Episode notes
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…
Podcast
Get Birding
Peanut & Crumb · Tech & Science · English
The multi-award-winning podcast helping everyone, everywhere connect with nature by discovering more about the birds around us. Hosted by actor and longtime birder, Sean Bean. Get Birding’s purpose has been recognised by awards including: British Podcast Awards 2022 & 2025: Climate & Sustaina
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S4 · E8 · 29 Apr 2026 · 36 min
Rights of Passage with Samuel West
In this episode, we’re following the vast, invisible highways that birds carve across our skies each spring, and the extraordinary journeys that bring them back to us. We’ll learn how birds navigate thousands of miles using scent, memory and instinct—and what these epic journeys reveal about survival in a rapidly changing world. Along the way, Sean is joined by actor and RSPB ambassador Samuel West, broadcaster Johnny Vaughan on the thrill of a fleeting kingfisher sighting, and Chris Hewson from the British Trust for Ornithology tracking cuckoos across continents. Plus, Dr Mya-Rose Craig…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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S4 · E2 · 5 Feb 2026 · 31 min
Garden Symphony with Guy Garvey
From the distinctive whistle of the Blackbird to the drumming of a Great Spotted Woodpecker, in this episode we’re tuning into the soundscape of the natural world. Host Sean Bean is joined by an all-star chorus of birders, broadcasters, and musicians to discover how listening to birdsong doesn't just lift the soul—it physically lowers your blood pressure. With contributions from NHS doctor and RSPB President Dr Amir Khan, music broadcast legends Zoë Ball and Jo Whiley , Elbow frontman and keen birder Guy Garvey, ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig , YouTuber City Girl in…
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S4 · E1 · 22 Jan 2026 · 31 min
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch with Dr Amir Khan
Get Birding is back for a brand new, fortnightly season—hosted by actor and longtime birder Sean Bean. In this opening episode, Sean grabs his binoculars and invites listeners into his garden to slow down, look up, and join 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 nature sound artist Jason Singh. The Big Garden Birdwatch runs from 23–25…
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S3 · E6 · 24 Aug 2023 · 39 min
Crisis Talks
The UK is nature-depleted and degraded, and the globe is living through climate crisis. How can we get where we need to be, empowered and living as part of a flourishing ecosystem? As Get Birding closes its third series, Kwesia learns about the citizen's assembly that created the People's Plan for Nature , which sets out a public vision for reversing declines in Britain’s biodiversity. Meanwhile she goes on a London nature walk with The Guardian's biodiversity writer Phoebe Weston , and chats to Southwark councillor James McCash about action required to protect nature. Finally, Nemone…
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S3 · E5 · 10 Aug 2023 · 27 min
Music Of The Skies
Can paying attention to birdsong improve our music-making skills? And why do birds sing anyway? Indie artist Albertine Sarges reveals how birdwatching in a Berlin park made her a better musician (and friend!) Professor of philosophy & music David Rothenberg goes out in the world to improvise with the wildlife. Meanwhile Nemone Metaxas - radio legend & therapist - delivers a mindful birdsong meditation. Get Birding believes that access to nature is a universal right, not a privilege. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, presented by Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature , and…
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S3 · E4 · 27 Jul 2023 · 25 min
Safety In Nature
Why is the outdoors so often still seen as a male realm? How can women feel protected and at ease when out in nature? What are the risks when birding alone, and how should we mitigate them? Kwesia aka City Girl In Nature finds out ... BBC Springwatch naturalist Lucy Lapwing details a horrible incident of sexual assault she experienced whilst birding, while Sheridan Alford discusses why she set up a Black Birders Week. Get Birding believes that access to nature is a universal right, not a privilege. Series 3 of the podcast is a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water .…
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