Get Birding

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 Nature, beatboxer and nature sound artist Jason Singh and folk musician, nature activist and the founder of Singing with Nightingales, Sam Lee.

Follow Get Birding on Instagram.

This episode was produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.

This is a Get Birding Production.

The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

Singing With Nightingales events are hosted by nature lover and folk singer, Sam Lee. Each event is joined by a different special guest musician. The evening includes musical performances by the campfire, an ecological tour of the woods, and post-dinner tales of this majestic bird’s life, songs and folklore, culminating in the now-famous finale: a silent walk in the dark to hear our signature human-avian musical collaboration under the stars before returning to the campsite.

Tickets for Singing with Nightingales are available now https://www.singingwithnightingales.co.uk/tickets

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 January. All you need is one hour, a view outdoors, and a kettle on.

Follow Get Birding on Instagram.

This episode was produced by Hana Walker-Brown. The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber.
This is a Get Birding Production.

The podcast is made in collaboration with Forest Holidays, which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
To find out more, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Metaxas - radio legend & therapist - delivers a mindful meditation for all of us experience eco-anxiety.

Follow Get Birding on Twitter & Instagram. Series 3 of the podcast was a Peanut & Crumb production, proudly supported by Canada Water.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 proudly supported by Canada Water.
Fly over to Twitter & Instagram for more updates & photos.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.
Fly over to Twitter & Instagram for more updates & photos.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.