the skies begin to shift. Birds are on the move—and their journeys tell us what’s changing around us. To take a closer look (and listen) Sean is joined in his garden by artist, comedian and keen birder, Jim Moir and ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig . From the return of the chiffchaff to deeper conversations around conservation, this episode explores the ties between birds, the places they pass through, and the people who care for them including our resident beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh , zoologist and conservationist Megan McCubbin and…

9. 

   S4 · E4 · 5 Mar 2026 · 33 min

   Puffing Chests & Building Nests

   Spring’s on the turn, and the birds are getting busy. From the surprisingly wild love life of the dunnock to bowing and puffed-up chests on city balconies — we explore what courtship really looks like in the bird world. We’ll also get practical about nestboxes — where to put them, who they’re for, and how even a balcony can help the next generation fledge. With expert advice from the RSPB, we look at the small changes that can make a real difference as breeding season begins. Sean will be joined by ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig with guests including Lucy Lapwing on her…

10. 

    S4 · E3 · 19 Feb 2026 · 35 min

    The Wild Patch with Jo Whiley & Zoe Ball

    Host Sean Bean swaps the perfectly pruned for the beautifully wild, discovering how ponds, hedgerows and a little untidiness can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife. Along the way he's joined by broadcast legends and keen gardeners Zoë Ball and Jo While , ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig , and NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan to explore why “messy” gardens are better for birds — and for our own heads too. We head to the Forest of Dean with a Forest Holidays ranger, hear from our resident beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh on the great…