The Funky Blues Show

Huw Steven Jenkins

My weekly show on Switch Dunmow Radio, featuring Blues, Funk. Soul, Jazz and Rock, music inspired by America's Deep South

  1. The Magic of Beavers

    Mar 29

    The Magic of Beavers

    This episode looks in detail about the reintroduction of beavers into the UK. I visit a beaver enclosure, very close to me in Finchingfield in Essex, on the Spains Hall estate. I see first hand the amazing things that these ecological engineers can do for the wider landscape and biodiversity. I then report back from a webinar hosted by the Beaver Trust, and discuss some of the facts and complex issues surrounding beaver reintroduction. Whilst there are some potential problems, I am very much in favour of bringing these amazing creatures back to where they belong in the British countryside

    53 min
  2. Green Shoots 8 - Surviving the Winter

    Jan 14

    Green Shoots 8 - Surviving the Winter

    This episode looks at how the winter affects our mental and physical health, and why its not such a surprise we can feel awful during the winter. It discusses some of the issues including viral infections, cold weather, immunity, and whether supplements are any help. It also looks at the natural world for inspiration, to find out how animals and plants cope with the winter, and ends with some ideas for us all to take inspiration from nature and stay healthier

    44 min
  3. Green Shoots 7 - Birding in Dorset

    Jan 1

    Green Shoots 7 - Birding in Dorset

    Episode seven of Green Shoots sees me out and about in Dorset, on the amazing Isle of Purbeck, enjoying some amateur birdwatching. I visit some wonderful nature reserves including RSPB Arne, and Brownsea Island, in search of red squirrels, nightjars, birds of prey, all six of the UK' native reptiles, along with the elusive Dartford Warbler. You can hear how even an amateur can see and hear some amazing birds, and how sometimes the best place to see birds does not have to be in a special reserve

    1h 19m
  4. Green Shoots 6 - A Home for Lizards

    08/31/2025

    Green Shoots 6 - A Home for Lizards

    Episode 6 of Green Shoots is set at the Open Day at Noakes Grove nature reserve, part of the Walden Countryside group. It features an interview with Walden Countryside founder David Corke, sharing hos extensive knowledge of wildlife and ecology, and in particular how to engage young people. Andrew Urquhart describes how we prepared a home, known as a hibernaculum, for a population of common lizards relocated from a construction site. Hopefully you will enjoy the feeling of engaging with nature and maybe feel inspired to help others do so too

    37 min
  5. Green Shoots 2 - The Fight for Clean Water

    08/03/2025

    Green Shoots 2 - The Fight for Clean Water

    The second episode of Green Shoots, this show looks at the issue of water pollution in the UK and the state of our rivers and coastline. Based at the March for Clean Water, on London on 3rd November 2024, organised by River Action, there are contribution from speakers representing wildlife groups, nature friendly farming, fishing, and Youth 4 Nature UK. I discuss the complex issues and what potential solutions are possible, and in particular what we can do as individuals to help. The episode closes with an inspiring speech from Chris Packham

    58 min
  6. Green Shoots 5 - The Joy of Birdsong

    03/30/2025

    Green Shoots 5 - The Joy of Birdsong

    This show looks at the beauty of birdsong, with some great examples of songs of many of our common garden birds. The show looks at why and how birds make such wonderful sound, and what it tells us about their behaviour. Also I discuss what you can do to recognise bird song more easily, and to encourage birds into your garden

    54 min
  7. Green Shots 4 - Insectapocalypse

    03/09/2025

    Green Shots 4 - Insectapocalypse

    ..This episode looks at the decline in numbers of insects across the globe, and why we should be worried about it. Drawing on the research and writing of entymologist Professor Dave Goulson, I discuss the reasons for the decline in insect numbers, why this is so dangerous for human survival, and what we can do about it

    46 min
  8. Green Shoots 3 - Healthy germs, healthy humans, healthy soil

    01/26/2025

    Green Shoots 3 - Healthy germs, healthy humans, healthy soil

    In this third episode, I discuss the importance of promoting healthy communities of microbes, within the human gut and in the soil. I discuss how western lifestyles contribute to a wide range of illnesses including allergy and autoimmune disease, and what you can do to improve your diet. I also talk about how to promote healthy soil in your garden to improve yields and promote nature

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

My weekly show on Switch Dunmow Radio, featuring Blues, Funk. Soul, Jazz and Rock, music inspired by America's Deep South

Information

  • Creator
    Huw Steven Jenkins
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Huw Steven Jenkins
  • Show Website
    The Funky Blues Show