9 episodes

The Ways of Water is a podcast series exploring and celebrating our English waterways through themes of art, poetry, ecology, folk heritage, industrial history, music, wellbeing and the deep mysteries of water itself. It aims to shine a light on our personal relationship with waterways, from those who it inspires creatively to those who work with or on water, and not forgetting the community spirit and important work of those who are currently fighting to protect our waterways from pollution and misuse. Guests include poets Ian Macmillan and Will Burns, musicians Grasscut and Lorraine Bowen, singer Sam Lee, festival organiser Joanna Cherry, the people of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, ‘the last bargee’ Alice Lapworth, head of research for QI John Mitchinson and nature writers Tristam Gooley and Chris Yates. It is presented by David Bramwell, with the occasional guest appearances from the inimitable John Shuttleworth and his neighbour Ken.

The Ways of Water The Ways of Water

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 16 Ratings

The Ways of Water is a podcast series exploring and celebrating our English waterways through themes of art, poetry, ecology, folk heritage, industrial history, music, wellbeing and the deep mysteries of water itself. It aims to shine a light on our personal relationship with waterways, from those who it inspires creatively to those who work with or on water, and not forgetting the community spirit and important work of those who are currently fighting to protect our waterways from pollution and misuse. Guests include poets Ian Macmillan and Will Burns, musicians Grasscut and Lorraine Bowen, singer Sam Lee, festival organiser Joanna Cherry, the people of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, ‘the last bargee’ Alice Lapworth, head of research for QI John Mitchinson and nature writers Tristam Gooley and Chris Yates. It is presented by David Bramwell, with the occasional guest appearances from the inimitable John Shuttleworth and his neighbour Ken.

    Watching the Water with Chris Yates and John Shuttleworth

    Watching the Water with Chris Yates and John Shuttleworth

    David spends the day with celebrated angler, author and squeaky-gate appreciator Chris Yates, to talk about our very natural connection with water. John and Ken make their final guest appearance!

    • 15 min
    Poetry of the Water with Joanna Cherry and Will Burns

    Poetry of the Water with Joanna Cherry and Will Burns

    A day by the water with Faber poet Will Burns who walks the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal daily to nourish his sense of wellbeing, plus festival director Joanna Cherry with tales of life on her narrowboat.

    • 12 min
    New Ecologies and the River Don with Ian Rotherham and John Shuttleworth

    New Ecologies and the River Don with Ian Rotherham and John Shuttleworth

    David heads to South Yorkshire to discover how a forest of figs came to be growing along the banks of the Don and to uncover one of the greatest river success-stories of recent times: the return of the salmon.

    • 15 min
    After the Flood

    After the Flood

    After their lives were ravaged by floods in the winter of 2015, Hebden Bridge’s residents decided the only thing to do was postpone Christmas until June 25th. David dons his best Santa outfit and joins them for an alternative Christmas, and to uncover an incredible story about the power of community spirit.

    • 13 min
    Words on Water with Ian MacMillan and John Shuttleworth

    Words on Water with Ian MacMillan and John Shuttleworth

    David meets up with poet and BBCRadio 3 presenter Ian Macmillan by the Calder and Hebble canal to talk poetry, waterways and Northerness and to hear Ian read a few poems of his own.

    • 13 min
    How to Read Water with Tristran Gooley

    How to Read Water with Tristran Gooley

    David spends a sunny afternoon with nature writer Tristan Gooley, learning how to ‘read’ water – its eddies and currents, flora and fauna, colour, temperature and sound. More importantly, Tristan reveals how to always win at Pooh Sticks.

    • 14 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
16 Ratings

16 Ratings

Brightonista ,

Escapist listening

a great podcast to listen to to get away from it all - listening to it at my desk, the talk of the water and land transports me somewhere else entirely. interesting guests and subject matter, this is a great find of a podcast.

jumpjojo ,

watery ways

Fascinating and informative, love the gentle rhythm and its given me lots of inspiration of things to look for when out by the river. Plus the bonus of the secret of winning at pooh sticks! Look forward to the next Waterfont podcast.

Diarmuid Hester ,

Dr

Interesting ideas, great conversation, lovely pace, excellent soundtrack. Listened to it with my brother, who said “I feel like I’m in a boat already”. So there’s your review!

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